BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park

Phillip Island in southern Victoria is a magical place. It could take you months to experience its attractions, whether you’re young or grey nomads like us. And if it’s downtime you seek, you’ll find natural, secluded havens throughout. BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park is at Newhaven, just over the bridge at San Remo; ideal for those less keen to tow a big van through Cowes. And although Cowes is lovely, Newhaven is quieter with enough shops nearby if required.

NEWHAVEN FORESHORE

Shrubbery shelters the beach-fronted park, with bush trails leading to the Newhaven Foreshore, a safe, delightful little beach popular with families.

On the other side of the park is native wetland, where the paperbarks fringe your camp. Nights are restful and quiet save the wildlife amid the pretty picture. We spotted water hens among other birds and at night and rabbits nibbling grass much to the delight of kids.

YOUR STAY AT BIG4 PHILLIP ISLAND CARAVAN PARK

The park is quiet and low-key, but still has all the amenities you need. Kids are well catered for with a jumping pillow, a playground, a well-equipped games room, and a TV room should the weather turn.

The large, modern camp kitchen is immaculate and equipped with a large oven, tables, bench space and two large fridges. A school group easily managed to cook their meal during our stay.

We really liked the look of the function room next to the kitchen, too. It’s ideal for film nights, club meetings or family get-togethers, with a big table, comfy chairs and tea and coffee facilities.

PENGUINS PLUS MORE WITH THE 5 PARKS PASS 

The weather is changeable so dress accordingly for the outdoors. Rug up for evening penguin parade where fairy penguins waddle up the beach to tend their young after a day or more fishing, in the sea in a centuries-long tradition.

We recommend the 5 Parks Pass, available Visitor Information Centre up the road from the caravan park.

We rode in a fast boat to watch the seals play at Seal Rocks, wandered among sleepy koalas, saw the penguins, including a fabulous new Antarctic Journey at The Nobbies, and drove the coastal roads giving way to wallabies and Cape Barren geese.

TOURING AT YOUR PACE

We also enjoyed the food and wine the island has to offer, browsed in the beautiful shops and galleries and gazed out to sea while we drank our coffee.

History is one of our loves, so we really enjoyed the step back into Churchill Island Heritage Farm and, on a different note, the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.

Then, ah, the Chocolate Factory, the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm, the walks along the beach, the fishing, the markets… too much to mention.

Make sure you travel to Phillip Island as you can’t help but enjoy yourself, and your trip will be all the better for basing yourself at BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park at Newhaven.