THE Big4 River Myall Holiday Resort in Bulahdelah has been named the NSW Holiday Park of the Year in the less than 100 sites category.

Winners were announced recently at the NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association Awards at Randwick Racecourse, with park owners Gary and Kim Ekert in attendance.

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“We knew we had made it through as finalists but were completely shocked by the result,” said Mr Ekert.

“There’s about 140 sites in Australia, most in NSW and thousands of other sites and other brands.”

The Ekert’s say they almost stumbled into the holiday park business.

“We were in chicken farming for twenty years and the building industry and were looking for something new,” said Mr Ekert.

“It was almost by accident that we discovered this business opportunity as we’d never been in the tourist industry at all.”

The park-managing pair say it is all about ensuring the visitor experience.

“It’s about visitors (and) what they want and we have tried to accommodate them.

“It was a long learning curve but we built on things as we went along, so on various sites and by being part of the industry group and learning from other business operators,” said Mr Ekert.

Initially, the road to successful park management was a difficult one.

“We went to Council and they told us we’d never get approval, but four years later we got approval,” said Mr Ekert.

“It’s been quite good for the business since the winding back of COVID restrictions and the downturn due to floods and fires.”

Ms Ekert said the park has seen a particular influx of Victorian visitors since restrictions eased.

“They come through and have booked again for next year.

“And they talk on various sites so the word gets out and repeat business is important to us,” she said.

Mr Ekert said they have guests who have visited the park at Bulahdelah fifteen times.

“We have asked our visitors for what they want and we have tried to accommodate what they want.

“They want easy access and great facilities.”

With approval for expansion, the Ekerts are looking at providing an upgraded service for visitors in the future.

By John SAHYOUN