We used this park as an overnight stopover between Port Campbell and western NSW. The park is 4 kms north of Bendigo and off the A300 so there is no traffic noise. First impressions are good and everything looks neat as a pin. The office is very organised and staff courteous and knowledgeable. We wanted an ensuite site but alas, despite their ad, there are only four! We were escorted to our site by a young lass on a push bike - a nice touch we thought. It was a total fire ban day and 40 plus and we were thankful for the limited shade available. The office has a small kiosk selling all the basics including bread as well as ice creams and drinks. The range of touristy information is very impressive and well laid out.

The amenities are superb with lots of attention to detail such as cleaning materials supplied - a very nice touch. There is a hand dryer, but no soap. We liked the tasteful old fashioned coach lights above the sinks operated by a delay timer. There was the odd cob web very high up. Everything is solid brick and very tasteful. If you don't like this block you shouldn't be caravanning! Being away from the highway no keys are needed, neither is there a boom gate. The laundry is also spotless and not expensive. Hot washes are $2 and only $1.40 for cold. Drying is $2. Lots of line space also available. Hot water to sparkling clean stainless steel tubs.

One word describes the camp kitchen. WOW! It has to seen to be believed and is even better than anything we have seen overseas. It consists of two electric BBQs with stainless steel tops with tools on a chain, and a nice sink and good tables, all under a nice gazebo. At the other end of this is a brick room with windows and a sliding glass door - all with fly screens. Now to the wow part - they provide, power, a big fridge, a microwave, a spotless large sink, a very nice gas bench top stove, some utensils and even fly spray in case someone leaves the screen open! Oh yes a couple more tables as well. Everything is white glove clean. We have never come across anything to this standard. Take a bow Ascot you have earned it!

The pool area is very nice and you can use the spa by getting the key from the office. There is a basketball court and a very neat mini golf course. The cabins are of a high standard with lots of neat touches. For instance, many have top quality crazy paving in the car parking area.

OK, so is the best park going? No it has a couple of warts. Being called a "holiday park" one could be excused for thinking there would be no permanents - wrong! One guy even had a live stock semi trailer parked down the back. We have never come across that before.

Walking in the local area is not particularly brilliant. If you drive a little there is a good lake back down the highway and you can easily picnic there with the A'van in tow. Similarly with bike riding - it is very flat though.

Suggestions on things to do although we had no time to try any of them, so all this research was done on the net and by interviewing! Travel on the Bendigo Talking Tram. Bendigo Heritage Tours, Talking Trams and Tram Museum is run by Bendigo Heritage Tours, at 76 Violet St, and they conduct tours of the Central Deborah Goldmine and they also operate the 'Talking' Trams which run from the terminus at the Central Deborah Goldmine through the heart of Bendigo to the Chinese Joss house 8 km away. There is a taped commentary for visitors and the tram stops at the Tram Museum in Arnold Street. The first trams were introduced to Bendigo in 1890. There are 31 restored trams in the museum. The trams operate regularly. For details about cost and times contact (03) 5443 8332. A'vanners who like to walk could try Heritage Cafe Walking Tours. These are guided walking tours around Bendigo's historic precinct and are conducted from Friday to Monday at 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. with evening tours available in summer. The guides are in historic costume and the cost includes cake and cappuccino, tel: (03) 5442 7700. Go on a Gas Works tour or visit the Golden Dragon Chinese Museum. If you have kiddies with you try the Discover Science & Technology Centre located at 7 Railway Place. Open from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. this is a science centre designed so that visitors can have fun touching, pushing, pulling and playing with interactive equipment designed to show scientific principles. It promotes itself as 'change your face ... leave your head on a platter ... hear your blood ... create laser art ... walk away from your shadow'. Contact (03) 5444 4400 for more details. 

Telstra GSM and CDMA work fine. There is a Gold Phone near the office, but the nearest phone box is back on the A300.

Free camping on the outskirts of Bendigo is fantastic! Just 6.2KMS north of the park turnoff is an excellent rest area on the left. This is an ideal spot for those reticent to try free camping on their own as it is in the bush, BUT just up the road is habitation in the form of a nice pub. Of course we found this AFTER our stay, but have noted it for future trips!

Cost of a powered sight in January 2001 was an average for this area, $20.35. 

Do we recommend this park? Yes, Yes, Yes we do!!!!!!!!!

Ascot Holiday Park

15 Heinze St, White Hills 3550 (N of Bendigo, off Midland Highway)

Phone: (03) 5448 4421

Acknowledgements: Tourist info on Bendigo from Walkabout Travel Tourist Guide