The Wescombes are patient people.
Indeed, during months of lockdown, the family kept their foot on the pedal, undergoing significant renovations at Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park.
And thanks to their persistence, caravanners and campers can soon opt for their own facilities with 20 new private en-suites available.
“There’s been a demand for them,” explains a spokesperson for the Melbourne Metropolitan Tourist Park.
“We built several double en-suites with a campsite on each side. And a whole row of private en-suites fitted in a converted container. Guests will be assigned one per campsite.”
OUTDOOR GYM, HERB GARDENS AND MORE
The private en-suites are just one of many steady improvements that the family fought for over several years.
“We are progressively upgrading the park.
“The gardens are looking beautiful, we’re focussing on gradual improvements,” the spokesperson explains.
Set against the Dandenong Ranges, Pine Hill Caravan Park fills an important niche for self-drive tourists in the Yarra Valley.
And leveraging the natural environment, the Westcombes have also just installed bird feeders, outdoor gym and newly-established herb garden.
The tourist park is also planting up a new maze for kids.
“That will be ready in a few years’ time.”
FIGHTING FOR YARRA VALLEY TOURISTS
Despite the 20-acre allotment and its proximity to Lilydale Lake, Pine Hill Caravan Park wasn’t always permitted to welcome overnight guests.
The previous owners unsuccessfully applied to expand the park for many years.
The family purchased the land comprising a four-acre residential park in 2000.
Several years later the Westcombes lodged what would eventually become a successful planning application to Yarra Ranges Shire.
But it wasn’t until five or so years ago that this lovely, large grassy holiday park could welcome guests.
Today, Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park now offers several different types of cabins and more than 100 tourist sites spanning 10 acres.
Some are drive-through sites for larger rigs and overnight stays.
OTHER CHANGES IN EARLY 2020
According to the spokesperson, some of those significant upgrades opened up early this year.
Among them were 40 new powered sites, a camp kitchen and a brand new game room—plus a formal caravan and boating storage.
“We’ve always offered boat and caravan storage but now it is in a formal setting.
“Lilydale Lake is just down the road.
“We get a lot of swimmers. Kayaks are also big—the lake is an off-leash area so a lot of people bring their pets.”
Lilydale Lake is five minutes down the road