Last Tuesday Prime Tourist Park, Victoria’s first and only child-free and dog-friendly accommodation, celebrated the official opening of its newly renovated accessible holiday cottage.
The event was attended by Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, who officially opened the cottage and spoke about the importance of persistence for small business owners, as well as the role of government funding in fostering local business confidence and economic growth. Located just 300 metres from the heart of Lakes Entrance, Prime Tourist Park is already a popular choice among dog owners who value a peaceful, child-free environment. With two cottages, including the newly renovated all-abilities cottage, two cabins and two on-site vans, all of which allow trained dogs inside, the park has become a haven for guests seeking a unique, dog-friendly holiday experience.
The park also features 32 dog-friendly, kid-free caravan sites, some large enough for vans over 10 metres.
During the opening, the park’s owners expressed their gratitude to the team of local contractors and tradespeople who made the renovation possible, including Belinda Stewart, whose design expertise helped transform the original plans into reality, builders Greg, Ryan, and Charlie for their craftsmanship, and the park’s loyal plumber Jared Fekete and electrician Luke from Voltage Electrics, who ensured that all work was completed on schedule.
Mandy from Lakes Entrance Tile and Carpet Centre was also acknowledged for her contribution to the cottage’s stylish flooring.
The newly opened Accessible Holiday Cottage is a much-needed addition to the region’s accommodation offerings, addressing the shortage of accessible options for traveller’s with disabilities.
The park’s owners stressed that this project was made possible by meeting the criteria for the Federal Government’s Caravan Parks Grant Program, which came after a strategic decision to restructure the park and create 40 tourist sites.
Mr Chester emphasised the importance of initiatives like this for the local economy.
“Small business owners who persist with their dreams are vital to our communities. The influx of funding from local, state, and federal governments creates trust and confidence, encouraging them to invest in their own enterprises, which has a ripple effect on the local economy,” he said.
The park’s co-owner, Sandi Hutchins, shared the vision behind Prime Tourist Park.
“We wanted to offer a child-free environment where our guests can enjoy quality time together with their pooches,” she said.
“Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic retreat or an individual looking for a peaceful escape, we provide a welcoming, relaxing experience with a focus on old-fashioned, friendly service and the highest standards of cleanliness all at a reasonable cost.”
Prime Tourist Park also boasts a wide range of facilities, including a quiet outdoor area with a crystal-clear swimming pool over the summer months, communal barbecue areas, a fire pit, camp kitchen and guest laundry with a pet-specific washing machine.
The park offers on-site doggy day-care, a coin-operated hydro-bath for pets, an off-leash area with fresh water and toys, and five boat-parking sites available for hire.
