Hi Top Tourist Park Member,

Welcome to the May edition of ttparksnews.

In this edition of the Top Tourist Parks enewsletter you will find a range of package deals exclusive to the participating Top Tourist Holiday Parks. From Mandurah Caravan Park in WA to Swan Hill Riverside Holiday Park in Victoria, there is a TTParksnews special that should entice.

The rebuilding of August Moon Caravan Park after the devastation of Cyclone Larry is detailed in a story of determination and never say die attitude from brother-sister team, Paul and Greta.

We preview one of the biggest and best Caravan & Camping shows in the country - the Queensland Caravan & Camping Show.

Following on from last edition, we explain the benefits of the Platinum Club Card and Alison Huth outlines some of her experiences using the card and how easy it is to sign up.

Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park in Carnarvon in WA is going through a facelift. Last year Simon and Tiffany Moore updated some of their older on-site accommodation with some new chalets. The success of that upgrade has led them into doing it again with 6 new chalets going on in April/May.

Have you ever wondered how a TV show happens and who the movers are behind it all? Top Tourist Parks are the major sponsors of Discover Downunder on Network Nine and we meet both men behind the show and discover a family affair.

Succession planning is one of the best ways to ensure that a family run business stays running and in the family. Two parks in Victoria are in the throes of completing their succession planning with the next generation moving in to take on the day to day running of the family business. We take a closer look at the new generation of "Parkies"

For more information on all things Top Tourist Parks don't forget to visit our website: www.toptouristparks.com.au

Best regards,
From Top Tourist Parks

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Labour Day at Porepunkah Tourist Resort www.porepunkahresort.com.au

The new generation of “Parkies”
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On 20th March 2006 Cyclone Larry, a category 5 cyclone, had a devastating effect on Innisfail and the surrounding area and the August Moon Caravan Park was no exception – it was 96% destroyed. Before the cyclone Paul and Greta (a brother and sister partnership) had 34 caravans on the park, by the time Larry had gone they had two that were salvageable.

One of the highlights of the pre-Larry park were the trees, they lost 60% of those and the some of the remaining 23 trees are not too secure! With destruction such as this you would think it would be impossible to get back on your feet and open for business.

Never say never to Paul and Greta. Once they had cleared a pathway through the desolation by hailing
a passing backhoe and convincing them to come in and help, clamping off all the water pipes that were spraying water into the air for three days, work started on the future. As luck would have it, Paul and Greta had developed a plan to rebuild the park but never thought it would have to be done so completely
from scratch.

They had a group of people who had been on the park prior to Larry, who just stayed and helped by fixing roofs and walls. Some people bought caravans in and cleared a site for themselves. It was all frontier style living with no power for three months. The one generator they had was used to power the amenities and one fridge.

By the end of six months the August Moon was open for business again with 17 new cabins, rebuilt amenities, office and camp kitchen. The New Moon had arrived. But there is one more chapter to this tale, with the staging of the play “The August Moon” at the Bille Brown Studio in Brisbane from 14th July to 9th August as part of the Brisbane Festival 2008.

The August Moon is a very different caravan park
now from the one that stood in Innisfail on the
19th March 2006. - Alison Huth

www.augustmooncaravanpark.com.au

4 mins south of Innisfail on Bruce Hwy
Innisfail QLD 4860

GPS
Lat 17°33.469S
Long 146°02.116E

Phone: 07 4063 221
Fax: 07 4063 2294

August Moon open for business again

Cyclone Larry had a devastating effect on
the August Moon Caravan Park

August Moon Caravan Park lost 60% of it's
trees when Cyclone Larry hit in 2006

Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park in Victoria has
a brand new jumping pillow - great fun for adults and children.

Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park has seven acres
of parkland with a children's playground including basketball/netball courts next to the Riverside allowing you to walk, jog, picnic or watch your children play.

The park is next door to the Pioneer Settlement and with access to a courtesy bus that takes you to the renowned Murray Downs Golf and Country Club and other local attractions

www.swanhillriverside.com.au

Bookings: bookings@swanhillriverside.com.au
Email: info@swanhillriverside.com.au

1 Monash Drive
Swan Hill 3585

GPS
South 35 o 20.34'
East 143 o 33.53'

Phone: (03) 5032 1494
Fax: (03) 5032 3025

Fun for children and adults alike

Your hosts, Phillip & Barbara Camm

Pioneer Settlement

Australia's largest caravan exhibition, the Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show, will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year featuring the latest for the road traveler when it rolls into Brisbane from 4 to 10 June 2008.

Last year, 81,211 people visited the show - the biggest crowd in the event's history.

Catering for all tastes, from the budget camper through to the deluxe motorhome devotee, the show will cover an estimated 70,000 sq m at Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds.

The overall show will include about 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest travel innovations, services, and destinations, along with informative and entertaining seminars and displays.

The Motorhome and Campervan Show will also run in conjunction with the Caravan & Camping Show, giving visitors two shows for the one low admission price.

Visitors to this year's show will also have the opportunity to win a new Windsor caravan valued at around $39,000.

Luke Hellings and Michael McIvor are part of the next generation taking on the day to day running of the family business.

Succession planning is one the best ways to ensure that a family run business stays running and in the family. Two parks in Victoria are in the throes of completing their succession planning with the next generation moving in to take on the day to day running of the family business.

Luke Hellings is stepping into the shoes of his parents, Chris and Graeme, and taking on the running of their Residential Park – Mayfair Gardens in Traralgon. As Luke says “I have been around the park since I was four years old and one of my first jobs while I was still at school was just helping out.” Luke gained a place at University but deferred for a year to take a break from studying and never went back. He likes nothing better than to be able to spend a day working in the open and achieving great things for
the park.

He has completed his Certificate III in Caravan Park Management, and now blends his love of outdoors work with his ability to do the paperwork that is such an important part of a modern business.

Michael McIvor is taking on the family’s tourism
park, Eldorado Tourist Park in Geelong, which his parents Dave and Aileen have run since 1997. Michael loves the academic side of life and has completed his Batchelor of Business majoring in Tourism studies plus his Certificate III in Caravan Park Management. Michael believes that “Growing up in the park with hands on experience is good, but formal training helps with problem solving and managing a modern business.”

Both Luke and Michael can see a career path in the industry and are planning to complete their Diploma
in Caravan Park Management, using their day to day work on their parks as the best class room possible.

With succession planning like this in place, the future of caravan parks is healthy. - Alison Huth

Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park in Carnarvon in WA is going through a facelift. Last year Simon and Tiffany Moore updated some of their older on-site accommodation with some new chalets. The success of that upgrade has led them into doing it again with 6 new chalets going on in April/May.

Normally all sites just have a number and that is it, but that is not good enough for Wintersun. All chalets have a name that is linked to the historical and geographical area, such as Chalet A is for Augustus or Mount Augustus which is situated 460 kms inland from Carnarvon and is the world’s largest monolith. The reason you may not know about Mt Augustus is because it is covered in low shrub making it less conspicuous than Ayers Rock but it has been around for somewhere between 1650 – 1750 million years!

Chalet O is named for the OTC Dish (Overseas Telecommunications Dish) built in conjunction with NASA in 1966. The WA Dish was involved in the Gemini and Apollo Space mission and weighs over 300 tonnes.

Other names relate to rivers, islands, the town of Carnarvon itself, bore holes, sheep stations and a particularly poignant one for the HMAS Sydney 11, which was found of the West Australian coast in April this year.

Simon and Tiffany have done more than just name each chalet, they have produced a history to go with each name so that you can enjoy the reasons for your chalets title. - Alison Huth

www.wintersuncaravanpark.com.au
Free call: 1300 555 585
Bookings: wintersuncpk@wn.com.au

546 Robinson St,
Carnarvan, WA 6701

PACKAGE DEALS
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Mandurah Caravan Park, Mandurah, WA
Date of offer: May 1st - August 1st

Package: WINTER SPECIAL: Receive every 3rd night half price. Mothers Day Special Stay 1 night in accommodation and receive the 2nd night half price, mothers day gift on arrival.

Conditions: Subject to availability.
Bookings essential

Phone: 08 9535 1171 - Sheree
Website: www.mandurahcaravanpark.com.au
Email: mandurahcaravanpark@bigpond.com
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Halls Gap Lakeside Caravan Park, Grampians, VIC
Date of offer: June, July, August 2008

Package: Stay minimum 2 nights to receive 20% off Wildlife Zoo, 10% off Mini Golf & 10% off meals at local pub. Winter school holidays kids stay free

Conditions: Excluding long weekends
Phone: 03 5356 4281 - Paul Hewitt
Website: www.takaru.com.au
Email: info@hallsgaplakeside.com.au
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Ballina Headlands Leisure Park, NSW
Date of offer: May & June 2008

Package: Book with us for 3 nights midweek in our Superior 2 Bedroom cabins & you will receive a 20% discount. Normally $375.00, special price of $300.00. Price includes 4 people with linen fully supplied.

Conditions: Available Monday to Thursday
Subject to availability
Phone: 02 6687 7450 - Suzanna Vagne
Website: www.ballinaheadlands.com.au
Email: bhlp@bigpond.net.au
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Toora Tourist Park, South Gippsland Hwy, VIC
Date of offer: 1st May - 1st October 2008

Package: SPA FAMILY GETAWAY: 2 nights in a luxurious 2 bedroom spa cabin with bottle of local wine, continental breakfast provisions in your cabin. With fantastic park facilities such as a jumping pillow, indoor heated pool and spa, tennis court, playgrounds, trampoline & much more. Only 2 hrs drive from Melbourne you will be delighted with what you find. Special Price: $250 Package valid for 2 adults & up to 3 children under 16 yrs of age. 

Conditions: Excludes Long Weekends
Phone: 1800 88 99 66 - Rachel & Andrew Brown
Website: www.tooratouristpark.com.au
Email: info@tooratouristpark.com.au
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The Lorikeet Tourist Park, Arrawarra, NSW
Date of offer: 1st May to 19th September 2008

Package: If you're looking to travel North this winter, why not take advantage of our Caravan Special: Stay 4 weeks (or longer) in any of our unique accommodation options, or our well appointed Powered Sites & Ensuite Sites & receive a 10% discount off your total tariff. We provide our regular morning teas, sausage sizzles & carpet bowls throughout the winter months. We also hold our famous Fathers Day breakfast, which in previous years has proved to be enjoyable for the entire family.

Conditions: Not available in conjunction with any other discounts.
Phone: Freecall 1800 555 858 - Pam & Cliff Gray
Website: www.thelorikeet.com.au
Email: stay@thelorikeet.com.au
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Apollo Gardens Tourist Park, Craigieburn, VIC
Date of offer: June, July, & August 2008

Package: Winter Special - Double your Top Tourist savings with further reductions off our already great value winter tariffs. Members save an additional 10% to a maximum of not $25.00 but $50.00 per stay!
New members welcome – join online or on arrival.

Phone: 1800 886 352 - Sharon Lawler
Website: www.apollogardens.com.au
Email: stay@apollogardens.com.au
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Lanis Holiday Island, Forster, NSW
Date of offer: 1st May - 31st August 2008

Package: For only $340 stay 4 night midweek or 3 night weekend in one of our 4 star ensuite cabins at Lanis Holiday Island. Located in the Heart of Forster on Wallis Lake in the Beautiful Great Lakes Region of the Mid North Coast of NSW. Complimentary bottle of wine & chocolates on arrival, one breakfast pack for 2 persons. 2 delightful passes on the luxury "Amaroo" Dolphin watching cruise ( morning tea included). Enjoy our additional bonus - Children under 10 years of age stay FREE.

Conditions:Reservations essential
Phone: 02 6554 6273 - Robyn
Website: www.lanis.com.au
Email: info@lanis.com.au
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The Anchorage Holiday Park, Iluka, NSW
Date of offer: Until 30th June

Package:Great Deluxe Deal: Stay 5 Nights for only $425 in one of our well-appointed two-bedroom Deluxe Cabins. Plus Kids stay FREE. Upgrade to
a Spa Cabin for $20 per night.

Conditions: Not available NSW or QLD School
or Public Holidays.
Phone: 02 6646 6210 - Karen
Website: www.anchorageholidaypark.com.au
Email: info@anchorageholidaypark.com.au
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Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park, Swan Hill, VIC
Date of offer: 14th July until 30th August 2008.

Package: 20% discount on accommodation with
a 3 night booking

Conditions: Excludes our budget cabins and sites
Phone: 03 50321494 - Barbara Camm
Website: www.swanhillriverside.com.au
Email: info@swanhillriverside.com.au
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Happy Wanderer Village & Wanderer Villas,
Hervey Bay QLD
Date of offer: May-08

Package: Stay for a week and get a site with private ensuite, WiFi internet access and 2 days free use of any equipment from the on site hire shed. For the price of a powered site $186, a saving of $124

Conditions: Price is for 2 people, produce this enewsletter, plus valid club card when checking in.
Phone: 0428 875139 - Chris Reeves
Website: www.happywanderer.com.au
Email: crrr@happywanderer.com.au
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Porepunkah Pines Tourist Resort,
Great Alpine Rd, VIC
Date of offer: July - August 2008

Package: Stay 3 nights in any of our cabins you will receive the 4th night free (mid week only). If you stay 6 nights in one of or cabins you will receive the 7th night free. We are at the foot of Mt Buffalo which has snow for play only 1hr drive up the mountain to either Mt Hottham or Falls Creek. With lots to do & see in the area when you want a day away from the snow visit Bright.

Conditions: Mid week only
Phone: 03 57562282 - Lynette deBijl
Website: www.porepunkahresort.com.au
Email: info@porepunkahresort.com.au
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Anchor Belle Holiday Park, Phillip Island, VIC
Date of offer: May - 10th September 2008

Package: Cabin accommodation: Stay 2 nights
& receive a free bottle of wine, chips & soft drink. Sites: Stay 4 nights & receive a free bottle of wine, chips & soft drink.

Conditions: Subject to availability
Phone: 03 59522258 - Neil Wolfenden
Website: www.anchorbelle.com.au
Email: neil@anchorbelle.com.au
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Pleasurelea Tourist Resort & Caravan Park, Batesman Bay, NSW
Date of offer: May - 10th September 2008

Package: Members special discount voucher. 20% off the low season price of Deluxe & Superior cabins. Please present enewsletter printout to reception on arrival.

Conditions: Minimum stay of 1 week applies.
Phone: 1800 639 396 - Louise
Website: www.pleasurelea.com.au
Email: info@pleasurelea.com.au
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Park Lane Tourist Park,Traralgon, VIC
Date of offer: May - October 2008

Package: Gateway Escape: $249.00 2 Nights accommodation for 2 people. Discount fuel voucher (saving 10 cents per litre). Discount meal voucher at Grand Junction Hotel. Breakfast at Cafe Bar located at park. Stay MIDWEEK & receive 3rd night at 50% discount. Extra person $15.00 per night.
UPGRADE TO 4.5 STAR LODGE ACCOMMODATION FOR $90.00 PER PACKAGE

Conditions: Conditions apply
Phone: 03 5174 6749 - Barry & Denise Stewart
Website: www.parklanetouristpark.com.au
Email: stay@parklanetouristpark.com.au
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Angelsea Beachfront Family Caravan Park, VIC
Date of offer: 1st May 2008 to 1st September 2008 (excluding Queens Birthday long weekend and School holidays 27th June to 14th July 2008.)

Package: COUPLES MID-WEEK SPECIAL IN OUR SPA COTTAGE $283.00 per couple, SAVE UP TO $136.00

• Two nights accommodation in one of our Rustic SPA COTTAGES for two adults with all blankets, sheets, pillows and towels supplied.
• A 300gm box of Cadbury Favorites Chocolates
• A bottle of quality wine
• Late checkout up to 12 noon
• Third night FREE if you start your stay on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday
• Herald-Sun Newspaper Delivered Daily
• Discount vouchers for local Attractions, Shops, Restaurants and Cafes.

*The Top Tourist Park Club Card discount does not apply to these offers unless stated otherwise.
(See Club Card conditions of use No.4)

Cabins at Mandurah Caravan Park

For everything Brisbane visit ourbrisbane.com Travellers know that to really get to know a place, you need do what the locals do. ourbrisbane.com is locally owned and operated and provides information from a truly local perspective. So whether you're a regular to Brisbane or a first time visitor, we've got the ultimate Brisbane guide for you including:

• Maps
• Things to see and do
• Tours and attractions
• What's On
• Transport
• Dining
• Shopping
• and lots more

To get the most out of your Brisbane experience, visit www.ourbrisbane.com

Bikes on the river

There is a new Top Tourist membership card for you to choose, if you want to take your benefits that bit further than you do now. The new Platinum Membership card has a book of its own with discounts on a huge range of places to go, places to eat and things to do.

I was flicking through my Platinum Membership
book and thinking about another trip to South Australia.  Now, I admit to being a bit of a ‘foodie’ and love going to interesting places to eat – so the four pages of restaurants really grabbed my attention. Not that we will be able to eat in them all, but the mix of gracious old houses and different styles of food are very tempting.

There are some interesting places to see too. The National Motor Museum (in Birdwood) has been in the news recently as one of the last four cars built at the Mitsubishi Factory in South Australia, which closed down in March, has been given to the museum.

The Murray Darling basin is always in the news and the Signal Point Murray River Centre in Goolwa gives visitors a chance to learn about the system and the local dreamtime.

Being a Platinum Card Holder gives you so much more, and only costs $70 for two years.
Every business listed in the Platinum Members book gives a discount when you present your Platinum Members Top Tourist Card, plus you get the full range of Top Tourist benefits that you have always enjoyed.

You can change to the Platinum Members Card when you renew your membership through the Top Tourist Office, or through the participating parks.

Have you ever wondered how a TV show happens and who the movers are behind it all.  Well, Discover Down Under has as a story of its own.

Colin Parrot (Dad) has been part of the advertising/marketing industry for many years, mainly working in and with the caravan industry.

Warren Parrot (Son) went into publishing. By 2003 Warren was with ACP (Australian Consolidated Press) working on a range of magazines including Caravan World. Warren had an idea which was to take the written style of Caravan World and turn it into a TV show, so he asked Col to work with him to make it happen. 

With support from the Caravan Industry in Victoria they worked it up and pitched the idea to Channel 9 – who said no!

Not a pair to be disappointed they went to Channel 10 who had the foresight to say yes and, in 2005, the first 8 episodes of Discover Down Under with host Paul Cronin hit the airwaves. By 2007 the show had moved to Channel 9 and expanded to 26 episodes and Tanya Kernigan had joined Paul as host.  2008 promises to be even bigger and better with over 30 episodes!

Col and Warren are still working together on the show and the ever increasing number of viewers shows that the idea is just what the audience want.

Between Colin and Warren Parrot, a father and son team of talent and vision, a great show as born.
- Alison Huth

Discover Downunder airs Nationally on Saturdays. Check the t.v. guide or website for local times.

www.discoverdownunder.com.au