BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park — Hotel in Tasmania

Iluka Holiday Centre is a 'Big 4' associated holiday park with cabins, camp sites and powered caravan and motor home (RV) sites. Whilst the park is well established, it has a number of frustrating features which distinctly detract from its appeal. Being the only caravan park in the Coles Bay area of Tasmania on the Freycinet National Park Peninsula, tourist or traveller choices are limited, therefore it is always crowded, despite its drawbacks.

The first issue is the entrance to the park. It is located at the end of Reserve Road in what amounts to a cul-d-sac, with a small car parking area in front only. For caravans and RV's trying to 'check in', this is an extremely inconvenient location. Car are forced to line up in the street outside, blocking traffic in and out of the street.

Also there is only the one entry and exit point into and out of the park, which greatly exacerbates the situation. Bad luck, if you pull into the driveway in front of the reception and are and are unable to be accommodated or checked in, just try turning around and getting out of the park again at busy times if you can, good luck. This means that cars, caravans and RV's etc checking in, whilst other are trying to get out, both are stuck in queues, and especially so if people park in front of the reception area, in the only driveway into the park.

There is only the one set of ablutions provided for in the park which contains the only toilets, showers and laundry, all incorporated into the one building. At night, the park roadways, (whilst provided with some gutters), are very poorly lit, or with no lighting whatsoever, and one takes one's life into their hands, if trying to move about the park without torchlight.

For caravans and RV's parking in many of the powered sites, there is no drainage point for grey water provided, which leaves grey water either running back into your own site under your vehicle, or onto someone else's site.

The park does not provide any dump point for campers, caravaners, or motor homers. The reason provided for this, was that the park is on a septic system and it therefore was not possible to install a dump point?? The nearest dump point north from Coles Bay was 40 klm away. One would imagine, that there must be many secret late night visits to the ablution toilets emptying toilet canisters, (into the 'septic system'), especially so for long term campers etc.

For a park operating in a major holiday and tourist area and proudly brandishing the 'Big 4' brand, and charging top dollar into the bargain, for it's facilities, (also offering no senior discount - only Big 4 membership discount), it can surely do better than this. The park is obviously making money, perhaps a little spent on improving some of the above mentioned might be...

Iluka caravan park it's self is rather nice. It has lovely hot showers and bathroom facilities that are kept nice and clean. There's plenty of room in the camp kitchens with a park and lots of room for kids to play or ride bikes. The grounds are big but to be completely honest the price is a bit exhubetant for a caravan park. I would say with all honesty that it's definitely the most expensive in Australia. We've traveled extensively all around the country a good number of times. For three of us for ten days was going to cost over $1100 which for a campground is beyond ridiculous, even if it is a powered site. Needless to say we didn't stay that long. It's cheaper to stay over on the national park side (if you can get a spot as usually you have to go into a ballot to get a spot, we were just lucky) especially if you have a caravan, as they have a few powered sites.

For people camping in tents there are a number of bathroom facilities on that side but no hot water however they are decent and are cleaned every morning. There are also taps to access clean drinking water spotted along the roadside. The beach on that side is absolutely stunning and usually a lot calmer and more shallow making it ideal for families with young children. I would highly recommend buying a national parks pass and staying a couple of nights in the park. If you are in tents the sites are more private that at the caravan park. It can also get a little windy at times but it puts you right on the beach front with a private access to the beach at each campsite. The snorkeling is fantastic with lots of sea life and you can swim to most of the connecting bays. I also have to say Tassie turns it on in the evenings when you will see some of the most beautiful sunsets in Australia from this location!! And in the morning when the weather is warm and water is still it's nice to enjoy a morning walk along the beach and up the bush track to the shops to grab a coffee from the friendly people at the cafe. And you have to try the ice cream!!!!

In conclusion the Freycinet peninsula is definitely something you should NOT skip if you are in Tassie and have the time to visit. From the wildlife and sea life to the camping and walks not to mention the multitude of activities for you and your family to choose from and enjoy. I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this stunningly beautiful part of...

5 fantastic stars. Management and office staff were very helpful and welcoming from the moment we arrived until when we checked out. We stayed in a family cabin, and it was great. Plenty of room for all to sleep with a double bed, which was a generous sized double, and two sets of bunk beds. We stayed over Christmas, and on our way there I remembered I hadn't packed the baking pan and salad bowls, but that was okay, as the kitchen had all basics that we needed to get through Christmas day cooking. The cabin was fantastically clean when we arrived and huge bonus points as there were plenty of pillows. I use two, and it's frustrating when hotels only have one per person. Laundry had plenty of washing machines and dryers for use, and we never had to wait to use one. The cabin was located just near the childrens park and it was great being able to sit on the balcony and relax while still being able to watch the kids. The holiday park is very conveniently located just behind the pub, general store/fuel station and a Bakery as well as a five minute walk from the beach. Going back to the fact we were there over Christmas. 8:30 Christmas morning, Santa came around all the cabins/camp sites and handed out lollies. I thought that was a lovely thing to do as management/staff took time out of their day to bring a bit more Christmas cheer to the kids. Also, a shout out to the fire service for also visiting with Santa in the fire truck and handing out lollies. Our kids had a ball with Santa visiting twice. Overall, we're very happy with BIG4 Holiday Park and Coles Bay in general, and we'll be...