Overview – Silversands Tourist Park
Welcome to the ultimate Lakes Entrance Travel Guide, crafted to provide you with the best insights for your visit.
Words and Photos: John Westbury.
On the way back from NSW we stopped in at Lakes Entrance before heading home. We had passed through Lakes a few times but never had stayed. So, where? I remembered that What’s Up Downunder worked closely with Kui Parks who have parks Australia-wide. A quick check in their directory showed me Silversands Tourist Park, and being close to everything we would need I made a booking for our Lakes Entrance journey.
I received a warm welcome with big smiles from Terry Semmens on arrival, who along with his wife Robyn own and run Silversands and have done so for over four decades. Terry was the founder of Top Tourist Parks, so, when it comes to owning and running a park, he and Robyn know what tourists of all ages want in the way of good customer service.
Guided to Your Site
After completing all booking in details Terry or Robyn show each visitor to their site or cabin and explain all they need to know. When I told Terry I had a camera on my van he said “you won’t need it, just follow my directions”. After three turns of the steering wheel I was on site. I also watched Robyn instruct a first-time caravanner and within minutes they were comfortable on their site, which is one of the highlights of this Lakes Entrance travel experience.
Silver Sands Tourist Park has many unique features I’d never seen before. It has 32 power sites, most are slab sites and four are drive through. Each one has its own extendable clothes line! There are 11 cabins plus two disabled units which are mobility friendly in many ways. These cabins and units have incredible comforts-even have two TVs, one in the lounge and the other in the bedroom. There is also free WiFi across the park with excellent reception.
Climate-Controlled Amenities
The park has three pools: a “bubby’s” pool, “toddlers” pool and of course an adult one, such a good idea. There are two camp kitchens with everything you need, a table tennis area, playground, a good-size function room that will cater for 25 people which also has a BBQ and toilet facility, and a well-presented laundry.
The amenities are superb. How you know you feel in winter after a nice hot shower and then step out into the cold? You won’t, at Silversands! Nor will you feel the heat after a cool shower in summer! Both ladies and gents have split system air-conditioning to take away that worry. I should also add the toilets and showers are spotless, something that is sure to be mentioned in any Lakes Entrance travel guide.
Walk to Everywhere
It was great to see caravanners from different places staying at the park. Colin and Lorna Helmers and their furry friend gave it a big thumbs up and Robert from Tasmania said it was one of the best parks he and his wife had ever stayed at.
Other travellers from NSW, Queensland or doing the big lap said they would certainly return. The park is a short walk to the foreshore. There are plenty of take-aways, supermarkets, service stations, camping accessory stores and good restaurants nearby. If you are a seafood fan I suggest visiting the Sea Shanty. I totally enjoyed a seafood chowder as recommended by Terry and Robyn who I joined there for dinner. Your Lakes Entrance travel experience wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local fare.
Why Lakes Entrance?
Lakes Entrance is a popular holiday destination along the Victorian Gippsland Lakes, and has been a favourite among many travellers over the years. The climate there is special, summer heat is tempered by the ocean breeze, and winters are mild with plenty of sunshine, enabling you to stay active all year round. This Lakes Entrance travel guide will help you discover so much to enjoy.
Water wherever you turn, sheltered coastal lakes, tranquil rivers, rolling breakers and beaches that go on forever. The fishing is great from shore or boat. So, now is the time to book well ahead for the forthcoming holidays-you may even find a spot for Christmas or New Years if you act fast enough.
