BIG4 Sunshine Resort

We had a great time at the waterpark, mini golf and games room, with air hockey, a pool table and table tennis keeping us entertained in the afternoons. Friendly staff, too, and it's a short drive to beaches, shops and cafes. Freshwater Villa number 28 was in a perfect spot, roomy, clean and had everything we needed. There was plenty of laundry powder, dishwasher powder, garbage bags and cleaning supplies, which made it easy to keep things fresh. The gardens and grounds were exceptionally tidy and cared for. Hands down the best park we've stayed at. Highly recommend, and thank you for a wonderful stay!

The cabin location was the downside for me as a solo traveller. It was right in front of the children's water play area, with big water features periodically emptying and spraying, plus lots of excited screaming. I hate to think how noisy it would be in summer. I was looking for affordable, no-frills self-catering accommodation for a short birding trip in the SWR area, and the location worked well for my hikes. As an NRMA member I thought I'd support the park and use the discount. I first booked a one-bedroom cabin, then accepted a free upgrade to a two-bedroom one. That gave me extra living space and a second room for luggage. The bed was comfortable, the cooking facilities and utensils were more than adequate, and I loved the ceiling fans. I hadn't stayed in a caravan park for probably 40 years or more.

The biggest letdown was our unpowered site. The ground was dirty sand with no grass, and after a day of rain and some heavy showers, a lot of water started flowing straight into our campsite. We dug a trench with some tools to divert it, or the site would have been very soggy. That's why I'm giving four stars. If you book unpowered, check which spot you're in and say no to 229, 231, 232 or 234. The rest of the park was great for kids. My four- and six-year-olds loved going up and down the pirate ship and slides in the waterpark and pool area. The jumping pillow and playground were good too, kept tidy and under cover. We saw goannas and friendly kangaroos, and had no mozzie problems despite camping by a creek. We stayed a week over Christmas. The camp kitchen nearby, with a sink, kettle and BBQ, was handy, and the kids' activity room worked well for the under-fives. The layout was good, though another family room in the other toilet block would help. I didn't like having to pay extra for the pedal buggies, I think they should be included. Would I recommend it? Yes, just make sure you confirm your unpowered spot.

There was lots to keep the kids busy, from the water slides and quad bikes to putt-putt and the jumping pillow. We went with another couple and their child, and our kids absolutely loved it. Plenty of wildlife around as well. We were very happy with our stay.