Thou Walla Holiday Park – Strategic Review & Opportunities Plan

Thou Walla Holiday Park, Port Stephens. Image Credit - Beachside Holiday Parks

Client: Port Stephens Council / Beachside Holiday Parks
Location: Soldiers Point, Port Stephens
Services: Strategic Review, Site Assessment, Experience Planning, Development Pathway

Salt Tree Advisory was engaged by Port Stephens Council to undertake a strategic review of Thou Walla Holiday Park and develop a targeted opportunities plan to guide future upgrades, guest-experience improvements and staged capital works. The project required a clear, structured approach to understanding the site’s existing strengths - including its coastal bush setting, water views, sunset outlooks and proximity to marina, beaches and local attractions - and identifying where practical enhancements could unlock further value.

Using Salt Tree Advisory’s “three connection experiences” (connecting with nature, connecting with others, and connecting with the local area), we assessed the park’s cabins, glamping tents, circulation, communal areas, landscape, cultural setting and guest touchpoints. Our work highlighted priority opportunities such as enhancing cabin and glamping decks for nature immersive experiences, creating a more purposeful sunset gathering precinct (sundowners), improving wayfinding to surrounding attractions, and subtly incorporating Indigenous cultural interpretation in collaboration with the Worimi community.

The review also outlined short, medium and longer term development initiatives, grouped into practical work packages to support efficient planning, design, approvals and delivery. This included recommendations on architectural support, sequencing of capital works, integration of guest-experience upgrades, and early-stage considerations for accessibility and future cabin typologies.

Salt Tree Advisory provided Port Stephens Council with a clear, actionable roadmap that aligns physical improvements with guest needs, operational practicalities and the unique character of the site - supporting a more cohesive, high quality and sustainable long term vision for Thou Walla Holiday Park.