Can families really have it all on holiday — camping adventures, holiday celebrations AND resort-style luxury? We go glamping on the Gold Coast at the new safari retreats at BIG4 Gold Coast to find out.
Camping has always held a certain simplistic charm. Fresh air, starry nights, enjoying the outdoors and slowing down. Plus, it has always been a budget-friendly way for families to unwind from the world and reconnect with each other. But let’s be honest: it also comes with a fair share of inconveniences. Wrestling with tent poles, braving a midnight dash to the amenities block, or cramming the car with everything from air mattresses to eskies doesn’t exactly scream ‘holiday’ for the grown-ups!
But, with the perfect fusion of luxury and adventure, glamping offers families the joy of the outdoors with all the creature comforts of a boutique stay. And on the Gold Coast, the new safari retreats at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park take camping to another level, seamlessly blending a nature-immersed experience with high-end design.
No caravan. No stress. Just a glass of wine in hand, the kids happily exploring, and you relaxing on the deck overlooking Saltwater Creek. This isn’t just camping… It’s outdoor holidays reimagined.
A four-poster bed is the ultimate in luxury when glamping on the Gold Coast at Big4.
Step inside the family safari retreat
The first surprise about BIG4’s safari retreats is that they barely resemble tents at all. Sure, the canvas exterior gives a nod to the traditional camping set-up, but step inside and you’re greeted with a thoughtfully designed retreat. Sleeping up to six, the tents feature a queen bed, two single beds, and a bunk bed, making them ideal for families with a mix of little ones and older children.
Each tent has been custom-built with style in mind, with saloon-style timber doors, custom furniture, and a clever bed nook that feels both cosy and fun for kids. A full bathroom (yes, with proper plumbing) means hot showers on demand, and the well-appointed kitchenette has everything from a fridge and microwave to cutlery, crockery and even a toaster.
But, like all camping escapes, it’s outside where the magic really happens, and the safari retreats do not disappoint. The deck comes complete with a sumptuous outdoor lounge for lazy afternoons. Relax under the open sky while birds chatter in the trees gives these new retreats their x-factor.
For families, this set-up means comfort for the adults and adventure for the kids. Parents can relax with a view over the river, while children still get that camping thrill of being “out in nature.” And unlike traditional camping, you won’t be sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Reverse-cycle air conditioning keeps the space comfortable year-round, and with all linen included, there’s no last-minute scramble to pack sheets or towels.
The busy holiday park has also added two 3-Bedroom Deluxe Retreats (sleep 10) and two 2-Bedroom Villas to its growing accommodation options, making it an option for even more families this summer.
Kids in bed in the family glamping tents at Big4 Gold Coast
Beyond the tents at BIG4 Gold Coast
Of course, glamping on the Gold Coast at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is about more than just where you sleep. This is a destination that’s built for families.
At the heart of the park is the water park, a towering play structure boasting more than 300 metres of slides. From twisting aquatubes to the multi-lane racer slide, kids of all ages (and their parents) will happily spend hours here. The tipping bucket is a favourite with kids, and the poolside cabanas with QR code ordering are a highlight for the parents.
Beside the water park is a tropical resort-style pool and spa, perfect for families who prefer a slower pace. The pool is heated for year-round swimming, while the oversized spa offers the ultimate unwind after a busy day exploring.
Younger children aren’t forgotten either, with an eco-friendly playground made from recycled materials. Featuring climbing nets, swings, a double cableway and even bouldering blocks, it encourages active play while teaching little ones about sustainability.
When hunger strikes, the on-site Nibbles Café is a saviour for parents who’d rather skip the cooking. Serving everything from stone-fired pizzas and burgers to seafood specials and a solid kids’ menu, it’s relaxed, affordable, and family-friendly. For those who prefer to whip up a meal themselves, the camp kitchen and BBQ areas are large, well-equipped and perfect for a communal cook-up.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park also offers a full-size basketball court, frisbee golf, a giant jumping pillow, and the delightful Magic Express train ride, which winds its way through the park’s leafy grounds. Add in free WiFi, spotless amenities, and a commercial-size laundry (with complimentary detergent), and you’ve got a park that blends convenience with entertainment.
Perhaps best of all, the location couldn’t be more convenient. Just minutes from the Gold Coast’s biggest attractions — Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Dreamworld and Australian Outback Spectacular — it’s the ultimate launchpad for a family adventure. Yet, because the park sits on 32 acres of landscaped grounds, it still feels tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The jumping pillow at Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Glamping on the Gold Coast that celebrates every season
In addition to the regular activities and entertainment on offer, BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park goes all out for every special occasion, transforming the park into a festive hub throughout the year.
At Christmas, the park becomes a sun-kissed tropical wonderland. Guests can stroll beneath twinkling lights, join in Christmas crafts and ornament-making, and decorate their cabin or campsite to spread the cheer. Santa himself drops by for photos and festive wishes, while outdoor movies and balmy summer nights make it a Christmas celebration like no other.
Come Easter, families can hop into a world of pastel-coloured delights with the park’s annual Easter Extravaganza. Kids can take part in egg hunts, meet the Easter Bunny, and join in creative crafts, games, and even a costume parade. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the long weekend and welcome the new season in true family style.
Halloween brings a playful dose of spooky fun as the park transforms into a realm of eerie enchantment, with trick-or-treat trails, spooky decorations, ghoulish arts and crafts, and the always-popular Monster Mash disco. Guests are encouraged to decorate their sites or cabins and join in the frightfully fun spirit of the night.
And when New Year’s Eve rolls around, BIG4 Gold Coast makes sure families ring in the new year with a bang — literally — with food trucks, live entertainment, a DJ disco, and a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the summer sky.
So, is it really possible to combine the best of camping with a great holiday for everyone? At BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, the answer is a resounding yes.
Outdoor kitchen at Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Safari Retreat highlights
- Sleeps up to six (queen bed, two singles, bunk bed)
- Ensuite bathroom with hot shower, shampoo and conditioner included
- Kitchenette with fridge, microwave, crockery and cooking utensils
- Reverse-cycle air conditioning and heating
- Linen and towels provided
- Deck with lounge and river views
- Separate living and dining space with TV
- Smoke-free, modern, 4-star comfort
