Apollo Bay Holiday Park

The bunk room was so small that fitting three narrow bunks barely left space, and it didn't feel comfortable for a 14-year-old. It seemed like too many beds had been squeezed into the room. We booked and paid for three people, but at check-in we were told there was another $20 charge to make up a bed for our child. That wasn't on our Booking.com confirmation, and we hadn't received an email about extra linen charges. When we queried it, the staff member was dismissive and insisted Booking.com must have emailed us. We checked, and it hadn't. The reception attitude was the biggest disappointment. There was no acknowledgement of the confusion or willingness to help, just rudeness. We know budget accommodation involves compromises, but guests should still be able to expect clear charges, basic comfort, and respectful service. Unfortunately, we wouldn't stay again.

The cabins are roomy and comfortable, with plenty of deck space for sitting, reading, and eating. It's a quiet spot where kids under five can run around or ride scooters safely, even though cars do occasionally come and go. The beach is an easy walk away and is a great place to watch the NYE fireworks. The main strip takes a longer walk or a short drive. A great choice for a family holiday with young kids. For food, Apollo Bay Bakery is fantastic for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and really good coffee, with excellent pies. George's is great for families whose young kids want chips with every other meal. There's lots of variety, the food is fantastic, and the souvlaki is better than at many places in Melbourne.

The park itself was clean and well equipped, and the woman at reception was very pleasant. But we stayed three nights and didn't get the queen cabin with a balcony that we'd booked. Instead, we were given a cabin for four with no balcony. To sit outside, we had to use the car park between our car and a motorhome. The cabin looked very tired and needed paint. One living-room wall looked like a child had patched it. The bed felt uncomfortable and as if it might collapse whenever we moved. The bathroom tap leaked and the sink was stained, the vanity had water damage, and the kitchen tap leaked too. Flyscreens on the front door, kitchen, and spare bedroom were damaged. There was only a tiny milk and three coffees, tea bags, and sugars, plus one bath towel each for the three-night stay. The lounge TV had no signal until we ran a channel scan, and the bedroom TV had reception problems and couldn't be watched. A sign said we had to clean before leaving or pay a fee, which seemed odd when places like this usually employ cleaners. Given that we didn't get the cabin we booked, the accommodation felt well overpriced. Unfortunately, we won't return.

I was pleasantly surprised by this park. The website doesn't really do it justice. Everything is clean, organised, and well presented. The camp kitchen and facilities are second to none, with a fully enclosed, clean kitchen furnished with tables and chairs. Upstairs there's a lounge with TV and Foxtel. It's close to town, and an easy walk if you're heading out for a long lunch.