At Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat in Airlie Beach, turning a challenge into an opportunity has proven to be a winning strategy for the team. Faced with the park’s three oldest, most poorly rated cabins, often described by guests as “dated” and “worn”, Park Manager Mel Berriman and her team decided it was time to get creative. 

The result? Kipara’s first-ever pet-friendly cabins, launched in August that have been a huge success! 

By reimagining these cabins as the perfect spot for pet-loving travellers, Kipara has welcomed a whole new audience to the park. The move was met with a lot of enthusiasm from previous and potential guests who expressed excitement about finally being able to bring their furry (or feathered) companions on holiday.

Since their opening, Kipara’s pet-friendly cabins have seen nearly 100 bookings in just three months. Guests have arrived with their dogs and even a blue and gold macaw named Rex. 

While the primary goal was to appeal to pet owners and boost bookings, a surprising benefit has emerged. The sentiment surrounding these cabins has completely shifted. 

“Guests no longer see these cabins as ‘old’ or ‘outdated’,” says Mel. “Instead, they see them as an amazing offering that adds value to their experience. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch how quickly perceptions have changed.” 

From worst to best 

Before the pet-friendly conversion, reviews for these cabins highlighted their tired appearance and dated amenities. Now, glowing feedback floods in from grateful travellers excited to bring their pets on their adventures. 

One recent guest shared, “Fantastic place to stay if you have pets. Friendly staff and great pool facilities.” 

Another said, “This place is absolutely amazing! Best part is it’s pet friendly.” 

This transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of creative thinking when it comes to older park amenities.

Creative thinking across our parks

Kipara isn’t the only example of innovation in action. At Lake Colac Holiday Park, Park Manager Craig has found an engaging way to turn dated ensuite sites into a memorable guest experience before they’re scheduled for renovation. 

Guests are encouraged to leave messages on the doors, turning them into a quirky, interactive feature. Despite their run-down appearance, the ensuites have become a guest favourite, earning rave reviews for their charm and humour. 

These examples demonstrate that rethinking how we present older facilities can lead to unexpected benefits, not just in guest satisfaction but also in operational success. 

“Turning our oldest cabins into pet-friendly options has not only boosted bookings but completely changed the way guests feel about staying in them,” says Mel. “It’s a win-win for everyone!” 

Do you have underperforming cabins or amenities in your park? With a bit of creativity and strategic marketing, they could become your next success story. 

For support in developing and promoting new ideas, reach out to Ash Hobson for marketing assistance at: ahobson@belgraviapro.com.au

• Explore our career opportunities.
• Learn more about our people.