BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat

This holiday park is set within a natural, bush-like environment featuring a meandering creek and the potential for platypus sightings, offering a unique and memorable stay. Its central location is a significant draw, placing guests within easy walking distance of Strahan's main attractions. While many cabins are described as dated or in need of a makeover, they are generally found to be clean and functional. The park caters well to families with its play areas and spacious cabins, and couples appreciate the quiet, natural setting. Sightseers benefit from the convenient access to local landmarks. To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding the age of some facilities and be aware of the limited dining options available in the immediate town area, often leading guests to utilize on-site takeaways or self-catering.

Facilities & Amenities
The park offers a range of facilities, though many are noted as being dated and in need of refurbishment. For children, there is a play area and a games room, along with outdoor chess and a snooker table. Laundry facilities are available, though they are card-operated and some guests found them expensive or prone to issues. Shared toilet and shower blocks are present, providing hot water but often criticized for their age, limited number, and cleanliness, with some reporting black mould. The camp kitchen is described as basic, with some guests experiencing issues with power outlets. While Wi-Fi is offered, many guests reported it to be spotty or to have a poor signal within the cabins.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many cabins are described as clean upon arrival, though some note a musty smell, dampness, or stains on upholstery and carpets, with specific mentions of mould in bathrooms and around windows. The overall decor is frequently called dated or old, suggesting a need for updates. Bed comfort varies; some guests found the beds comfortable with good pillows, while others reported uncomfortable mattresses, particularly the thin mattresses on bunk beds, leading to poor sleep. In-room amenities include kitchenettes that are generally well-stocked for basic cooking, though some are small with limited prep space. Heating is available, but some cabins lack air conditioning, and noise levels are generally low, contributing to a quiet stay.

Dining & Food Quality
The park provides convenient on-site dining options, primarily through Molly's Takeaway, located next to the reception. This outlet offers basic fare such as burgers and fish and chips, proving to be a handy choice for quick meals, especially given the limited dining establishments in the town. Some guests, however, noted an unpleasant burnt oil smell within the takeaway area. Additionally, a bottle shop is conveniently located on-site, which guests found to be well-stocked and reasonably priced for essentials. Many visitors opted for self-catering in their cabins due to the challenges of securing reservations or finding open restaurants in Strahan, making the on-site facilities a practical solution for meal times.

Location & Accessibility
The park's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it an excellent base for exploring Strahan. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of key attractions, including the Strahan town center, the wharf (a departure point for the Gordon River Cruise), the foreshore, and local shops and an IGA supermarket. This proximity allows visitors to access amenities and tourist activities conveniently without needing to drive. While parking is available on-site, some guests noted that individual sites, particularly for caravans, can be small or have awkward layouts, which may require careful maneuvering of vehicles.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are varied. Many visitors commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, attentive, courteous, and efficient, particularly during check-in and when accommodating requests. Some specific positive mentions highlight staff who went out of their way to assist. However, a notable number of reviews describe staff as rude, unfriendly, disgruntled, or unhelpful, with instances of poor customer service, such as curt responses to early arrivals or uncooperative attitudes regarding laundry services or site issues. The check-in process is generally quick, though the strict 3 PM check-in time can be inconvenient for some, leading to perceived unfriendliness if guests arrive earlier.

Additional Information
The park features a unique platypus walk along its meandering creek, offering guests a chance to spot local wildlife, though sightings are not guaranteed. Other recreational amenities include outdoor games like chess and a snooker table, and some cabins offer kayak and bike hire. Important operational details include the absence of a dump point on-site, requiring guests to use a nearby facility. The Wi-Fi connectivity is a recurring issue, with many guests reporting spotty or poor signal within their cabins, impacting streaming services. Despite being part of a well-known brand, the park's overall dated appearance and unusual cabin layouts, such as specific toilet placements or thin bunk bed mattresses, often lead to guests feeling the accommodation does not meet expected standards. The park also does not offer recycling facilities.