Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park: Where glamping meets the wild Grampians
How luxury eco-friendly tents from GlamXperience helped transform Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park into a premier Victorian holiday destination
Twelve years ago, Josephina and Rohan McDonald bought the lease on a rundown caravan park in Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians National Park. With hard work and renovation, they bought the freehold two and a half years later, transforming Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park into a premier Victorian holiday destination.
Positioned near the Grampians’ iconic Pinnacle, the park features 100 powered caravan sites and 35 cabins surrounding two outdoor wood-fired heated swimming pools. Josephina says the highlight of their business is the unique glamping options provided in the 10 luxury eco-friendly tents supplied by GlamXperience.
“Our glamping options have solidified and expanded our business,” said Josephina. Offering guests luxury 5-star hotel facilities whilst sleeping under a million stars.
“Our glamping guests enjoy an enhanced experience, immersed in nature while enjoying the comforts of reverse air conditioning, toilet, shower, kitchenette, barbecue, luxury mattress and even a bath on the deck.
“We are proud and delighted to have connected with Sandra and Leon from GlamXperience in 2017 and become their first Australian customers.
“Initially, we introduced four bell tents and two safari tents, and they proved so popular that in 2019 we added four more safari tents with enhanced features. Stage 3 is now in progress, adding two accessible safari tents, a luxury lodge, and Woody Junior tents with private facilities to replace the bell tents.
“Our glamping options are extremely popular, perfect for our spectacular location—described by many visitors as an Australian safari.
“Our four safari tents overlook the valley and guests can relax in the bath on their deck, enjoy the view and marvel at the abundance of wildlife. It’s a haven for nature enthusiasts.”
The collaboration with GlamXperience has realised Josephina and Rohan’s vision to make each guest’s stay an extraordinary experience.
“Our business was successful before the glamping tents were erected,” Josephina said, “but glamping has provided an unparalleled accommodation option. As the first caravan park in Australia to introduce glamping at this level, our position as a boutique caravan park attracts new, higher-yielding customers.
“This venture has been fantastic for our business, and it’s been a pleasure working with GlamXperience.”
This article was published in our newly published Caravan Industry Spotlight HERE
Mandy has almost two decades of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
