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The Big 4 Lake Maraboon in Emerald, is in a perfect spot. Out of town and next to Lake Maraboon. We booked a site here a few days before arriving. Yet again, I’m so glad we did, as it’s a popular place. Previously we have stayed in Emerald at the Emerald RV Camp & Park. Located closer to town this is another great park.
Before arriving at Big 4 Lake Maraboon we crossed the Fairbairn Dam. The road over it was highly elevated, narrow and very unexpected. Absolutely fine to travel over although we used an alternative road to head in to town and to leave.
The friendly staff welcomed me when I arrived at the reception and gave me instructions on how to find our site. I remember hearing her say “ Helipad” but didn’t think anything of it. Thankfully, like a lot of parks, they gave me a map. I’m so glad they did as it’s a huge park.
Driving past cabins and caravans we drove to our site. Our site was indeed on the Helipad. Yes really!! There was a grass roundabout with a large square concrete slab with a large “H” on it. Pulling up on one side of the helipad and using is as our slab. Obviously this is no longer used as a helipad!
As we were on a island and surrounded by caravans, we did feel like we stuck out like a sore thumb but we got used to it. I think we were given this spot as when I booked online you get a choice of 20ft van or less or a 25ft or less. Our van is 21ft so I think we were given a spot for large rigs. Next time I would call and book as our van would have fit in one of the sites overlooking Lake Maraboon.
Big 4 Lake Maraboon has a beautiful view of the lake, if you’re in the right site. From our spot on the helipad we did get glimpses of the water and sunset.
You’ll find a couple amenities blocks in the park. The ones near our camp looked updated. Not that we normally uses them but I did use the washing machine and dryer this time. After leaving Larry’s Job on the sheep station in Bourke NSW, we hadn’t done any washing. The washer was $4 and it was nice to get the laundry done so quickly.
Alternatively, If you don’t have your own on board facilities, you can book an On-suite site.
As with the amenities the Big 4 Lake Maraboon has a couple of camp kitchens. The one opposite ours had a large BBQ, kettle, toaster, fridge picnic benches and a sink. Just outside the kitchen was a lovely fire pit which one of the other campers lit each night.
Meeting other campers, it seem many come back each year and know each other. Returning for a few weeks or months at a time. A testament to the parks friendliness and location.
The park has an area where campers and there dog family can park. As well as having an enclosed area for your dog to run around freely they have a BBQ area. Unlike the other camp kitchens/BBQ areas this is open air in the dog friendly area.
One of the draw cards for us was the fact this caravan park had a cafe. Unfortunately as they were short staffed they were not opening in the morning. Also they were only doing pizzas in the evening. Our first night we decided to go to the cafe for pizza, ordering before 4pm as requested. The cafe has plenty of seating but we chose to sit out on the deck.
The deck has a lovely view over lake Maraboon and over the pool area. This is a licensed cafe so I got a wine and Larry a beer. They also do cocktails if you fancy one.
You can order your pizza as a take away if you want to take it back to camp or don’t think you’ll finish it like me. We got the Roadkill pizza which is a meat lovers (no real roadkill don’t worry)
Lake Maraboon is stocked with eight different types of fish including Barramundi. Red Claw Crayfish is also in abundance. Heaps of keen fisherman had boats with them at this Big 4, if you don’t, you can hire one. Not into fishing? Hire a Kayak and just enjoy the water. A couple of kids trikes were also spotted at the reception also for hire.
Have a stroll down to the lake or have a short drive. There are BBQ’s by the lake as well as undercover picnic benches. Signs say you can swim here which would be lovely in the summer.
While we were enjoying our drinks on the deck I posted some photos and put them on my Facebook page. One of Larry’s mates who lives in Emerald spotted where we were and invited us around. We had a drive to their place for a catch up which made a nice change after being out Back O’ Bourke with no one around.
I also got the chance to pop in to a proper shop, all be it Big W. Also, popping in to woollies for a fresh loaf. It’s the simple things!
The first time we were in Emerald we did go and see the big easel. It’s a 25 metres high painting of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. You can also see Emerald Botanical Gardens while your out and about.
The Big 4 Lake Maraboon is one we would recommend and we would definitely stay again.
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