Discovery Holiday Parks - Emerald

I’m doing FIFO, and this place has been a great experience. My room is well equipped, with a double bed, TV, air conditioning, and a bathroom with a toilet and shower. The food is great, and the menu changes every day. There’s a good variety of lunch options you can pack as well.

We booked for two adults and two children. The listing clearly said the room had one double bed and one bunk bed. We’d also told the business we’d arrive after hours, between 7 PM and 8 PM. They emailed to confirm they’d send a code on arrival day so we could get our key from the lockbox. I started calling from midday on the day we were due to arrive because the code hadn’t come through and we had a 4-hour drive ahead. I tried several times but got no answer or code. When we arrived, we still had nothing. There was a security doorbell at the front of the building. A staff member answered aggressively and rudely. I asked about the lockbox code, and she snapped, “It’s been sent to you, what do you want? I’m busy.” I said we hadn’t received it and that I’d been calling all afternoon. She replied, “You must have the wrong day.” I showed her the correct booking confirmation on my phone. After more aggressive muttering, she eventually gave us the code. The cabin had one double bed and one single bed, not what we’d booked. It was too late to go back by then, and we didn’t want to deal with any more hostility, so we stayed the night. The place was in terrible condition: the lino was ripped and peeling, the bathroom was covered in mould, the fridge was incredibly loud, like a diesel generator, and the hot water ran out after about two minutes in the shower. We’d booked two nights, but after the first night we decided to find another motel instead of dealing with this business again. Between the rude staff, the room being different from the listing and the poor conditions, it felt easier to leave. Trying to get a refund for the second night seemed pointless after the way we’d been treated. If you’re looking for accommodation in Emerald, I strongly recommend avoiding this place at all costs.

The food was okay, but the brick rooms are old, tiny and dingy. The old air conditioners rattle and buzz in the roof and keep you awake.

The staff were very friendly and helpful, and there were plenty of food choices. The meals, available every day, were top quality. It’s a great place to stay and visit, with comfortable furnishings and different kinds of rooms to suit various budgets in the historic buildings.