Over a decade ago Dan and Ainsley O’Bryan could never have imaged the journey that was ahead of them as they took ownership of BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill, located on the banks of the mighty Murray River in Victoria.

Dan and Ainsley originated from Ballarat. Dan, a builder by trade and Ainsley a registered nurse.  Dan had previous caravan park exposure, having owned and operated BIG4 Swan Hill.  From the beginning, they had their eyes set on BIG4 Riverside (previously Riverside Caravan Park).  They could see the potential (although there was lots of work to be done before that would be reached).  “We made the move from the cooler climate of Ballarat to sunny Swan Hill and were greeted with a run-down, dusty old caravan park” Ainsley said.  “However we saw the potential the park had with its prime location in the centre of town with pristine river frontage, so armed with a vision for excellence we set to work.”  Within the first two (2) years of owning the park, they built a brand new reception, an onsite café, a new pool, refurbished the amenities blocks, built a new machinery shed and completed major electrical upgrades across the park.

BIG4 Riverside has a long and illustrious history of providing great holiday accommodation options for great people!  BIG4 Riverside aims to provide the best in customer service and quality accommodation and is proud to have been recognised on both a state and national level over the years for these qualities (including 3rd place at the illustrious Victorian Tourism Awards).  The park was originally built on 6.5 acres of lush grassland in the 1960’s at the historic site of the region’s first hospital, which opened there is September 1860. 

The family quickly decided to make the park a member of BIG4 Holiday Park’s Australia marketing franchise group, as it was clear the brand was at the forefront of innovation and promotion of holiday parks.   This has been a positive experience on every level and given the park further exposure in an ever developing and highly competitive market.

BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill offers a broad range of accommodation options ranging from powered sites through to the luxury river edge cabins.  To further enhance their accommodation offering, they also have an incredible range of facilities available for guests during their stay.  From riverside fishing, pump tracks, jumping pillow, a swimming pool and retail therapy, BIG4 Riverside has it all – and something for everyone!  They have spent the past 10 years creating a first-class park experience complemented by strong relationships with local tourism attractions including the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement (adjacent to the park).  They also offer golf packages in partnership with the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, and special experiences for families and couples in association with various holidays and festivals held locally.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to help our guests create memories that will last a lifetime” said Dan O’Bryan, Owner Operator BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill.  “We will continue to provide the simple country hospitality in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that people have grown to love”.

There are so many highlights of this 10 year journey that it is hard to pinpoint just one.  However, the installation of the Luxury River Edge Cabin was incredibly exciting and opened up an entirely new market, that being the wedding market along with young couples escaping the city.  Along with this was the addition of their on-site café – a big hit amongst the guests!

It is hard to say where their journey will take them next however investment in the park is always the top priority.  Continual upgrades of amenities and accommodation are top of mind, along with maintaining great relationships with new and repeat guests.  The park means everything to their family and children and hope their guests continue to feel the same!