Latest News

January 2012

Cairns Holiday Park hits number one

Cairns Holiday Park has hit the number one spot in its TripAdvisor category, with an overall 5-star rating.
The park beat 76 other specialty lodgings in the tropical northern town to take the coveted top spot.
Park manager Bob Bastian said the park had never received a negative rating on the popular travel website.
“We currently have 99 ratings on the site and 74 of those are excellent,” he said.
“In the five and a half years we have been on TripAdvisor, we have never had a negative review.”
The park is the only accommodation in Cairns that boasts a 5-star average, including the major hotels and B&Bs.
Mr Bastian said the TripAdvisor results were a testament to his great team, who are passionate about delivering memorable experiences for all guests.
“Cairns is thriving right now,” Mr Bastian said.
“It is a great town, with so much to see and do. We love to help guests have the best holiday of their
lives, you will never regret a visit to Cairns.” he said.
Cairns Holiday Park is part of Escape2 Holiday Parks and Resorts, an award-winning company with 12 unique properties spread across five Australian states, proudly managed by ATPM.

November 2011

Fun for everyone at the Lake Somerset Family Festival

More than 2600 happy campers and visitors packed into Lake Somerset Holiday Park on Saturday to enjoy the FREE family festival.
Park lessees Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) threw the park doors open, hosting a massive family fun day to celebrate the recent improvements. Managing Director Steve Billett said the park was a place for everyone to come together and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
“Lake Somerset Holiday Park has always been known as a watersports playground, a place for boaties and fishermen,” he said.
“But the truth is we have so much to offer on dry land as well, and we continually strive to provide memorable experiences for everyone.”
“SEQWater, Somerset Council, the local community and of course our guests have been very supportive of our efforts at the park and we wanted to share the celebrations with them.”
And they sure did celebrate! More than 2600 people passed through the gates to play in the baby animal farm, have their faces painted, enjoy the charity food stalls or have a go on the jumping castle.
The major draw cards were the night-time movie Yogi Bear and the fireworks spectacular.
A great raffle raised money for the Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary to support the vital work they do in the local community. Prizes were generously donated by local businesses.
Mr Billett said the new park features were well received on the day.
“We have four new safari tents with lake views, an 18-hole mini-golf course and a new camp kitchen,” he said.
The safari tents are permanent, furnished tents that sit on the banks of Somerset Dam. They are ideal for those who enjoy the camping experience but don't have the time or energy to deal with a traditional tent.
Each tent features one double bed and one bunk-bed (sleeps 4), a table and four chairs, a bar fridge, bedside table and lamp, tea and coffee making, a power outlet and a front and rear deck.

Lake Somerset Holiday Park celebrates revamp with a FREE family festival

Lake Somerset Holiday Park will celebrate its recent revamp with a FREE family festival on Saturday 19 November 2011. The park will open to the community from 3 pm to 8 pm with a range of free activities for the whole family, finishing with a spectacular fireworks display.
Park lessees Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) are excited to show off the new developments to the local community.
“We are very proud of the work we have done at Lake Somerset Holiday Park,” said Managing Director Steve Billett.
“We have four new safari tents, a new camp kitchen and a mini-golf course that is open for community use.”
“We wanted the park to be a great asset to the local community and I think we have achieved that.”
Families can enter the park free of charge from 3 pm on 19 November 2011 to check out the new developments and enjoy the activities:

	Yogi Bear movie at dusk		Balloon twisting
	Fireworks		Baby animal farm
	Jumping castle		Giant yard games
	Red claw cooking demos		Charity food stalls
	Wakeboard demos		River 94.9FM on site
	Face painting		Prizes and giveaways

The park is centrally located between Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, in the heart of the Valley of the Lakes. Set on 45 hectares on the northern shores of Somerset Dam, the park offers an ideal getaway for families, groups and individuals, and is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, freshwater anglers or those just wanting to relax and unwind amongst nature.

Download the flyer here
Download the Media Release here

October 2011

Award-winning partnership to continue for another three years

The award-winning partnership between Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) and Wyong Shire Council will continue for another three years, it was announced today.
The decision was confirmed at last week’s ordinary Council meeting, where Councillors unanimously voted ATPM to continue the management of its four Central Coast Holiday Parks.
Managing Director Steve Billett said ATPM had built a strong relationship with Council and the local community over the past five years, creating parks that are an asset to the region.
“ATPM and Wyong Shire Council hold similar values and complement each other perfectly,” he said.
“Our dedicated and focused teams work together towards a common goal – to bring visitors to the Central Coast and provide exceptional holiday experiences for them.”
The parks have achieved great things under ATPM’s management over the past five years. Council had the vision to undertake an extensive capital works program that has included resort-style swimming pools, camp kitchens, jumping pillows, new cabins, new receptions and refurbished amenities. The parks have also achieved silver Gumnut Awards and Hunter and Central Coast Tourism Awards.
ATPM will continue their contract with customer-focused policies such as free onsite activities, free wireless internet, free fresh milk and newspapers on arrival to cabin guests, help with parking caravans on site and assistance with forward bookings, tours and attractions.
“This all adds to the customer experience – happy kids, happy parents - a great holiday,” said Mr Billett.
Click here to download pdf

September 2011

Nature Resorts Environmentally Recognised.

Escape2 Holiday Parks and Resorts have achieved a Bronze Gumnut Award for their newly-acquired properties, Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort and Myall Shores Nature Resort.
The NSW resorts became part of the Escape2 group late last year after being in receivership for more than 18 months.
The parks were given the award because they fulfilled the criteria in each of the ten categories.
Managing Director Steve Billett said the company was focusing heavily on environmental initiatives.
“Earlier this year the resorts were ECO-Certified in Nature Tourism, which essentially means that they operate in a natural area and leave minimal impact on the environment,” he said.
“To complement this with a Bronze Gumnut Award is very exciting.”
Mr Billett said the company feels a strong responsibility to nature and are continuing to implement environmental initiatives at the resorts, even down to using environmentally-friendly soap and totally biodegradable shampoo, including the packaging.
The resorts now hope to work towards the next levels of certification.
Click here to download the pdf

July 2011

Successful partnership reaps rewards

The successful partnership between Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) and Wyong Shire Council was highlighted this month when the Council-owned Central Coast Holiday Parks received several awards.
Norah Head Holiday Park took out the Tourist and Caravan Park category of the Hunter and Central Coast Tourism Awards, with Budgewoi Holiday Park, Canton Holiday Park and Toowoon Bay Holiday Park named as finalists. All parks have also had their Gumnut Awards upgraded from bronze to silver.
ATPM has managed the four holiday parks for the past five years on behalf of Wyong Shire Council, forming a strong contractual partnership.
Managing Director Steve Billett said there were many reasons why the holiday parks are such a success.
“Wyong Shire is a progressive Council who are very strategic in developing and implementing a business plan, including capital works,” said Mr Billett.
“They are also very supportive of our rigorous policies and procedures in areas such as operations, customer service, occupational health and safety, environment and finance. These systems have been developed, updated and tweaked over 17 years in the industry and are what set us apart from the pack.”
Mr Billett made special mention of Business Unit Manager Tara Mills and her team for their commitment to adopting and implementing ATPM’s comprehensive systems.
The results speak for themselves, as the Central Coast Holiday Parks gain industry recognition, increase market share and improve the holiday experience of visitors to the Central Coast.

Download the full Media Release Here

New appointments drive vision at Australian Tourist Park Management

Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) Managing Director Steve Billett has today announced two new appointments to his management team.
Scott Hayden has been appointed General Manager of Operations and Compliance while Traci Hayman will take on the role of Human Resource Manager.
Mr Billett said the appointments reflect his company’s commitment to exceptional service delivery for clients and customers.
“These new key appointments have come out of extensive business planning to drive our company into the future,” said Mr Billett.
“They will strengthen our management team to ensure we remain on the industry’s cutting-edge, continuing to provide a one-stop-shop for management, development and marketing,” said Mr Billett.
ATPM’s corporate vision is to be seen as the premier holiday park management and development company by 2013, with seven clear strategies steering the corporate wheel.
Mr Billett said it was an exciting time for ATPM as the company meets the challenges of an increasingly competitive market head-on.
Mr Hayden comes to ATPM with 23 years’ experience in the tourism and business industry, most recently as General Manager of the Gold Coast’s Couran Cove Resort. His role will cover quality assurance, compliance, people management and operations.
Traci Hayman will lead human resources for the company and has a vast range of experience, including Tabcorp, Gold Coast International Hotel and Oceania Aviation Services.
Ms Hayman commences her position this Monday 15 August and Mr Hayden follows on Thursday 18 August.

Download the full Media Release Here

Australia Tourist Park Management on a winning streak

Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) is on a winning streak, with the District Council of Streaky Bay issuing the award-winning company with management rights to the Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park.
The announcement of the three-year deal brings the company’s property portfolio to 27. 13 are operated under the Escape2 brand, with the remaining properties managed on behalf of local and state governments and private owners.
Managing Director Steve Billett said his company was looking forward to working with the District Council of Streaky Bay to manage and improve the park facilities, maintenance and the overall guest experience.
“Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park is a great park in an enviable location right on the beachfront,” said Mr Billett. “It’s one of those iconic locations that everyone would love to visit. The town has so much to offer and this park is the perfect base for the ultimate beachside holiday.”
Mr Billett said his company was looking forward to the challenge of creating a park that will be an asset to the Streaky Bay community.
“We want all of our guests to have a holiday that creates life-long memories, both at the park and in the local community” said Mr Billett. “By providing excellent facilities and hospitality, we hope guests will stay longer at the park and enjoy all that Streaky Bay has to offer.”
Guests will enjoy the special touches that are synonymous with ATPM, such as onsite activities, help with parking caravans on site and assistance with forward bookings, tours and attractions.
ATPM officially commenced management on 1 July 2011. Onsite managers are Darren and Samantha Hawes.

Read the full Media Release Here

May 2011

ATPM exceeds customer expectations

The award-winning Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) has spilled its "secrets to success" at the recent Caravan, RV and Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA) national conference.
Managing Director Steve Billett was invited by the CRVA to share his industry insights with more than 300 delegates in a 40-minute presentation on gaining and retaining customers.
“Our company has been operating for 17 years,” said Mr Billett. “It has grown from a three-person team managing seven tourist parks to a dynamic business with more than 250 people and 30 holiday parks and resorts”.

Read full Media Release Here

Mini Golf opens at Lake Somerset

A brand new mini golf course opened at Lake Somerset Holiday Park this week.
Park manager Katrina Cawley said the 18-hole course is open to park guests and local residents and is already proving popular.
„This great new attraction has added a new dimension to the park,” said Ms Cawley.
“Lake Somerset is known as a watersport playground and it now offers a unique attraction on dry land as well. Park guests are taking full advantage and many local residents are also popping in to see the course.”
Each paying guest at the park will receive one free game per day, with subsequent games charged at $4 each. A game will cost local residents and day visitors $8 each adult, $4 each child or $20 for a family of four.
Lake Somerset Holiday Park is one of 12 properties in the Escape2 Holiday Parks and Resorts group, known for offering exceptional outdoor getaways with outstanding facilities and hospitality.

Vibrant holiday destination for Portland

Portland is set to gain a vibrant new holiday destination, after Glenelg Shire Council awarded the 21-year lease of Portland Bay Holiday Park to Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM).

ATPM has been successfully managing the park for the past two years and will now embark on a capital works program aimed at providing a sustainable future for the park, the city of Portland and the Glenelg Shire.

ATPM Managing Director Steve Billett said the 3 star park is ideally located to become an iconic holiday destination.

“The park has a prime cliff-top location, but its facilities have become outdated and it’s not living up to its full potential,” said Mr Billett.

“We want to create a park that will be a great asset to this wonderful city and ensure a sustainable future for the caravan and camping industry. In conjunction with Council’s Coastal Infrastructure Plan, these works will make Portland and the Shire, a premier tourist destination”

The Coastal Infrastructure Plan will create a dynamic environment where an international port operates in harmony with recreational users of the foreshore. The park will be developed to complement the new foreshore, taking advantage of walkways and views.

“Council adopted a masterplan and business plan before advertising the park tender,” said Mr Billett.

“This provides clear direction for the future of the park and helps to ensure its long-term viability. It makes it easier for our company to deliver the outcome that Council and the community want.”

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL PRESS RELEASE

New lease of life for NSW resorts

Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) has taken ownership of two NSW resorts, bringing them out of insolvency.
Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort and Myall Shores Nature Resort have been in receivership since May last year, following the collapse of the Mariner Coastal Land Fund, which had owned the properties.
ATPM Managing Director Steve Billett said the company was excited about the purchases with plans already in place to upgrade the existing resort assets.
“These magnificent resorts have been unable to reach their full potential,” said Mr Billett.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL PRESS RELEASE

ATPM Workers Think Outside the Box

ATPM staff are settling into their brand new state of the art office at Coolangatta. And we made it into the local paper!
Click here to read the Tweed Border Mail article

Work starts on Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park

Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) has commenced its capital works program at Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park.
ATPM secured a 20-year lease for the park in October 2008, with the District Council of Victor Harbor granting approval for the progressive capital works program.
General Manager of Operations and Development Andrew Chapman said the first round of works were well underway.  

“Site works have been completed for eight new two-bedroom deluxe water view cabins, which are expected late October,” said Mr Chapman.
“We have also completed site works and services for 20 new ensuite studio rooms, to be installed at the end of this month.”
A new heated swimming pool is under construction and the amenities upgrade is nearly complete.

Other works include two new camp kitchens, new ensuite sites and the siting of a new community building featuring a kitchen, a games room and a television/meeting room. New solar lighting and a rainwater tanks will also be installed.

All works will be conducted under ATPM’s policy of environmentally sensitive planning and design.  All ATPM parks follow a strict environmental management plan, which covers ecological sustainability, water and energy saving techniques, as well as waste management policies.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL PRESS RELEASE

16 Years A Success

Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) turns 16 in September and has a lot to celebrate. A small business success story, it has grown from a three-person team in 1994 to a multi-million dollar operation with more than 250 staff and contractors.

ATPM founder and director John Tilton started the company in 1994 to manage Gold Coast City Council’s seven tourist parks. His small team produced excellent results, prompting other councils, governments and industry to seek him out for advice. “We started to receive calls from Western Australia, Victoria, all over Australia,”  John said.  “Councils and governments wanted advice on successfully managing their holiday parks. It was a bit of a niche market and our team had in-depth knowledge and experience in the area.”

The company steadily progressed, and in 2007 a new business plan was developed and the company rebranded. John said this was when things really took off.  At a time when most companies were making cutbacks, ATPM was, and still is, growing. “From the time of our rebranding in 2007, we have increased our parks from 21 to 30 and our turnover by millions,” said John.

The company now manages or leases 30 parks in five Australian states and is considered a leader in the industry. Its suite of services include park leasing, contract management, holiday park redevelopment, design of park facilities, full consulting services, and preparation of management contracts and plans. Its most recent acquisitions, Murramarang Beach Resort and Myall Shores Resort in New South Wales, will expose the company to a new market with their conference facilities and nature-flavour. It has also been announced that ATPM will continue to manage Echuca Holiday Park for the next seven years, after successfully managing it for the past five. A great birthday present for a true Australian success story.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL PRESS RELEASE

Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) has secured a 40 year lease to develop and operate the Port Arthur Garden Point Caravan Park located near the culturally significant Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania.

28 June 2010
The lease is a coup for ATPM and means that they now operate in five Australian states.
Managing Director Steve Billett said that ATPM is excited at the prospect of developing this unique site. 

“This is a truly exciting project,” said Mr Billett.

“Not only is it our first park in Tasmania, but the site has immense historical and cultural significance for Tasmania and Australia.  We are committed to ensuring these elements are themed through the parks development whilst still appreciating the tranquillity of the natural surrounds to create a piece of paradise in Port Arthur.”

ATPM will implement a significant staged capital works program over the first six years to develop and upgrade the park. It will compliment the other tourist operators in the region and serve as the perfect base for visitors to enjoy all that Port Arthur has to offer.

The park will be eco-flavoured and focus on the Tasman Peninsula’s ‘immersion in nature’ experience, with eco cabins and tents on offer.
Guests will be able to enjoy a range of adventures and activities that celebrate the region’s natural, cultural and historical elements.  

ATPM officially take over the park on 1 September 2010.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL PRESS RELEASE

ATPM awarded management contract of BIG4 Sydney Lakeside.

Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM) was today awarded the tender to partner Pittwater Council in managing and developing their multi award winning holiday park, BIG4 Sydney Lakeside.
ATPM Managing Director Steve Billett said the company was looking forward to the challenge of managing the only caravan park on Sydney’s famous northern beaches.  “Not only is Sydney Lakeside a great park with an enviable reputation, but it also presents a fantastic opportunity for ATPM to partner with another progressive client, Pittwater Council” said Mr Billett.   
“Our dedicated team are confident in building on the excellent reputation that the park currently enjoys and implementing the Plan of Management with Council”.

ATPM would like to acknowledge the efforts of the outgoing managers John and Karen Dineen, who have managed the park since 1999.
“John and Karen have contributed immensely to establishing the profile and reputation of this park and are to be commended for their efforts,” said Mr Billett.
ATPM provides a wide range of services to the caravan park industry and has successfully operated under a multiple facilities model for 16 years. The company has grown from its first management contract of seven holiday parks to currently managing or owning 28 parks throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
The past 16 years have allowed ATPM to become experts in all facets of tourist park management, including full contract management, marketing, occupational health and safety and tourist park design.

The company has a proven track record of increasing park revenue, occupancy and yields. They are well known for their professional service standards and award-winning cabin and facility designs for local and semi-government bodies across Australia.