Experience the Magic of Ballarat

Nestled on the picturesque Avenue of Honour, just a short drive from Ballarat’s vibrant city centre, BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park is a premier destination for creating unforgettable family memories. This award-winning park offers a tranquil and relaxing escape from the everyday hustle, providing an ideal base for exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Victoria’s Goldfields region.

The park is renowned for its exceptional, modern facilities designed to cater to every traveller. One of the standout features is the impressive indoor heated swimming pool and spa complex, which includes a big screen TV for entertainment while you swim. For kids, there’s a fantastic playground, and for pet owners, the park is a true standout. The innovative ‘BIG PAWS’ pet-friendly precinct features securely fenced sites with astro turf and a dedicated off-leash area with a chemical-free swimming pond for dogs, ensuring your furry friends have as much fun as you do.

The accommodation options are extensive, ranging from luxury two- and three-bedroom cabins to spacious powered sites suitable for caravans, motorhomes, and tents. The powered sites are well-grassed and protected by a shady canopy of trees, offering a comfortable and sheltered spot for your setup. Guests consistently praise the park’s immaculate amenities, including the clean and heated toilet blocks and a well-equipped camp kitchen with barbecue facilities. The friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to assist with your stay, from late arrival arrangements to local recommendations.

Its convenient location on the Avenue of Honour means you are only minutes from major tourist attractions like the world-famous Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Wildlife Park, and Lake Wendouree. Whether you’re seeking a short weekend getaway or an extended holiday, BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park combines a serene, rural feel with top-tier facilities and easy access to all the region has to offer, making it the perfect choice for your next Victorian adventure.

Park Information and Features

Rating: ★★★★★ (10 out of 10 based on user reviews)

Suitable for: Families, couples, and travellers with pets.

Number of Sites: The park offers a variety of cabins and numerous powered sites. (No specific total number found online).

Site Surface: Primarily grassed and some with concrete slabs.

Pet Friendly: Yes, BIG4 Ballarat Windmill is highly pet-friendly with a dedicated ‘BIG PAWS’ precinct. This area includes securely fenced pet-friendly powered sites, cabins, and an off-leash area with a dog-friendly swimming billabong.

Mobile Phone Coverage: Telstra and Optus generally have good coverage. Free WiFi is also available in public areas.

Generator Use: Generators are not permitted in the park without express permission from management.

Open Fires: Only contained gas barbecues and cooking equipment are permitted. No open fires.

Park Facilities

• Indoor heated pool and spa with big screen TV
• Indoor recreation room with pool table, air hockey, and foosball
• Securely fenced pet-friendly powered sites and cabins
• Off-leash dog area with swimming billabong
• Dog wash station
• Adventure playground
• Camp kitchen and BBQ facilities
• Herb garden for guests
• Modern and heated amenity blocks
• Free WiFi in public areas
• Laundry facilities
• Dump point for RVs

Essentials to Bring

• Warm layers and waterproof jackets (especially in cooler months)
• Sturdy shoes for walking and exploring
• Your own cooking equipment (BBQs and camp kitchen available)
• A dog bed and food/water bowls if you have a pet
• Swimming gear for the heated pool

Local Attractions & Walks

• Sovereign Hill: A living museum presenting Ballarat’s gold rush story. (Approx. 10-15 minute drive)
• Ballarat Wildlife Park: Get up close with native Australian animals. (Approx. 5-10 minute drive)
• Lake Wendouree: Enjoy a scenic walk, cycle, or picnic around the lake. (Approx. 10 minute drive)
• Gardens Precinct: Includes the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Prime Ministers Avenue. (Approx. 10 minute drive)
• Skipton Rail Trail: A popular dog-friendly path for walks and cycling. (Accessible nearby)

Places to Eat & Pubs

• Aunty Jacks: A popular brewpub with great food. (Approx. 15-20 minute drive)
• Ballarat Steakhouse: Known for quality steaks and a warm atmosphere. (Approx. 15-20 minute drive)
• The Provincial Hotel: A classic pub in the heart of Ballarat. (Approx. 15-20 minute drive)

Nearby Caravan Parks and Campgrounds

Alternate Caravan Parks

• Shady Acres Caravan Park: A peaceful bush setting in Warrenheip. (Approx. 10-15 minute drive)
• Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park: Located near Sovereign Hill. (Approx. 15-20 minute drive)
• Ballarat Tourist Park: Central location near Lake Wendouree. (Approx. 15-20 minute drive)

Nearest Free Campgrounds

Please note that free campgrounds are located in more remote areas and may have limited facilities. Always check for fire restrictions before visiting.

• Richards Campground, Mt Cole State Forest: (Approx. 1 hour drive)
• Ditchfields Campground, Mt Cole State Forest: (Approx. 1 hour drive)
• Smiths Bridge Campground, Mt Cole State Forest: (Approx. 1 hour drive)

Nearby Dump Points

• BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park: The park has an on-site dump point for guests.
• Ballarat Transfer Station: 119 Gillies St South, Alfredton. (Approx. 5 km)
• Lake Esmond: Dump point is available at the Lake Esmond Park carpark. (Approx. 8 km)
• Ballarat Tourist Park: 1162 Howitt St, Wendouree. (Approx. 10 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Ballarat has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Be prepared for chilly weather, especially during winter and at night.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild and pleasant with average maximums of 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and crisp with average highs around 18°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet with average maximums of 10°C, often with frosts and occasional snow.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Warming up with average highs around 17°C, but still can be quite cold and windy.

Location & Access

BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park is located at 56 Remembrance Drive, Cardigan, VIC. The park is easily accessible via the Western Freeway (A8).

GPS Coordinates: -37.539486989937224, 143.78189767115668