SKENES CREEK BEACHFRONT PARK

We used the site for one night with our motorhome. We arrived late, but there were clear arrival instructions and site map. Toilets and kitchen facilities were good.

While location is described as "The park has absolute beach frontage, so you'll fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing as all sites are close to the beach. With a small number of sites, the campground is a cosy place to stay, making it a good idea to reserve your place early". While yes you can hear the sea there is no view. This was disappointing. The pitch allocated was relatively small. The whole site felt like there were to many motorhomes and tents crammed in. I would describe the site as overcrowded, not "cosy" I have been on many sites that are beter spaced out.

Cramped, can hardly put a small van and Ute on site. Couldn’t back in well because no room and vechile everywhere, however we were told to
Move our Ute a couple of feet as we were over our space. Amenities are new, but needed cleaning more often as obviously a busy time. Left a day early. Been to better free parks. They didn’t miss you on the $$&& though. Not even water tap on unpowered site!

This was a challenging review to give. I don't like to say bad things about places, unless they are deserving. I'll keep this as short as I can. Firstly, the good stuff. New bathrooms and kitchen and proximity to the beach, this is what is great about the place. Now the not so positive.

Upon checking in, we were met by a vacant couple which it soon became apparent were the site managers, a husband and wife team.

They were busy being confused with each other until they noticed our presence. Once served we were directed where to go and made our way to our site. The site was already occupied. Another guest had not followed directions and decided to park next to their friends which had been requested in their booking, but was not arranged by the site manager despite multiple requests leading up to their arrival.

No drama, show me where else we can set up.

We were given a vacant spot and after setting up, were told that we might need to swap sites again, to which I requested that the manager did everything she could to avoid that. Our booking was only for 4 days and packing up out kit only to roll it out would take a day of holidaying from us.

Sure enough, 2 nights in, or our 3rd morning, we were asked to move, to which we refused. The reason for the move was because the site I had been given, belonged to a regular camper who always has that site. My response to that was " is my new business currency worth less than a long term camper currency"? A fairly loud and turbulent verbal discussion ensued and was dissolved by a neighbouring long term camper who came to the manager with a solution.

The experience was further dampened because the site they had given us was on the beach side next to a thoroughfare. My partner went for a stroll down the beach, bare foot, as he passed the boundary line, he stood on something sharp. Upon investigation, he discovered an old rusty fence line had been buried by the drifting sand. We started digging and discovered the entire fence line had just been squashed down and there were sharp rusty points just centimetres below and bad accident waiting to happen. With eyes on alert, we then saw the post that had once been attached to the fence, it was studded with snips of stapled metal, rusted and sharp, just waiting for a child to pass by too close and tear open an arm.

We reported this to the manager, they quickly removed the metal from the post and dug the dune up to remove all of the fence line. But the concerning aspect about this for me is that NO ONE in management identified this risk to begin with. Negligent to say the least.

Moving on to the final concerning piece was when I was taking a shower. I came out wrapped in a towel, to find the husband of the management team, wandering in the ladies facilities, changing toilet roles. Now I am no prude, but what I find utterly worrisome about this is that there were also children and young women using the facilities. Their privacy was violated and their safety at risk. Whilst I understand that facilities need to be tended to. There was no announcement and he did not make himself known. Choosing to change the loo roles at the busiest time of the day just further reflects the lack of concern that management have for their guests and the guest experience.

My complaint was drafted in an email, outline all the concerns and I didn't receive acknowledgement let alone a response.

So, if you want somewhere cheap to stay, go here, but remember, you get what you pay for.

All the lovely long term guests I spoke with during our stay all carried the same sentiment that it's not as good as it used to be, since Parks Victoria purchased the site, the bureaucracy and old complacent blokes making decisions has a ripple effect down to the end users.us consumers.so we should vote with our dollar and find somewhere else to stay.

New bathrooms and kitchen facilities are great, apart from pointless security codes on bathrooms. Can hear the ocean all night. 5 mins to apollo bay. Sites are cramped and damp and staff hassle you all day for no reason so good luck finding peace and quiet. Small place overall and overpriced.

Dog friendly location with new facilities. This caravan park is great, small number of sites gives it a good community feel, with just a single road for access.
Four beach access lanes gives great access to the creek and beach.

Sites are not huge, so book/enquire ahead if you have a large van!

It's a quaint little park located right on the beach. Unfortunately the manager was very grumpy and we never felt welcomed at all. He would basically grunt at you when you asked a question and upon leaving never bothered to return a wave. Our group stayed there to do the Otway Odessy mountain bike race up in Forrest. We normally stay at Wonky Stables in Forrest but this has also changed ownership and was fully booked. The facilities were nice and modern but the manager could certainly do with a course on his interpersonal skills. I never had that experience when speaking to the lady on the phone in making my booking. She was helpful, friendly and very efficient. Based on the grumpiness of the manager, I'd think twice about going back and $60 a night is pretty pricey for a powered site that offers nothing for kids besides a beach which we couldn't use since it rained most of Saturday and into Sunday.

Amenities have been updated in Dec 2022, the whole park is very well maintained and campers where very friendly, though management kept close eye on all to ensure everyone was catered for. Camp sites are very small though, we had to request a double site so our camper could fit without impacting on neighbours, though thus was quickly rectified and wasn't an issue for management to do so.

Amazingly located on beach front access.

Would recommend, however this park is popular so advice to book early on peak times. There is ice here.

Thank you for having us

I’ve been coming to skeens creek for about 12 years, as much as I absolutely love the new facilities, which were really needed! I found the owners/ caretakers to be a bit grumpy.my daughter climbed up onto the railing at the office (like any child would do) and I got scolded at.then it was no open fires. I feel the vibe of the place has gone! Nothing better than sitting at a small fire on a chilly night.it’s unfortunate. It’s still a very beautiful spot! And I do recommend it to all.
I just feel sometimes all the rules and regulations spoil it a bit…

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay, I wish we stayed longer. Perfect location for the family 10 min from the township. Water is amazing, great amenities awesome service by reception, totally going there again.

Excellent place. Right on a great beach. New, clean bathroom and kitchen block. Very friendly management. Personally came to check everything was ok. Dog friendly, kid friendly, we will be back!

Heaven.nature, surf, sand.great management.the best place to camp ever.experience the best camping experience

Well, you can't camp much closer to the beach! Just a short walk (50 m) to the waterline. Staff are friendly, security are on their job. Lovely.

Great little camp spot with beach & small creek to kayak in, tidy ammenties & shops in the next town Apollo bay for all your basic needs.
Good atomosphere & a really helpful camp ground manager who gave a site in on peak times.
Would definitely camp there again.
Thanks for the experience Skenes creek

What can we say, ripper place to stay. We loved staying at this park so much so we booked for later in the year. The staff Alex and Michael were friendly, beach front camping. A chilled vibe with friendly campers. Definitely would recommend for those who love to take their best mate (dogs) and human kind along with them.
Thanks guys for a great break from the hustle and bustle.
Jody and Lex.

The beach was our backyard, handy when we were in 5 day lockdown, you could almost cast a rod from our caravan, now surely that would have been allowed Dan. Loved the shower amenities, took me back to the 70's when I was a kid, still functional but most importantly very clean. Hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did

Well, you can't camp much closer to the beach! Just a short walk (50 m) to the waterline. Staff are friendly, security are on their job. Lovely.

Great comfortable caravan park prices good owners great and had this friendly magpie that jumped threw car then on my head so funny

Great location. The manager Charlie is odd and some comments were weird. But once you get past that, the location more than cancels the oddness out.
Enjoy your stay.

Great beachside camping spot. Friendly and helpful staff and ability to have dogs and a campfire is a major bonus. Only a few minutes drive from Otway hikes or food and fun in Apollo Bay. Very quiet at night (except for the sound of the waves).

A terrible and rude manager. If your ethnic is not Australian, this man will be very rude and insulting with you. I won't go there. I wonder why there is still racism in the 21st century.