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'A very special
part of the country'
G'Day Group
buys up big in NT
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Mr Wilckens
(left) and Mr Brendan Heenan |
Have your say
THE G'Day Group, owners of iconic Northern
Territory's Kings Canyon Resort and Glen Helen, has acquired the
MacDonnell Range Holiday Park in Alice Springs and Shady Lane Tourist Park
in Katherine, significantly increasing their Territory tourism holding.
The group is the largest regional tourism accommodation provider in
Australia, with more than 300 properties located in all states and
territories.
Focussed on strengthening its offering through the Red Centre and northern
Australia, it also owns El Questro in WA and with properties in Kununurra
and Broome.
"For years we have been trying to grow our offering in the NT," chief
executive Grant Wilckens said, adding that he was thrilled to have such
"fantastic Territory properties" joining the group.
"It is home to some of the best caravanning and camping country in
Australia, and some of the best outdoor experiences to be found in the
world.
"It's a very special part of the country."
He said it was "a huge honour" to be the new owner of the top awarded
MacDonnell Range Holiday Park ... "one of the best parks in the whole of
Australia".
"Brendan Heenan, with great support from his family, has done an
incredible job with this park and is to be congratulated for building it
into such an outstanding property.
"The Katherine property is another great new feather in our cap. Katherine
is becoming a more important NT town and with lots of tourism, government
and defence activity.
'We are aiming to get
people
to stay ... and stay longer'
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"By bringing this property into the network we will be aiming to get more
people to stay, and to stay longer, as they make their way between Alice
Springs and Darwin and vice-versa."
The MacDonnell Range Holiday Park sits on more than 11ha and offers 53
tourist cabins, 16 bunk rooms, 300 tourist sites and 20 long-stay sites.
It has a heated swimming pool, waterslide, gym, BMX track, basketball
court and jumping pillow.
It was bought from Mr Heenan, who said he was handing over the reins to
capable new owners.
"Building the Alice Springs park up to be the best in the Territory and
one of the best in Australia is something I'm very proud of," he said.
"It's taken a lot of work over the past 40 years, and I'm confident I've
found the right buyer to take over my legacy and grow the property to the
next level.
"It's been a wonderful industry to be a part of and I have met and worked
with many amazing people, especially through BIG4 Holiday Parks of
Australia, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and the tourism
industry in the Northern Territory.
"I will continue to be a passionate supporter of tourism in central
Australia and the NT."
The park was bought from Phil and Marianne Bates who said they were keen
to see it flourish with investment from the group.
"I'd love to see the G'day Group grow this property and really market the
destination so people realise just how much there is to see here and why
they need to stay longer," he said
The MacDonnell Range Holiday Park is due to settle in December. Shady Lane
Tourist Park in Katherine will settle in early November.
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Copyright 2005
Dennis Amor All Rights Reserved
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