Before you book a caravan site

Describe your setup, then ask which site fits

Start with a short description of your caravan and travelling party. Give the park the overall caravan length, including the drawbar and rear-mounted equipment, plus the width needed when set up. Add the tow vehicle, awning and any fold-out beds to the conversation. Ask for confirmation that the proposed site can accommodate that whole setup.

Site categories can have their own size limits. For example, BIG4 Emu Beach's small powered-site page includes the drawbar and rear-mounted items in its stated length limit. Treat that as a reason to check the measurement used by your chosen park, rather than assuming every park measures sites the same way.

• What are the usable dimensions of the site being offered?
• Where will the tow vehicle and awning fit?
• Is the site surface suitable for the setup you have described?
• Is a particular site confirmed, or is it only a request?

Source: BIG4 Emu Beach: small powered sites, dimensions and pet conditions

Source: BIG4 Rainbow Beach: powered slab sites, arrival and booking policies

Plan the first hour after arrival

Ask about check-in times, reception hours and what to do if you expect to arrive later. Explain any access requirements and ask how to reach the allocated site. Keep the park's directions and contact details with your booking information.

Review the inclusions for the exact site category. Rainbow Beach's powered slab listing, for example, lists its site features separately from check-in and reception hours. Ask your park about power, water and wastewater arrangements, connection locations, shared facilities and any extra charges instead of relying on the word ‘powered’ alone.

• Confirm arrival and departure times, including any agreed exceptions.
• Ask which connections are available at the site and where they are located.
• Check bathrooms, laundry, camp kitchen and any accessibility requirements.
• Ask whether facilities have limited hours or planned closures during your stay.

Source: BIG4 Rainbow Beach: powered slab sites, arrival and booking policies

Check pet acceptance for this stay

A pet-friendly label is a starting point for a conversation. The published policies at Emu Beach and Rainbow Beach include conditions tied to dates, accommodation choices or park approval. Check the policy for your exact stay and tell the park which pet you intend to bring.

Ask for the answer in writing with your reservation details. Confirm any fees, where pets may go and which arrangements the park requires. Recheck if you change dates or site type; do not carry an earlier answer across to a different booking.

• Is your pet accepted on this site for these dates?
• Is advance approval or a separate booking process required?
• What restrictions and additional charges apply?

Source: BIG4 Emu Beach: small powered sites, dimensions and pet conditions

Source: BIG4 Rainbow Beach: powered slab sites, arrival and booking policies

Keep the details together before you commit

Request a written summary of your dates, site type, guest numbers, included services and total price. Read the deposit, payment, change and cancellation conditions attached to the rate you are considering. Ask about anything unclear before paying.

Published conditions can distinguish between ordinary and peak-period bookings, as Rainbow Beach's booking policy does. Use the terms supplied for your own dates and rate. Keep any agreed pet approval, access arrangements and site requests beside the confirmation so you can refer to one complete record.

• Match the arrival and departure dates to your plans.
• Check the total, included guests and any extra charges.
• Record payment deadlines and how to request a change or cancellation.
• Keep written answers to the questions that matter for your stay.

Source: BIG4 Rainbow Beach: powered slab sites, arrival and booking policies