BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon — Hotel in Queenscliff

We’ve visited Beacon now Ingenia Holiday Park every January for years - the location is what brings us back, a short few minute stroll across the road, along the shaded sand track, over the rise & you’re at a quiet, clean, easy to swim beach; or a few km’s either way on the bike/walking tracks & you’re in Queenscliff or Lonnie for coffee. The grassy sites are a great size, level & drain well, the gym is well fitted & for those with young children there’s plenty to do. Having said that the price is very high for what there is available & included in your booking - things like the interactive room are extra & there’s no in park events like other Big4’s (movie nights, ice cream truck visits etc).

Luckily the permanent holiday cabin owners in the park always make us feel welcome & share great local tips for food & experiences to check out & keep it feeling like a safe & friendly community with soul not just a fly by night drop in park like many others where no one really cares about the place.

It was pleasing to see there has been some improvement on the standard of the park presentation over as last year as the standard had dropped significantly since Ingenia have taken over. Gardening maintenance is still not to the previous standard which was outstanding & the bathrooms were the worst they’ve been - cisterns getting stuck, paper running out, etc & during peak times more regular cleaning is needed as unsupervised kids make a real mess of them & they need a regular deep clean - the daily clean pushes muck around to the edges & corners not actually removing it.

Staff were friendly - even saw them helping inexperienced campers set up tents on more than one occasion - however they don’t seem confident to enforce park rules regarding speed limits, e-scooter use, the gym been used as a playroom by young kids etc. We also noticed several campers having to re setup after not understanding the site layouts, where previously you were guided to your site by staff making you feel welcomed & saving mistakes & inconvenience for others.

Most disappointing was that as repeat visitors staying for a long duration on our departure there was no query about rebooking which we’ve done every year - so at this point we...

Caution: Think twice before booking here!

Our group of six families had high hopes for this trip, primarily drawn by the promise of great amenities for our kids and the allure of firepits. We cherish the cosy atmosphere of gathering around a fire, toasting marshmallows, and the kids enjoying the colourful display of throwing rainbow coloured flame packs into the fire.

Regrettably, upon arrival, we discovered that fires weren't allowed, despite being advertised otherwise. When we questioned the staff about this discrepancy, their response lacked professionalism, merely pointing to buried terms and conditions. While we understand the importance of adhering to these conditions, receiving them on the day of arrival—hidden on page 14 of a 32-page document—left us feeling trapped, especially given it was a long weekend. There is a gas firepit but pretty pointless as you cannot toast marshmallows there also.

Our experience was marred further by the presence of a rowdy group near the playground and toilets, who harassed our friends without provocation. Despite our concerns, there was no apology or follow-up from staff, even after learning that one other family that stayed directly accross from the considered involving the police.

Additionally, the rescheduling of kids' activities without notice added to our frustration as we had other plans that same day. And when we requested to light coals for a BBQ, another favorite camp tradition, we were met with another firm no.

Privacy was also lacking, with constant foot traffic through our campsite. And people that stayed in the cabins behind us kept staring uncomfortably at our camp and what we were doing... Toilets and bathrooms were disgusting, the mop and bucket was left inside in the same spot the whole weekend, made me wonder if anyone came to clean the place at all?

Overall, this park fell far short of expectations. Consider yourself warned: Stay at your own risk! And make sure you read the 32 pages of terms and conditions (hopefully before your arrival)

Ps they offer free WiFi that...

Caution: Think twice before booking here! Our group of six families had high hopes for this trip, primarily drawn by the promise of great amenities for our kids and the allure of firepits. We cherish the cosy atmosphere of gathering around a fire, toasting marshmallows, and the kids enjoying the colourful display of throwing rainbow coloured flame packs into the fire. Regrettably, upon arrival, we discovered that fires weren't allowed, despite being advertised otherwise. When we questioned the staff about this discrepancy, their response lacked professionalism, merely pointing to buried terms and conditions. While we understand the importance of adhering to these conditions, receiving them on the day of arrival—hidden on page 14 of a 32-page document—left us feeling trapped, especially given it was a long weekend. There is a gas firepit but pretty pointless as you cannot toast marshmallows there also. Our experience was marred further by the presence of a rowdy group near the playground and toilets, who harassed our friends without provocation. Despite our concerns, there was no apology or follow-up from staff, even after learning that one other family that stayed directly accross from the considered involving the police. Additionally, the rescheduling of kids' activities without notice added to our frustration as we had other plans that same day. And when we requested to light coals for a BBQ, another favorite camp tradition, we were met with another firm no. Privacy was also lacking, with constant foot traffic through our campsite. And people that stayed in the cabins behind us kept staring uncomfortably at our camp and what we were doing... Toilets and bathrooms were disgusting, the mop and bucket was left inside in the same spot the whole weekend, made me wonder if anyone came to clean the place at all? Overall, this park fell far short of expectations. Consider yourself warned: Stay at your own risk! And make sure you read the 32 pages of terms and conditions (hopefully before your arrival) Ps they offer free WiFi that doesn't...