Point Turton Caravan Park crowned SA’s best

South Australia is home to an amazing selection of caravan parks, but SA’s best is not where you would expect it to be. Find out what makes this park so special.

Nestled away on the pristine coast of the Yorke Peninsula, lies South Australia’s best caravan park and maybe the state’s best-kept secret.

Point Turton Caravan Park was voted the state’s best caravan park in the latest installment of the Advertiser’s ‘best of’ series and park managers Malcolm and Dani Wheadon say it’s got everything to do with the location.

“Everything is right at our front door and that stunning view over the bay never gets tired,” the Wheadons said.

Malcolm and Dani Wheadon of Point Turton Caravan Park. Pic: Supplied

“In summer Point Turton is a hot spot for everyone who loves the beach.

“We have the jetty and boat ramp right at our front door for the avid fisherman, beautiful swimming areas nearby, a sheltered bay for kayaking and paddle boarding and of course the famous Flaherty’s Beach, which has been listed among Australia’s best beaches in recent times.”

With 11 years in the industry and six at the helm of Point Turton, the Wheadons’ own love of travel allows them to create a comfortable and memorable experiences for their guests.

“We started in a small council-owned caravan park where we were also responsible for the community swimming pool and recreation facility.

“This provided us with the experience and credentials for a smooth transition into a larger caravan park.

“However, caravan park management is not all sunshine and rainbows but we absolutely love what we do, this park is like our own little community.

“During our time at the Point Turton Caravan Park we have been lucky to have a great support network through the Yorke Peninsula Council, our fantastic staff team and our park guests.”

From a wide range of waterfront sites, deluxe spa cabins and ‘big rig’ sites, the Wheadon’s are busy ensuring guests will remember their stay for years to come, even if that means late nights and early morning calls.

“We could write a novel on interesting caravan park stories, where do we start,” they said.

Point Turton Caravan Park. Picture: Supplied

“Honestly though, even when things don’t go to plan we have always been fortunate that our guests have been very understanding.

“Just another reason why it’s important to build that sense of community so that everyone is well informed when things get a little interesting.”

During the pandemic, caravan parks were hit hard, between dealing with lockdowns and many residents resorting to short term accommodation while they delt with the ongoing rental crisis.

Throughout this, the Wheadon’s commitment to their local community and their travellers has been at the forefront.

“The rental crisis has certainly caused many people hardship and over the past few years we have seen more and more people including singles, couples and families pack up and hit the road full time,” Mrs Wheadon said.

“We are only a small caravan park however we aim to cater for all needs the best we can. “This is something we noticed more-so during the Covid lockdowns where we were able to accommodate full-time travellers who had been displaced.

“It’s important as an industry that we recognise how and where we are able to support those in need.”