If you want a peaceful and tranquil caravan park that is set in the hilly bush, but only a 30-minute walk from the Port Arthur Historic Site, then the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park is the place for you.
When you tow a 24ft van like us, when a park says the words “drive though sites”, we all jump for joy. It really does make things so much easier when you are getting in and out – especially if you are only setting up for a couple of days.
As we were on our family holiday we decided that we would spoil ourselves mid-way through our Tour of Tassie adventure and get an ensuite site, and this was the park to do it in. A small but lovely ensuite, with the toilet on one site, basin in the middle and shower on the left. Nice high ceilings, bath towels, soaps and a fan that automatically comes on – we felt very pampered and spoilt!
The tiered, bush setting gave these sites a very unique feel, giving you privacy and a feeling of a bush camp in the middle of nowhere! The owners explained that the site was the old veggie patch that the convicts used. WOW. The awning side of the van, had a further cut out in the hill for your mat to be placed on the floor. It had its own drainage, so you wouldn’t get water on your mat. It was filled with stones, so this was perfect to be able to sit back on your chairs and watch the fire – every site had it’s own fire pit which was perfect for the chilly Tassie nights. You can bring your own wood to burn or purchase some from the front office. Most of the caravaners in the park chose to light a fire. The ambience & smell it gave was just amazing.
This park is set up for not only your caravaners, but for the motor home, grey nomads and kids. It offers a vast array of powered, and un powered sites. Some of the “camp ground” was sectioned off between sites for a little privacy by big bushes, but there was also a huge section that you could have pitched your tent in.
As the park was spread out quite a bit, there were at least 4 outdoor camp kitchens around, that had table and chairs, bbq, and a fire place.
The main indoor camp kitchen was brilliant! It had all sorts of pots and pans on 1 rack for anyone to use, 2 toasters, kettles, fridges. A large Stove, 5 tables to sit around and so much more. There was even an outdoor woodfired pizza oven if you wanted to get it going, along with more seating outside. Attached in the same building was a games room. It housed a tennis table, a couple of couches to watch the big TV on the wall, and lovely open fire for the winter. There was a DVD player attached to the TV and a bundle of Caravan World and What’s up Down Under DVD’s that you could play should you wish.
The kid’s outside play areas were also amazing – offering the kids the new Modular Pump Track, which is a modern-day BMX/Scooter track. Swings and a playground. All with chip bark everywhere in case the littlies fall over. A playground fantasy land for our kids who absolutely loved scooting around the Pump Track.
There are also many cabins within the park. Some large some small. Some with a beach or sea view, and some without. There were also several bungalow type set ups. All in all, every type of accommodation was covered.
If you wanted to tow your boat here the park also had it’s own boat ramp leading the way right into the ocean in a quiet cornered off area. The fishing here was also great.
If you forget to take anything with you to this park, then chances are you will find it at reception! The range of groceries was the best display we have seen for many years. Everything from packets of rice, oil, jam, to biscuits, chips and pancake mixes. Cold soft drinks, lollies on the front counter frozen pizzas and even Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
If you wanted a hire a DVD you could for free or read a book from their book exchange. If you are not sure what to do and see the you could pick up a brochure from one of the many on the flyers on the tourism brochure exchange rack. If you didn’t want to drive into town you could buy your freshly made coffee from the front counter or you could even buy your beer and wine. Yes, that’s right. These guys are even licenced. How good is that! No running out of the liquid gold stuff while you stay here.
The NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park was certainly one of the best caravan parks that we stayed in, while we visited this beautiful state. We would highly recommend a 3 night stay to get to see everything the Port Arthur area has to offer. Stay tuned for more about Port Arthur soon…
