BIG4 Holiday Parks announces Australia’s BIGgest night of charitable camping.

Keep Friday 11 November free to give camping a go and support a local community cause with BIG4 Holiday Parks. Join thousands of happy campers for one night of charitable camping under the stars,
and pay just $20 to secure a site at participating BIG4 Holiday Parks, with all proceeds going to local causes.

BIG4 Holiday Parks is proud to launch Camp and Care with BIG4, a
charitable night of camping held at a wide range of Parks across Australia. The event encourages families and friends to try camping for the first time and to explore a new holiday destination close to home.

Ray Schleibs, CEO of BIG4 Holiday Parks, says Camp and Care with BIG4 allows families and friends to enjoy a quality weekend together, whilst also supporting a local community cause.

“BIG4 Parks are integral members of their community and Camp and Care with BIG4 gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy a night of camping at a flat fee of $20 per site, with the added bonus of knowing the Park has donated this money to a local person, group or organisation in need,” Schleibs says.

 BIG4.com.au/comecamp

“For the past six years, BIG4 has run a free night of camping known as Come Camp with BIG4 to reintroduce people to the best holiday park accommodation on offer in Australia. As the event and our Parks continue to grow in popularity, we decided to use this popularity to assist local charities and other community causes,” says Schleibs.

Many Parks will be hosting additional activities over the weekend to celebrate the event such as pancake breakfasts and face painting, in-park concerts and BBQs to name a few. The event will no doubt be a date marked in all Australians’ diaries, just as it has been for the last six years.

BIG4 Holiday Parks is well known for being located at key tourism destinations across the country with a variety of different settings and Park experiences to choose from. Whether the Park where you choose to camp is situated on a famous coast or beach, set amongst lush bushland or close to a world-famous winery, there are over 180 locations Australia-wide to choose from depending on your holiday style – majority of which will be taking part in this great event. Each individual Park
offers a unique experience and showcases impressive facilities ranging from resort style pools and adventure playgrounds, through to giant
jumping pillows and bike hire to keep the whole family entertained.

Keep Friday 11 November free and reserve your powered or unpowered
camping site at BIG4.com.au/comecamp

Details
on participating parks and their selected community causes will be made
available within the next few weeks.

What: Camp and Care with BIG4

Where: BIG4 Holiday Parks across Australia

Date: Friday 11 November 2011

Cost: $20 per site (All proceeds go to
a local charity
or fundraising cause of the individual Park’s choice)

Booking: BIG4.com.au/comecamp

Using a campervan is the best way to enjoy your vacation and explore the beautiful island of Tasmania. Don’t think that a campervan will be too big to drive around in. The accessibility it provides is unmatched making the campervan the perfect option for a driving holiday. You can be as flexible as you want, changing your plans as you desire. It is also an affordable option as you can save by preparing meals in the kitchen of your vehicle.

To begin your journey you may want to start at the capital city of Hobart. Here you will want to take in the amazing scenery and take a hike up Mt. Wellington. It is 1270-metre high; with a 360-degree panorama view so beautiful you’ll be glad you made the trek. Spot the city, Derwent River, and Tasman Peninsula from here.

Now that you have seen the river from a high, reward yourself with a cruise down the Derwent River to the Cadbury chocolate factory. This is a great tourist attraction that the whole family can enjoy for less than $20! Stroll around Sullivans Cove to see fishing boats, luxury yachts, and ships come and go to Antarctica. If you’re into art, find your way to Salamanca Markets in Hobart where there are lots of art galleries and working studios. Buy the perfect hand crafted souvenir for a friend back home at the local market.

Travelling using a campervan will give you a sense of freedom you can have no other way. If you are the more adventurous type, park your vehicle at Flenders Island for a diving experience you will never forget. Tasmania’s warm waters are home to lush kelp forests and reefs in a variety of distinctive oceanic habitats.

Taking a romantic getaway? Then try campervan hire in Tasmania. It will give you the privacy you’re looking for, minus other hotel guests or expensive room service bills. Even if you’re taking a family holiday, a campervan will still be suitable as children will absolutely love all that a motorhome has to offer. It provides a place to stay and transportation all in one. Just being close to nature is a great reason in its self to travel through Tasmania this way!

Using a campervan gives you the same freedom with using a car. But you might want to book your arrangements before coming down to Tasmania. Campervan hire companies in Australia are easy to find on the internet. Have a good journey!

 Australia’s favourite holiday park provider, BIG4 Holiday Parks, is adding a sweetener for those planning a spring getaway by offering a ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ promotion during the months of September, October AND November.

 Holiday-makers can extend their long weekend by an extra day for free, at more than 40 participating BIG4 Parks located at some of Australia’s top tourist spots. Families and individuals may choose to follow the sun to warm Airlie Beach in Queensland, take in the breathtaking views of the Flinders Ranges at Port Augusta in South Australia, or enjoy a quiet weekend in quaint Queenscliff in Victoria – the options are endless.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks participating in the ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ promotion include:

• BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, Narooma NSW
• BIG4 Moruya Heads Easts Dolphin Beach Holiday Park, Moruya Heads NSW
• BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park, South Durras NSW
• BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park, Nambucca NSW
• BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park, Bathurst NSW
• BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park, Cessnock NSW
• Twofold Bay Beach Resort, Eden NSW
• BIG4 Lake Macquarie Monterey Tourist Park, Lake Macquarie NSW
• BIG4 Lakeside Holiday Park, Mulwala NSW
• BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park, Yamba NSW
• BIG4 Beachfront Holiday Resort, Tuncurry NSW
• BIG4 Bungalow Park, Burrill Lake NSW
• Easts Beach Holiday Park Kiama, Kiama NSW
• BIG4 Broulee Beach Holiday Park, Broulee
• BIG4 Point Vernon Holiday Park, Hervey Bay QLD
• BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, Tweed Heads QLD
• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach QLD
• BIG4 Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village, Mission Beach QLD
• BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park, Port Douglas QLD
• BIG4 Brisbane Gateway Resort, Brisbane QLD
• Discovery Holiday Parks – Robe, Robe SA
• Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park, Port Augusta SA
• BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park, Porepunkah VIC
• BIG4 Parkgate Resort, Halls Gap VIC
• BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, Castlemaine VIC
• BIG4 Beacon Resort, Queenscliff VIC
• BIG4 Port Fairy, Port Fairy VIC
• BIG4 Badger Creek Holiday Park, Healesville VIC
• BIG4 Swan Hill, Swan Hill VIC
• BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill VIC
• BIG4 Whiters Holiday Village, Lakes Entrance VIC
• A Shady River Holiday Park, Echuca-Moama VIC
• Ashley Gardens BIG4 Holiday Village, Braybrook VIC
• Geelong Riverview Tourist Park, Geelong VIC
• Golden River Holiday Park, Mildura VIC
• Boathaven Holiday Park, Wodonga VIC
• BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park, Inverloch VIC
• BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance VIC
• BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park, Wye River VIC
• BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park, Phillip Island VIC
• BIG4 Plantation Caravan Park, Carnarvon WA
• BIG4 Albany Gardens Holiday Resort, Albany WA
• Woodman Point Holiday Park, Fremantle WA
• Perth Vineyards Holiday Park, Swan Valley WA

BIG4 Holiday Parks’ General Manager of Marketing, Kari Hunter, says the promotion falls at a perfect time, giving people the opportunity to take a well deserved short break before their summer holidays come around in the lead up to the warmer months.

“The extra night allows another whole day of quality time together seeing the local sights and attractions, adding more value to a weekend away from home. The added incentive is a great motivation for everyone to treat themselves to a longer break than usual, something the average Australian doesn’t seem to do enough of,” Kari says.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks offers an impressive range of accommodation styles and facilities that are perfect for all groups. Those travelling light or in bigger groups can relax in luxury style cabins with private decks and spacious bedrooms. For caravanners or campers pitching tents, a spacious grassy powered site or convenient ensuite site will ensure a great night sleep is guaranteed under the stars.

For more information about BIG4 Holiday Parks around Australia, please visit BIG4.com.au

IMB TO OFFER CARAVAN INSURANCE

Caravanning is a growing trend in Australia. There are more than 300,000 caravans currently registered and more than 70,000 of those are touring around the country at any given time. Australia’s ‘Grey Nomads’ tend to travel on average three times per year, for 14.5 weeks at a time.

IMB, one of Australia’s largest building societies, with more than 180,000 members, is now offering specialised caravan insurance to its members.

The IMB insurance policy, offered in partnership with CIL, division of Vero Insurance, covers caravans against accidental damage, theft and attempted theft, storm, hail and flood damage, malicious damage, fire and explosion and electrical motor burnout. Considering most caravans cost between $70,000 and $600,000, the IMB caravan insurance policy is a sensible investment for owners.

IMB’s caravan insurance policy provides:
•Alternative accommodation expenses up to $100 per day if the caravan is not fit to live in following an accident or loss
•A new replacement caravan if it is a total loss in the first year of registration of the caravan
•Automatic contents cover up to $1000
•Authorised emergency repairs if the caravan cannot be towed after an accident
•Reasonable costs to collect and deliver the caravan back to the owner following repairs
•Reasonable costs to remove and store the caravan after an accident if it cannot be towed
•Up to $20m for legal liability claims.

The policy is valid anywhere in Australia. IMB can also insure caravans permanently on site.

Robert Ryan, IMB’s Chief Executive Officer says that IMB, as a member-focused institution, is committed to making financial and personal security matters easy by offering a comprehensive range of products and protection for all members. The introduction of Caravan insurance demonstrates IMB’s dedication to providing relevant, superior and valued products to its members.

IMB’s caravan insurance partner, CIL Insurance, provides comprehensive caravan insurance anywhere in Australia. As a division of Vero Insurance, CIL has been supporting the RV industry for more than 45 years and currently insures more caravans than any other insurer.

For more information on IMB’s products visit www.imb.com.au  call 133 462.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks across Queensland are offering travellers a ‘Pay 4, Stay 6’ accommodation incentive to visit the beautiful sunshine-state for their next holiday.

 Visit any of the 23 participating BIG4 Queensland Parks listed below, between 14 March and 10 June 2011, for a great break that won’t be forgotten.

 Choose from a diverse range of BIG4 Holiday Parks designed to suit every travelling style whether it is a family holiday, a road trip with a group of friends or a romantic weekend away with someone special. And with destinations from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts right up to Rockhampton and Cooktown, there’s a holiday to suit everyone.

 Each unique Park is located close to tourist hotspots and all showcase a wide range of accommodation options including modern ‘city-style’ cabins big enough for the whole family as well as grassy ensuite sites where you can pitch a tent for the ultimate outdoor holiday.

 The Park facilities on offer also ensure the kids are kept well entertained and parents relaxed. From adventure playgrounds and giant jumping pillows to outdoor entertainment areas and spa pools, BIG4 Holiday Parks offer a unique holiday experience that suits both the modern and the traditional traveller.

 To take up this offer, simply browse the participating parks at big4.com.au, choose an accommodation or site option that best suits your needs, enter the promotional code ‘QLDONSALE’ and enjoy your Queensland adventure.

 Participating parks include:

 BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach

BIG4 Airlie Cove Resort and Van Park, Airlie Beach

BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park, Atherton

BIG4 Brisbane Northside Caravan Village, Brisbane

Brisbane Gateway Resort, Brisbane

BIG4 Cane Village Holiday Park, Bundaberg

BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park, Cairns

Aussie Outback Oasis Cabin and Van Village, Charters Towers

Cooktown Holiday Park, Cooktown

Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Gold Coast

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park, Gold Coast

BIG4 Point Vernon Holiday Park, Hervey Bay

Fraser Lodge Holiday Park, Hervey Bay

BIG4 Innisfail Mango Tree Holiday Park, Innisfail

BIG4 Kingaroy Holiday Park, Kingaroy

BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park, Port Douglas

Discovery Holiday Parks – Rockhampton, Rockhampton

BIG4 Forest Glen Resort, Sunshine Coast

BIG4 Maroochy Palms Holiday Village, Sunshine Coast

BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City, Toowoomba

BIG4 Townsville Woodlands Holiday Park, Townsville

Kahler’s Oasis Caravan Park, Warwick

BIG4 Capricorn Palms Holiday Village, Yeppoon

 The offer is available on selected types of accommodation and sites and is subject to availability at each park (availability and options will differ from park to park).

About BIG4 Holiday Parks

BIG4 Holiday Parks is a Franchise Group comprising more than 180 holiday parks across Australia. The group provides a range of high-quality accommodation options from powered ensuite sites for caravan and motorhomes to luxury cabins. With a consistently high standard across all its parks, BIG4 has also set the standard within local holiday park experiences and is the recognised industry leader. BIG4 Holiday Parks’ BIG4 Club has over 170,000 members who enjoy significant discounts on accommodation bookings as well as ongoing benefits and discounts with BIG4’s partner organisations. Being a BIG4 Member means you’ll not only get savings on BIG4 accommodation, but also access a whole host of other holiday benefits thanks to BIG4’s Local Member Benefits program. BIG4 Holiday Parks recently signed a master licensing agreement with North America’s Kampgrounds of America (the leading campground operator in Nth America and Canada) for the Australian, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and East Timor markets. BIG4 is a proud supporter of The Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors™, a philanthropic organisation committed to bringing a little cheer to children and their families’ undergoing treatment in Australian hospitals.

For more information on BIG4 Holiday Parks visit big4.com.au

 Join thousands of other happy campers around Australia as BIG4 Holiday Parks prepares for its biggest night of the year, opening up their Holiday Parks for one night only of FREE camping under the stars. 

The unique national campaign, Come Camp with BIG4, will be held at a wide range of BIG4 Holiday Parks nationally in 2010. The event was a huge success last year, hosting approximately 10,000 outdoor enthusiasts.

The 5^th of November is sure to impress experienced campers, families and even welcome newbie’s to the world of adventure and fun that the BIG4 Holiday experience provides.

This year, Come Camp with BIG4 will again support their charity partner, The Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors^TM. Participating parks will be holding fundraising activities and all parks will donate a percentage of money raised from the sale of BIG4 memberships sold over the entire weekend to the charity.

The renowned BIG4 park facilities range from resort style pools to giant jumping pillows so the activities on offer are sure to delight guests of all ages. Activities will vary between parks from pancake breakfasts, to face painting and even mysterious treasure hunts – these are just a few of the exciting activities guests can enjoy.

James Shearer, acting CEO of BIG4 Holiday Parks, says Come Camp with BIG4 allows families and friends to enjoy a night together, and is a nice introduction for people that wouldn’t normally camp.

“Come Camp with BIG4 gives couples, friends and families the opportunity to enjoy a free night of camping. It’s the perfect excuse for a night away.

“Everyone is welcome – we want to encourage people to come along that would normally shy away from camping. Come Camp with BIG4 will no doubt be an event marked in all Australian’s diaries, as it was last year,” added Mr Shearer.

Keep Friday 5 November FREE and reserve your FREE powered or unpowered camping site at

big4.com.au/comecamp

Come Camp with BIG4

Where: BIG4 Holiday Parks across Australia

Date:     Friday 5 November 2010

Cost:     FREE

              Booking: big4.com.au/comecamp

For further information, images or to arrange an interview please contact:

Lauren Burl

P: 03 8416 6771

M: 0419 325 447

E: lauren.burl@che.com.au

Fleur Williamson

P: 03 8416 6728

M: 0416 659 162

E: fleur.williamson@che.com.au

About BIG4 Holiday Parks

BIG4 Holiday Parks is a Franchise Group comprising more than 180 holiday parks across Australia, including recent National Tourism Award winner BIG4 Beacon Resort and State Award Winners BIG4 Deniliquin Paringa Holiday Park, BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park and BIG4 Beachlands Holiday Park. The group provides a range of high-quality accommodation options from powered ensuite sites for caravan and motorhomes to luxury cabins. With a consistently high standard across all its parks, BIG4 has also set the standard within local holiday park experiences and is the recognised industry leader. BIG4 Holiday Parks’ BIG4 Club has over 170,000 members who enjoy significant discounts on accommodation bookings as well as ongoing benefits and discounts with BIG4’s partner organisations. Being a BIG4 Member means you’ll not only get savings on BIG4 accommodation, but also access a whole host of other holiday benefits thanks to BIG4’s Local Member Benefits program. BIG4 Holiday Parks recently signed a master licensing agreement with North America’s Kampgrounds of America (the leading campground operator in Nth America and Canada) for the Australian, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and East Timor markets. BIG4 is a proud supporter of The Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors™, a philanthropic organisation committed to bringing a little cheer to children and their families’ undergoing treatment in Australian hospitals. For more information on BIG4 Holiday Parks visit big4.com.au

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Plan your own exciting holiday

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/travel-in-australia.html

The water has made a 1300 kllometre journey from Queensland to Lake Eyre  in South Australia. This time the water has reached a depth of 2 metres and will be most likely all dried up by October.

The Lake Eyre Yacht Club are known as the strangest Yacht Club in the world, they only get the sail when Lake Eyre fills and they have about 50 members from all over the world, some will travel from Scotland and United States for this very unique yachting regatta.

They expect at least 60 to 100 yachts to take part, many people have travelled thousands of kilometres across Australia. They are camping on the banks of the lake to experience the amazing sight of the yachts, the beauty and uniqueness of another of Australia’s natural wonders.

For More Information
http://www.sail-world.com/cruising/index.cfm?nid=54354&rid=11
by Tim Dornin, Independent Weekly/Sail-World

About Lake Eyre http://teachit.acreekps.vic.edu.au/cyberfair2002/LakeEyre.htm

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Start planning your road trip adventure.

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/road-trip-planner.html

We have used several different map books, this one by far is most impressive. The cover is a hardback so it can’t get bent or creased like every other map book we have. With the spiral binding the maps will actually sit campletely flat on the table. The maps are very clear, detailed and easy to follow.

The authors of the book actually check as many sites as possible themselves and have travelled 90,000 kilometres in the past 2 years. So they really do know what they are talking about as they have experienced travelling Australia and know what campers and travellers really appreciate.

This book features over 3500 listings of rest areas, free camps, station stays, national parks, state forest and parks and low cost caravan parks.

Also included are dump points, pet friendly sites. the latest free camping sites, author recommended sites and includes the latest Hema Road Atlas.

Camps Australia Wide also sell a Caravan Park Listing Book with over 2300 caravan parks listed. Other camping books also available.

This map book is far superior to any other map book we have owned, we have bought several over the past 2 decades as it’s best to use an updated maps when you are travelling anywhere in Australia. Another great thing about Camps Australia Wide map books updates are available online. No need to buy a new book to get updated information.

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Plan your own exciting holiday

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/travel-in-australia.html

Escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and going camping is refreshing and exciting to wake up to peace and tranquillity in a natural habitat. If you go camping in a Holiday Park it is still a change of scenery and there is always plenty to do within the park and local area. This photo was taken at the Big 4 Port Augusta, the first night of an exciting adventure to northern Australia.

Camping is a cheap adventurous holiday that all ages can enjoy. Preparing what you are taking a week or two beforehand will make you trip more successful and less likely to forget something important. Always use a checklist to help you get ready. This photo was taken at Charlieville in QLD.

Sometimes you may find a campground that is just right and continue to go there for several years, quite often you will find other campers will do the same. Other times you will find that you like to try different places so you explore a range of surroundings and explore exciting parts of Australia. For example this photo was taken in the Kimberleys at Old Mornington Station. Camping gives you the freedom to travel amazing places and explore beautiful destinations.

We camped at Ayers Rock Resort. Kings Canyon Resort and Finke Gorge National Park, another option is Curtin Springs Cattle Station & Wayside Inn 85km east of Uluru which is owned by the Severin family since 1956. If you are interested in camping, Ayers Rock Resrt caters for every type of accommodation and arranges tours.

When visiting Central Australia, Uluru-Ayers Rock is always going to be main place to visit, so like everyone else we wanted to see it. We stayed at the Ayers Rock Resort Campground in tents. Which was very good, plenty of room and good amenities. We stayed 2 nights and visited Uluru which was about 15 minutes drive from the campground, camping is not permitted close to Uluru like it used to be.

We drove out the the ‘rock’ which was sort of mesmirising as you could this huge rock for at least 10 minutes getting bigger as we got closer to it.

We climbed the rock, about 1 ½ hours up and about 1 hour to get down and then we walked around the base, about 8 kilometres and about 2 hours. We were excited and exhausted when we had finished. The view from the top was amazing and it was unbelievable that we were actually at the ‘rock’ that we had seen many times on TV and in photos.

While camping and travelling an added extra bonus is we get to meet many other people from Australia and overseas. When we camped at the Ayers Rock Resort we met a great family from Sydney. We camped beside them, the kids starting playing cricket between out tents and from then on we have kept in contact ever since and have been on many camping trips with them including going to ‘The Kimberley’.

We then travelled with this family for 10 days as we were going the same way to Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and Alice Springs. Kings Canyon is in Watarrka National Park. we camped at Kings Canyon Resort, which had plenty of room and good amenities. We stayed for 2 nights.

Kings Canyon is definitely worth seeing, this photo shows the start of Kings Canyon. You can choose to go up steep steps at the start and then the rest is a slow descent downhill or have a slow climb all the way around and finish going down the steep steps.

Either way allow about 2 hours to take in the amazing views.

Next we travelled to Palm Valley which is further along the Mereenie Loop on our way to Alice Springs. Palm Valley is in Finke National Park which is 46,000 hectares.

The campground was very good with basic amenities, like most National Parks. When we had set up camp we we for a short walk. This photo shows the view very close to camp.

The next day we went on the main walk down the creek bed which is usually fairly dry unless they have decent rain in the area. This photo shows the palm trees and dry creek bed, as usual plenty to see and explore.

After leaving Palm Valley we continued our camping adventure to Alice Springs, we spent 3 nights at Alice Springs and did day trips to Glen Helen Gorge, Hermannsburg, Ormiston Gorge (photo below), then headed north to the Top End.

We could have easily toured Central Australia for several more weeks, Uluru – Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, Palm Valley are just a few of the stunning destinations available for camping.