When most of us plan a weekend away, the default options tend to be hotels or Airbnbs. They’re familiar, easy to book, and seem convenient. But what if there’s a better alternative—one that’s cost-effective, packed with activities, just as easy to book and located in places you’d struggle to find an Airbnb or hotel?

I’m Alex Crowden from the BIG4 head office, and that’s exactly what I discovered during a recent stay at BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Eildon with my partner and another couple. Instead of jumping on a plane and heading interstate or paying premium rates for a hotel, we booked a Deluxe Cabin and had a really fun weekend. Here’s why this option deserves a spot at the top of your getaway list.

1. Cost-effective

Travel costs add up fast—flights, accommodation, eating out. By choosing a holiday park cabin, you cut out airfare and often pay less per night than a hotel or Airbnb, especially when splitting costs among friends.

For four people in a hotel, you’re looking at two rooms; this cabin slept up to five. It was spacious, modern, and had everything we needed: a kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living area, a dining table, and a deck for relaxing. Cooking breakfast and dinner at the camp kitchen saved us even more, leaving more room in the budget for a brewery visit and dinner at the local pub.

2. Stay where hotels and short stay accommodation can’t 

One of the biggest perks? Location. Holiday parks are often in stunning spots where hotels are scarce and Airbnbs limited. Eildon is a perfect example—nestled by the river, surrounded by mountains, and just minutes from Lake Eildon. Waking up to that serenity, with nature literally at your doorstep, beats staring at a city street from a hotel window any day.

3. Activities that won’t break the bank 

Affordable fun is one of the things that holiday parks really excel at. At BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks Eildon, we hired pedal karts from reception (a workout and a laugh!), kicked the footy on the grounds, and shot hoops on the basketball court, and some even went in—all for next to nothing. There was a pool, a games room, and plenty of space to unwind. Compare that to a hotel, where entertainment usually means paying for extras or leaving the property.

4. Social spaces to connect 

Hotels can feel isolating, especially when you’ve booked two or more rooms; it’s hard to find a space to hang out in, while some Airbnbs often lack communal areas. Our cabin had a fire pit right out front, and both nights we gathered around it with drinks, music, and toasted way too many marshmallows. Okay, it was basically just me!

We played Scrabble on the deck (I lost), explored the river behind the park, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of being outdoors together, whether going for a walk, chatting while shooting hoops or just sitting on the deck.

5. Local experiences 

Staying at a holiday park doesn’t mean missing out on local attractions. One day, we hit a nearby brewery hosting an Oktoberfest event (note to self: pack lederhosen next time!) and had dinner at the Lake Eildon Hotel. After checking out on Sunday, we chased waterfalls, tried fishing at the lake (but had no luck), and even visited a fish farm where we caught our own dinner, although some of us still struggled to get the fish to bite—not naming any names! These experiences were all within easy reach—no long drives, no hassle.

6. Perfect for groups 

Travelling with friends? A holiday park cabin is ideal. Everyone has space to relax, but you’re still together. You can carpool, pack everything you need, unlike trips on a plane, and it’s easy to cook your own meals.

Splitting costs makes it affordable, and the mix of private and communal areas means you get the best of both worlds. For us, it was the perfect setup—comfortable, social, and stress-free. Not to mention getting a nature fix and, for us inner-city folks, leaving the big smoke behind for a few days to reset.

Your next weekend away, sorted

Next time you’re planning a getaway, before you default to hotels or Airbnbs, check out the BIG4 website and consider booking a cabin or similar accommodation at a holiday park instead. It offers comfort, affordability, and access to incredible locations and activities—all without the hefty price tag or airport queues. Our weekend at BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Eildon proved that sometimes the best escapes are closer and easier than you think.

Book your BIG4 group getaway today

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