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Tim and Sophie: investment
pays off |
TIM and Sophie Bone are toasting seven months of success since opening
their Victorian caravan park last year, with their $7 million investment
already starting to pay off.
The BIG4 Bellarine Peninsula Park has accommodated over 8500 guests since
opening last September and is on track to turn over more than $1 million
by the end of this month ... 15 percent more than initial estimates.
Further refurbishments and expansions are already underway.
"Due to the park's popularity, we are expanding accordingly," Mr Bone
said.
"Originally we were going to build three new units in the second year of
operation but have now decided to construct another eight as well as
another 22 powered sites due to the opening success.
"The park will
also boast a tennis court before the end of the year."
Feedback from guests on the online TripAdvisor site highlights the
range of accommodation and the fun atmosphere, saying they could not fault
it with many already booking for further visits.
Mr Bone puts his park's success down to premium facilities, friendly staff
as well as effective word of mouth, evident with the high number of repeat
visits.
"Because of the space we have at BIG4 Bellarine, the property lends itself
to a calm atmosphere with many activities and facilities available. We are
operating at around 70 percent capacity even outside school holidays," he
said.
"I love being at the park when families are on holidays as they bring a
fantastic atmosphere."
BIG4 Bellarine has also attracted interest from overseas visitors. Chinese
delegates from Shandong recently paid a visit to acquire an insight from
Mr Bone into building a similar holiday park in China.
BIG4 Holiday Parks chief executive officer Terry Goodall said it has been
a great start for the park and Victoria tourism.
"The success of BIG4 Bellarine has been phenomenal and we are so proud to
have them on board. The Bones have built a state-of-the-art park in just
six months, which offers outstanding facilities for holidaymakers at an
affordable price," he added.
BIG4 Bellarine's extensive facilities include a 1.2km purpose-built
walking/bike track, an indoor heated pool complex, water playground and
water slide, children's playground, full size footy goal posts, two giant
jumping pillows, croquet lawn, bocce court, indoor children's playroom,
cinema room, kids' club and a range of local activities nearby.
Tim and Sophie also co-own Tim's parent's BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park,
which was the first in Australia to gain the environmental benchmark of
Green Globe 21.
