Golden Ponds - The Oasis of Baldivis — Restaurant in Baldivis

Think before you camp here

Some points off concern relating to an incident at Golden Ponds the weekend of 28/29 May 2016.

Background:

I took 7 kids from Boys Brigade Camping at Gold Ponds this weekend, We rode our bikes from Perth(30km) carrying all the camping gear etc.

At around 11:30pm to 12 am on Saturday night, I think just after the function ended, one of the kids bikes and bike trailer were stolen, I only discovered this around 12:15am Sunday morning. I decided to go an look for the bike. After walking around I discovered that the bike and trailer were dumped close to unit 10 on the West Side of where we were camping. (we were close to the BBQ’s and Camp Kitchen) The towing arm of the trailer were wrecked and the bike also had some damage on. We could not use the trailer to get the kids’ stuff back to Perth, had to arrange a pick up for the trailer and gear.

What I suspect happened is that some of the patrons from the function took it for a joy ride, crashed it and then dumped it.

Issue no.1: Safety Concern: With the function there and a patrons getting drunk, there is no security what so ever to protect campers and there property, The risk of camping there and damage / loss of property is now very high. The gate to the campsite normally closes at 6pm, due to the function it stayed open till late. There is nothing that stops anybody from entering the camp area and doing what they like.

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Issue no 2. Drunk Driving. Around 12am there was a ute driving recklessly up and down the one way’s. Clearly the driver was driving under the influence. He could have driven into the tents and caused serious injury and death. Again, nobody there to control what happens after a function and free access to camp...

What an awesome place, I took my family from SA to spend a week there, my Nan was 98 yrs. The staff went out of their way to accomodate my family, they made sure that everything was comfy for my Nan. The meals that we had were fantastic, the little shopping market was fantastic, the watermelons were great. The wild life there was so abundant, how we enjoyed waking to the birds singing, the fountains flowing and the freshness of the ponds. For kids there were brilliant little playgrounds, it was fantasic space for them, fishing, animals, the grounds great for riding bikes, skateboards, roller blades, etc. Secure at nights with gates being locked, but you still have safe exits and entries. The location, 10 mins from Rockingham, Armidale, Byford, etc. Freeway just down the road, making access into the city excellent. What more could you ask of such a place, HANG ON THERE IS MORE, Your pets are welcomed too. You can camp in the houses like we did, you can take a van, or a tent, either way great place to camp. If you have a family, and want a weeks holiday, try this awesome place. The only down fall was the mozzies, so take some aerogaurd. but they were minute compared to the rest. It was cheap to stay for a week, but for overnight, that is a little more costly, but compared to staying elsewhere it is one...

Four of us stayed here for 2 nights in November 2019 as we were attending a wedding nearby.

The staff at reception and in the cafe are outstanding and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. They are attentive, polite and above all friendly. 5 stars.

The grounds are well kept and pleasant to stroll around (although there are lots flies when there’s not much wind).

Unfortunately the accommodation (cottage 5) we stayed in has seen better days. I must stress the inside was clean but large cracks in the wall and holes in the skirting appear to be admitting ants and other insects. The fly screens on the windows were very grubby and full of cobwebs. The ceiling fan in one bedroom squeaked constantly when it was turned on and the TV remote didn’t work. The morning we were leaving the sink and shower appeared blocked and it turned out to be a problem affecting the whole row of cottages. Management attended to this promptly though.

Overall, I’m not convinced the price we paid was reflective of the accommodation. Would happily return for food in the cafe (would be great to see longer opening hours) but probably wouldn’t stay in the...