18 Jun 2020
If you want to know the ins and outs of being a Park Manager with Discovery Parks, Tristan McLachlan is the man to see! Starting with Discovery four years ago, Tristan manages two parks at Woodman Point and Coogee Beach in Western Australia and is also a trainer for new Park Managers joining the company – a role which has taken him to places like Broome and Kalgoorlie to share his expertise.
Woodman Point is just over 30 minutes from Perth and Tristan tells us it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle while being close to everything you need: “Even if you live in Perth you can come here and feel like you are miles away from everything, but the shops are just down the road.”
The town comes with a rich history and Tristan says history buffs will love exploring the 54-hectare national park and heritage-listed bunkers, a throwback to the town’s time as a World War II munitions store. It’s also the gateway to famous Rottnest Island and the park offers pick up and drop off for the Rottnest Express ferry.
Part of the fun of running a holiday park is meeting the guests and hearing their stories, and Tristan’s top tip for getting together in park is Saturday morning breakfast with the park’s permanent residents. Three dollars gets you a bacon and egg roll and a coffee, with a side of great conversation! The park also boasts its own movie outdoor movie theatre and the 12-foot inflatable screen is a huge hit with the kids who love watching movies on the grass at night.
When he’s not working Tristan loves to get out and about exploring Rottnest and Fremantle with his wife Katy and two boys, Hudson (6) and Tanner (3). His favourite local place to visit is Little Creatures Brewing in Fremantle, where you can enjoy delicious craft beer and a bite to eat or take the full brewery tour. Closer to home, it’s about riding motocross with his kids or taking the boat out fishing.
Quick Q&A with Tristan
What is the one essential thing that every holiday maker should pack?
Mosquito repellent.
What is your top camping tip or hack for guests?
Doritos are great for kindling to start a fire if you have no small wood (for parks that allow fires).
What’s your favourite road trip song?
Cosby Sweater by Hilltop Hoods
Other than your park, what is your favourite park in the Discovery Park network and why?
Discovery Parks – Bunbury Foreshore. The kids love it and the location is awesome for exploring the South West.
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Come say G’DAY to your Fremantle regional tour guide Tristin.
Book your Discovery Parks – Woodman Point Stay
Book your Discovery Parks – Coogee Beach Stay
