Back in 2019, when interstate travel was a much easier affair, we travelled to Darwin and spent a month exploring this beautiful and interesting part of Australia.
While there, we chose the Hidden Valley Holiday Park as our home base for a number of weeks, here are our thoughts.
WHY WE CHOSE HIDDEN VALLEY HOLIDAY PARK
Like many people, we turned to the internet to find a place to stay. Hidden Valley Holiday Park offered a large number of Powered Ensuite sites, which was a must for us, as we like to have our own shower and toilet when travelling.
The park is nestled in a quiet street off the Stuart Highway and is around 10 minutes drive to the Darwin CBD, so it’s well-positioned. It is also close to the Darwin Airport for those coming by plane, and there is even a shuttle bus available.
When we arrived, we found the ensuite sites were nothing like we had ever seen before! Not only did you have power, toilet/shower, and basin – there was also an extra room that could be used for storage, the basin was extra large and we had our own clothesline. It was oustanding, we were able to secure our items in a lockable storage area.
The park is green and tranquil. The original, well-established section is lush and well shaded. The newer area (opened 2019) was still being established with some shaded sites and grass areas, but it had generous-sized sites.
The park also offers all the facilities you expect in a Holiday park – a fully equipped camp kitchen (with large fridge, hotplates, microwave, toaster, kettle, TV, and undercover seating), free BBQ areas, guest amenity buildings, guest laundry, picnic areas, playground, dump point, and free WIFI. The park also has a lovely pool for guests to use with plenty of sun lounges to relax on. Unfortunately, there are no pets allowed at this park so they will have to stay home.
During the “Dry season” (May – October) the park also offers an onsite café- “Hidden Delights Cafe” The perfect place to start your day with breakfast and a real coffee, or unwind with friends over dinner. (Alcohol is BYO). Live entertainment is regularly offered at the café as well.
The staff at the reception desk are wonderfully helpful, and can even assist you with booking for local attractions such as barramundi fishing tours, Crocodile Cruise, Litchfield National park tours, and more.
We stayed during the peak season (June/July), and found the cost quite reasonable too. To view the map of the park click HERE.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
There are PLENTY of accommodation options to choose from at the Hidden Valley Holiday Park, with something to suit all requirements and set-ups.
Everything from tropical villas, to unpowered camps sites, are available. There are sites to accommodate those pitching a tent, or pulling a large camper trailer, and everything in-between.
Here are just a few of the options available for those camping or towing their home;
Ensuite Powered Sites
Whether you are in a tent or an RV, a powered ensuite site adds a touch of luxury and a lot of convenience to your stay. Each ensuite is roomy and lockable, with all the features you’d expect- a shower, basin, and toilet. There’s also extra storage space which is convenient for those planning a longer stay. As both power and water are included in the price of your stay, this is a good option for long-term guests (they even say you can connect up your own washing machine in the storage area if you plan on setting it up for a while!).
The powered ensuite sites are close to the laundry amenities, the camp kitchen, and BBQs as well.
Premium Powered Sites
Spacious sites, well-positioned near all the amenities. There are two types of premium-powered sites, both on ‘eco slabs’ of fine compacted road base, topped with shade cloth on one half of the site.
Premium Slab Sites – Sites are suitable for caravans, tents, and camper trailers.
Premium Super Size Sites – These larger sites accommodate vehicles that are over 30ft in length such as Big Rigs, large caravans, buses, and Motorhomes.
Surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens, the Premium Powered sites are a great spot to kick back and relax.
Powered Grass Sites
The lush landscaped gardens make an ideal backdrop to park your caravan, RV, camper trailer, or pitch a tent. Most sites provide shade and are close to amenities, BBQs, and the camp kitchen.
THINGS TO DO IN DARWIN
· Explore the famous George Brown Darwin Botanic gardens
· Drive to Howards Springs Nature Park
· Lunch at the famous Humpty Doo Hotel
· Take a dip at the Palmerston Water Park
· Explore the night markets in Palmerston & Darwin
· Take a day trip to Litchfield National Park
· Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
· See Darwin’s World War 2 oil storage tunnels
· Visit the Darwin Military Museum
· Lunch at Fanny Bay Beach
· Visit Berry Springs Tavern
Check out Lauren & Greg and their two little gorgeous boys as they travel Oz! Follow Little Van Crew on Instagram.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE PARK
Pros
· Amazing service from all members of staff during our stay.
· Shady sites
· Wicked ensuite sites which suited us as we travelled with our business stock.
· Central location with easy travel into both Palmerston & Darwin.
· Recent expansion of the park to include new caravan sites with camp kitchen & playground.
Cons
· Close to the Airport- While convenient for those who have arrived to Darwin via plane, the close proximity to the airport means you need to be prepared to hear aeroplanes at all hours of the day/night.
· Midges galore – whilst not specific to the Holiday park, because Darwin is in the tropics you will find Midges and Mosquitos can be a nuisance. Repellent is a must. For our tips on protecting yourself, click HERE to read our review of Mangrove Magic Insect Repellant, or as its know as now, Good Riddance Insect Repellant. Or alternatively, check out the Northern Territory, government advice on protecting yourself HERE
· Raceway Noise- When drag races are underway at the nearby Hidden Valley Raceway, you can hear the track noise at the Holiday Park. We are warning you, it can be loud! But don’t let that deter you from staying here!
· Laundry Facilities- Only a small number of washing machines were available in the guest laundry so getting your timing right to score one is key!
Hidden Valley Holiday Park is our number 1 recommended camping accommodation in Darwin. Cool, lush and relaxing, with excellent customer service, we will certainly be staying there again when we next get to visit Darwin. To find out more, or make a booking check out their website.
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