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SAPPHIRE CARAVAN PARK - IT's a Gem
By: John Westbury, January 2011
Ever had one of those days when you have driven 500 plus klms, it's hot and everything that seems to run across the road in front of you has caused even more stress? Added to that you are heading to a caravan park you haven't stayed at before, and are hoping that when you get there you won't have any further problems! This is how I was finding a small part of central Queensland as we headed towards Sapphire, a small town in the middle of the gem fields, about 52-klms west of Emerald, and the Sapphire Caravan Park.
We arrived hot, tired and certainly in need of rest and relaxation. Our hosts, Lee & Norm Fountain who have this independently owned and operated caravan park for nearly 18-months made us very welcome. Norm showed us our site and we couldn't believe what we were already experiencing!
Set in 4-acres of beautiful bushland setting with made roads, 30 spacious powered sites complete with concrete slabs including an extra small slab for van wheels plus power, water and plenty of shade, it was a pleasure setting our van down here! There are also shady campsites and you can enjoy your campfire under th stars.
Although they have only owned Sapphire Caravan Park for a short time, Lee & Norm had travelled around Australia in 2007 with the dream that one day they would own their own park. It was during this trip they gleaned a lot of knowledge as to what travellers look for and want in a good caravan park.
A friend of Norm's phoned him telling him the park was up for sale and if he didn't buy it then he would. Norm looked at it and without any hesitation they purchased it. Like any property you buy, Lee & Norm put their own additional touches to it and made several improvements. Sapphire Caravan Park was put to the hard test of accreditation recently by Triple A Tourism and was awarded 4 star status, but I believe they should have been given 5 stars plus! After setting our van down I remarked to my wife that if it was possible I was hopeful of staying more than the three days we had booked in for. We actually stayed for nine days!
That evening, with a magificent sunset, the wallabies with Joeys in puch came up to their specially desgined feeding area along with a great variety of bird life, and this was a magical touch. Some come up near vans to eat also and seem to love having their photo taken.
We found the amenities block first class and as good as any five star hotel. The laundry was a delight foe the ladies (and the odd bloke), and much laughter was heard amongst the girls as they talked about their trip and husbands (I put it down to secret women's business), but they all enjoyed this.
The camp kitchen with modern appliances, crokery, cutlery and stainless steel equipment can only be described as "fantastic", and the BBQ area "magnificent" with both ideal for those great "Happy Hours". The park also has a great in ground pool with beautiful surroundings for thorough relaxation and is also pet friendly.
Lee & Norm like to "give back" to their guests and so it was that at the conclusion of the annual Gem Festival held not far from Sapphire that they put on a great BBQ night for everyone at their own expense. This was a great night, full of laughter and enjoyment!
The park is located only short distances to the many designated fossicking sites where your dreams of finding the "big one" can come true as we witnessed. The small township has a general store with everything you might want to stock up on as well as medical and other facilities.
We have stayed at many inland caravan parks but have rated Sapphire Caravan Park by far the best! Tariff's are very reasonable comparable to other parks at $25 per night for two people, and, if you stay 6 nights the 7th is FREE!
The park also has a great range of airconditioned modern cabins at very reasonable rates. But, just one warning! If you are going to stay at Sapphire caravan Park you may not want to leave!
To celebrate their forthcoming two years at Sapphire caravan Park, Lee & Norm are giving two luck Whats Up Downunder travellers the chance to stay FREE for three nights (powered site) between October and April by entering a simple competition. Just go the competition section of the Whats Up Downunder web site and tell us "what is the star rating of the Sapphire Caravan Park". Winners will be notified.
For more information on the park go to www.sapphirecaravanpark.com.au
By: John Westbury
