BIG4 Macdonnell Range Holiday Park – Alice Springs

We turned the corner and there were squeals of excitement from the back seat… they had spotted a waterslide! The girls could not believe their eyes.  We had just completed a few free camping nights in the middle of the red desert and now their eyes were popping out of their heads.  The contrast was blowing their minds! The weather was cool in Alice Springs and in that moment I didn’t have the heart to tell them that it would probably be too cold for a water slide.  Then I spotted a small sign that said ‘heated pool’… total sigh of relief… pickle averted! #mumlife

BIG4 MacDonnell Ranges is massive BIG4 Holiday Park! When we arrived, there were a few vans also checking in so be prepared for a bit of a wait.  The delay was made easier by the lovely reception area (which has a real hotel-like feel) and the super friendly staff working behind the counter. The staff are warm and work really efficiently through the check in motions with each family to expedite you into the park as quickly as possible.  This was a smooth welcome and from first impressions, Big 4 MacDonnell Ranges was an operation that is fuelled by long term staff members who love the park, industry and the town.

At Caravanning with Kids we love getting the map and getting the staff’s park run down.  This time the spiel seemed to go for aaaaaages as there were so many FREE activities for everyone to enjoy.  As the list went on and on I started to think we could easily just stay at the park for 6 days if we wanted to. Every night there was free entertainment – singers, movies, astrology talks, wine & cheese tastings, games night and more…wowzers!  I was so excited and I had not even left the reception area yet!

One of the main things we loved about this park was the fact that it is family owned and operated.  We met Brendan and his family and were impressed and inspired by their story.  Brendan has been there for 32 years, growing the park, moving with the trends and always pushing to create a family friendly environment that will encourage fun and special memories for everyone.  His children are all involved in some way or the other and you can feel the love and enthusiasm this family brings to their campground. Brendan oozed passion and genuine care for his staff, family and visitors.  What a wonderful man and a pioneer to our industry – we salute you Brendan!

We soon realised we had underestimated the amount of things to see and do around Alice Springs (see our review of the region here) and were so glad we booked 6 nights and not less.  Another night or 2 would have been perfect to really explore the area.  It was amazing to tour around during the day and come back to the comforts of this award-winning park in the afternoon and evening, enjoying the activities and facilities. From the 2 massive jumping pillows to the big games room, an entertainment room, heated swimming pools and waterslide our girls were in heaven!  This is definitely a park that understands what families want.

I must also make mention of the immaculate bathroom facilities, great laundry, onsite reasonably priced fuel, large grocery shop and loads of tourist / touring information – all things I personally appreciate when on the road.  Larger sites with plenty of shade were also a hit for us. There is even a Strawberry Pancake Food Truck every night during peak season, these were a bit pricey but super delicious and great for a treat!

We really could not fault this park – you really get value for money here with all the free extras and the extremely well maintained facilities and gardens.  Add to this a huge free pancake breakfast every Sunday morning and you can’t go wrong.  We could bang on about Big4 MacDonnell Ranges for hours but the best way to find out just how great this park is, is to experience it for yourself!

*During our stay we hosted an amazing Happy Hour with Brendan and his team, proudly supported by What’s Up Down Under – we raised a massive $370 from our Sausage Sizzle which all went to the Royal Flying Doctors Service!

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