Dates of Stay 11 – 14 July 2013
Will We Return Yes
Rates Waterfront ensuite from $44. Ensuite from $39. Powered camping from $29.
Value for money Good. The value for money does depend on what you stay in. The camping sites are good value with beautiful views over the water, however some of the budget cabins were extremely old and not worth the price being asked. We would suggest definitely doing your homework if looking to stay in a cabin so you know what to expect. Many camping sites have slabs, the rest is green lawn. The park is perfect for those into water sports, kayaking and fishing, and even if you just enjoy sitting on the bank you’ll still be able to spot the fish that love jumping out of the water.
PARK ADMINISTRATION
Office Hours 9:00 – 5:00pm
After Hours Check-in Speak to the managers if you think you might arrive late.
Checkout Time 10:00am
Admin Staff
Friendliness: Friendly
Responsiveness to complaints: We had no complaints during our stay. We have been here before, and when an issue arose with noise we found it was dealt with very promptly and professionally.
Helpfulness: We didn’t seek out any additional information or advice while staying here.
THE PARK
Park Size The park is very large, and contains well over 100 sites, as well as various levels of cabins and permanent os_accommodation. It feels like a small housing estate in size.
Drive Through Sites No
Landscaping The park has bitumen roadways in very good condition. All sites are very level, and the grass is green. There are numerous trees throughout the park as well as extensive gardens and landscaping. The park is well-established.
Lighting The park is well-lit at night.
Outdoor Kitchen/BBQ The park has a communal camp kitchen which overlooks the pool and another separate BBQ area at the other end of the park.
Shower and Toilet Facilities
Adequate to cope with number of people: Yes
Proximity to sites: There are two amenities blocks within the park. Walking distance is minimal.
Cost: $0.00
Cleanliness: Very clean
Condition: Good
Water pressure: Good
Adequate hot water: Yes
Ventilation: Good
Doggy bath: No
Laundry There are three separate on-site laundries. Coin-operated.
Fitness Activities
Swimming Pool – Yes
Water Park – Yes
Tennis Court – No
Mini golf – Yes
Gym – Yes
Volleyball – Yes
Jumping Pillow – Yes
Sauna – No
Child-friendly
Kids Club – No
Activities for Kids – No
Games Room – Yes
Jumping Pillow – Yes
Kids Nook – Yes
There is a modern swimming pool complete with a kids wading pool and shade umbrella, which is heated in the cooler months. Adjacent is the adventure Water Park. Mini golf has 18 holes.
Pets Yes. The pet-friendly sites are premium sites located on the water side of the park, with direct access to Pop Dennison Park where you can walk your dog. There is also a leash free area on the North Side of Compton Drive, a short walk away.
ATMOSPHERE
Noise We have always found the park to be fairly quiet, even when full and with pets. Any issues are dealt with promptly and professionally, as it is a family-friendly park.
Openness Some areas within the park do not feel as open as others. The waterfront camping sites are lovely and open, however if staying in a cabin or nearer the areas where permanents are located, it will feel more confined, keeping in mind that it is a large park.
Shade There are trees throughout the park, and most sites will get shade at some point during the day.
Permanents Yes, there are dozens of permanents within the park.
Fires No
SUITABILITY
Depending on what you are looking for, it is suitable for both short and long-term stopovers. If you want plenty for the kids and family to do, it is ideal both from a park-perspective and given its close proximity to the beach and Ballina township. If you want somewhere peaceful and quiet for a longer-term stay, it may depend on the time of year if you think it will suit, given the park’s size and how busy it may get.
LOCATION
Road Conditions The park has bitumen roads, all of which are in great condition.
Nearby Attractions The park is within easy driving distance to the Macadamia Castle, Thursday Tea Tree Plantation and the House With No Steps. Slightly further is Lismore and the famous lighthouse at Byron Bay. Closer to home, there is a bike track which leads from the ocean entrance right into Ballina, and the beach is obviously only a short stroll away. Ballina township has everything you will need for a short or long stay.
Park Address Fenwick Drive, Ballina NSW 2478 Phone: (02) 6686 3953 Web: www.ballinalakeside.com.au/
Google Map