BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park is a finalist in the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards.
Nominated in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category, it is the only Mount Alexander Shire tourism business and the only Victorian holiday park to reach the finals of the prestigious awards. Winners will be announced in Melbourne in early February.
BIG4 Castlemaine owner Claire Height said it was the first time the park had entered the awards and it was a surprise and a delight to reach the finals.
“It sends a strong message to the team that we’re doing something right in terms of the accommodation and services we’re offering our guests,” she said.
“It really is an honour to know our peers in the industry have looked closely at our operation and decided we’re up there with the best.”
BIG4 Castlemaine is the largest tourism accommodation provider in the shire. In recent years, major investment has been undertaken to expand the holiday park’s offering to include a range of luxury glamping options including luxury safari tents and a glamtainer.
Communal facilities, guest services and the park’s traditional holiday studios have also been significantly upgraded.
Despite prolonged lockdowns over the past two years due to COVID-19, Ms Height remained committed to business expansion plans and was able to swiftly capitalise on holiday makers’ desire to enjoy unique but safe and convenient holiday experiences as soon as lockdowns lifted.
The park is now regularly welcoming more than 200 guests each weekend, bringing significant visitor numbers to the town and region.
“What began back in the 1950s as a traditional caravan park next door to Castlemaine’s Botanical Gardens is now a very special parkland oasis offering luxury accommodation as well as the very best in traditional holiday park accommodation, facilities and site options,” Ms Height said.
There are plans for further luxury accommodation additions and family facilities to be installed in the coming year.
BIG4 Castlemaine was also the winner of the ‘Retail and Hospitality Award’ and the co-winner of the ‘Tourism and Events Award’ at last month’s Mount Alexander Shire Business Awards.
