Lakes Entrance, an East Victorian coastal town situated along the Gippsland lakes, offers a seaside vacation the whole family can enjoy. Even your fur babies. Whether you enjoy sight seeing, fishing, or relaxing, "Lakes" as the locals call it has more than enough to keep you busy. A foodies dream with fresh seafood coming into town via the many trawlers. A large variety of clothing and gift shops to make any fashionistas heart skip a beat. Outdoor attractions along the Esplanade and picturesque 90 mile beach, including segway ride tours, boat hire, and fishing charters will get the adrenalin pumping for young and old. There are also many dog friendly cafes, and walking trails, that are sure to have the tails wagging of doggo's big and small.
The Pet Friendly Prime Tourist Park, is run by Sandi and Daryl. Along with their son Delmon, and their two doggo's Beau and Kasper. The park is Located in Myer street, just off the Esplanade. Situated close to the CBD, and a short walk to entertainment, food, and the famous Cunninghame arm footbridge. The park is in an absolute Prime location, with everything being in walking distance for you and your fur babies.
I've been holidaying with my family in Lakes Entrance since I was a child. So I've stayed in many different parks, hotels and motels. Some good places and some not so good places. But Prime Tourist park was a real delight. Sandi and Daryl consider the park to be their backyard. So there's a real homely vibe. One that is consistent not only inside the cabins and cottages, but also throughout the park.
I stayed in Cabin 1, which felt more like a relatives holiday house, than a holiday park. It was spacious, comfortable, very relaxing, and had all of the modern conveniences one would expect. The verandah was a great spot for a morning hot chocolate, or to plan the days activities, and had a secure gate that would keep the fur babies safe from running off on any adventures by themselves. Theres a sensor light that came on at night when I got out of my car, and stayed on long enough for me to clearly and easily find my way in the gate and through the door. It was bright and a nice change from dimly lit hotels and motels.
Cabin 1 had a large wall unit stocked with books, and a variety of board games the whole family is sure to enjoy. The games definitely helped create a relaxing evening after a big day out exploring along the Esplanade. It was great to kick back with a few light snacks, a game of Frozen themed monopoly and take a bit of time to unwind before bed.
The lounge room consisted of a very comfy couch, that was surprisingly free of "Doggo Glitter" (dog hair). A coffee table, with some great brochures about local attractions, and a map. The split system kept us toasty warm of a night time, and was very easy to use. The TV was huge, and displayed a crisp clear picture. The remote was absolutely spotless. I can't count how many motels I've stayed in where the remote was so dirty I didn't even want to touch it. But at Prime Tourist Park the cleanliness is of a high standard.
The kitchen was fully equiped with everything you needed, plus more. You can whip up a full roast dinner if your heart desires, or keep it low key and enjoy some bacon and eggs for breakfast. Attention to detail is really noticed in the kitchen, with Sandi including real full cream milk for the fridge. Along with small containers for left overs. The fur babies aren't forgeten either with a placemat and set of bowls, including a tray and small toy. Sandi also likes to include a treat.
In the bedrooms you will notice Sandi's attention to detail with a gorgeous turquoise theme. The master bedroom featuring a queen size bed and large wardrobe. The bedside tables are gorgeous and the colours are bright and cheery. The smaller single room matches in nicely, with more than enough floor space for large suitcases or a pram, along with a wardrobe. The modern doona covers are a delightful change from the repetitive floral design you see in every other hotel, motel, and holiday park. Theres nothing dull and boring about these homely bedrooms. From the lamps, to the artwork, as well as the comfy mattresses and Doggo Glitter free blankets, you'll feel right at home. My favourite part was the large bedside table in the single room. It had plenty of space for a book, a bottle of water, somewhere to keep my perfume and jewellery, and also somewhere safe to keep Zeke's ashes close by.
The bathroom was larger than you would expect for a cabin, and absolutely spotless. It included all of the luxuries of a home bathroom that you usually don't see in a holiday park, hotel, or motel. Such as good quality toilet paper, not only on the toilet roll holder, but also stocked up in the bathroom cupboard. Which was a big win in my books. Along with an air freshener, and a scented toilet block. The shower was huge, and had plenty of room to move. Unlike a lot of cabin showers where you're bumping your elbows while you're washing your hair. The shower pressure was perfect, it came out at a steady and continuous pace. The towels were clean and fresh, also without Doggo Glitter.
Humans and Doggo's are well taken care of around the outside of the park as well. There are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy a morning coffee that you've made in your kitchen, or at the coffee vending machine in the camp kitchen. Cook a BBQ lunch on the self cleaning 4 burner BBQ, and enjoy it at a picnic table. There are also many comfy spots around the park to read the paper or a good book. Theres even a man cave style music shed where you can pick up an instrument and jam out until your hearts content. Sandi and Daryl also hire bands from time to time, which are great enjoyed around the fire while toasting marshmallows and getting to know the other guests. The ancient rules of holiday parks are non existent at Prime Tourist Park. You don't have to be back at the park before a certain time, and you aren't bombarded with signs full of rules. Although there are signs that do ask that you drive your car, and ride your bike at a walking pace, and keep your dogs on a leash, you're free to relax, without feeling like your every move is being monitored.
Cool off on a sunny day with a swim in the pool, while your doggo runs free in the fully fenced in dog run. It's complete with a play area that even has a slide. The pool and dog run are situated right next to each other so you won't have to worry about your fur baby stressing if he/she can't see you. Or if you want some time to yourself out of the park, and want to go somewhere where dogs aren't allowed, Prime Tourist Park offers Doggy Day care for $5 an hour, between 9am and 5pm. The service includes a run around Sandi and Daryls private backyard, a safe and secure pen, trips to the toilet, treats, a meet and greet with Kasper the resident social doggo'fly, as well as texts or photos to your phone so you can see how your doggo is going, and what they've been up to.
Prime Tourist park even has an easy to use coin operated doggo wash bay, so you can pamper your pooch with a wash and a blow dry after a trip to the beach. Complete with a fenced off area so fido won't run off on you mid wash, you can rest assured your fur baby is safe. Once you're done, you can wash your doggo's towels, bedding, or clothes in the allocated washing machine especially for dogs in the park Laundry.
Sandi loves that the park has character and it brings people to her to socialise. Sandi can be quoted on saying "If you treat us with respect, we will share our backyard with you". And that is exactly what Sandi and Daryl do, they share their backyard with you, they invite you in to their backyard and treat you as an honoured guest, as apposed to a business opportunity or another number. They don't hover, but they can be seen out and about around the park, and are always helpful if you have a question or need something. You won't hear any noisy room service knocking at 7am, or wake to the sound of a cleaners trolly rattling through the park each morning. Sandi cleans all of the park facilities herself, and I think that makes your stay that much more cosy. Being the owner of the park, I feel Sandi treats the whole park as her home, as opposed to a paid cleaner who treats it like a job and may not even think to clean those small noticeable areas.
Prime Tourist Park offers you a 4th night free when you book a 3 night stay in the low season during the winter months. Theres always plenty to do, not just in lakes entrance but also at the park, and surrounding towns, even if the weather isn't the best. Lakes also isn't as crowded in the winter months, and the dolphins and whales often make an appearance around the water ways. You can always hop in the car and head to Metung, a gorgeous fishing Village only 20 minutes drive away. But don't forget to stop at the bakery for one of the best pies in Gippsland. If you feel like going on a bit of an adventure, you can travel 44 minutes down the road to Buchan, and visit the famous Buchan Caves. Pop the boat in the water and head off to Paynesville or Loch Sport. Lakes Entrance really is the gateway to the Gippsland lakes.
The park consists of 4 cabins, 2 cottages, and 20 caravan sites. The park doesn't have camping spaces for tents. Check out is usually between 10am and 10:30am, but if for some reason you need to check out earlier or have to rush off during the night, there is a key return box located near the office of the park for you to drop your key in. The office also has a range of maps, and guide books. Along with plastic free doggo waste disposal bags, that are made from corn starch and take only 3 months to break down. Please consider treating your fur babies for ticks prior to visiting Lakes Entrance, especially if they will be adventuring through bushland and scrub.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Pet Friendly Prime Tourist Park in Lakes Entrance and know that you and your fur babies will too. Sandi and Daryl have done a fantastic job with renovations, and continue to create a homely vibe at the park for everyone to enjoy. Book online at https://primetouristpark.com.au Or give them a call on 03 5155 1735 Office hours are from 9am to 5pm every day. If you mention "Stacey and Zeke" when you book your stay you will receive a free 8 minute token for the K900 Dog Wash.
RECCOMENDED
THE CUNNINGHAME ARM FOOT BRIDGE: A popular spot for fishing, a stroll with your pooch, night photography, and also provides access to the 90 Mile beach. The bridge is very well lit, and only a 6 minute walk from the park. Simply head left out of the park on Myer street and continue your way down to the end. The bridge is located at the end of the street.
THE RSL: A great spot for lunch and dinner. Serving a variety of western meals and Chinese cuisine, along with desserts. They also have raffles, keno and pokie machines. The RSL is located at 221 on the Esplanade, a 4 minute drive from the park. I recommend the chicken, bacon, and spinach risotto.
AWESOME FISH AND CHIPS: Has the best fish and chips in town. Their fish is second to none, and the calamari and scallops are fantastic. With a light and crispy batter, and freshest seafood, they'll have you visiting more than once on your trip. Located at 337 on the Esplanade. It's a 3 minute drive from the park. Stroll over to the water and eat on one of the many seats, or park your car and enjoy the view.
PIZZA ON MYER: A busy but good quality pizza shop, located just a short 5 minute walk from the park. They also offer delivery and can be found on the same street as the park, at 21B Myer street. I recommend the seafood marinara pizza.
THE LAKES ENTRANCE CINEMA: Is located next door to the park and screens all of the latest movies.
GRIFFITHS SEA SHELL MUSEUM: A favourite place to visit when I was a child, but unfortunately it was closed this trip, apparently for a few months. Probably best to call ahead.
THE SUNDAY MARKET: The market was far beyond what I expected. With a large variety of different stalls, including fresh produce, and scrumptious treats. As well as the popular sausage in bread, and kids lucky dips. The market is on at the foreshore rotunda, on the first Sunday of every month. Only a short walk from the park, it's in the same spot as the Cunninghame arm foot bridge. Your fur babies are also welcome to attend on leash, and they can even spend their doggo pocket money at the doggy treat stalls.