Outdoor and communal cooking is a staple of Australian culture. Holiday park managers create a memorable and inclusive guest experience by installing quality barbecue facilities.

Carefully selecting and placing barbecue facilities will encourage their use and contribute to the overall outdoor holiday:

• Choose barbecues that are designed for heavy use and harsh outdoor environments. Domestic barbecues may not withstand the demands of a busy holiday park, so investing in commercial-grade barbecues is crucial.
• Ensure barbecues are fast to clean and in good working order. Surveys have shown that hygiene is the most common barrier to use, resulting in negative customer experiences. Underpowered, old and dated, and poorly maintained barbecues will discourage use.
• Guests want facilities that match other amenities in quality and are easy to operate. International visitors with various cultural food preferences look for cooking options beyond “meat and sausages”. Flat plates allow guests to cook everything from stir-fried dishes to good old English breakfasts.
• Look for barbecues with built-in safety features, which is especially important for elderly users and young children. Christie cooktops have a sterilisation cycle to kill harmful bacteria, a safety cut-off, and shut down automatically after 20 minutes.
• Consider installing or upgrading to accessible barbecue cabinets, which will make the facility inclusive for people with disabilities. Christie Barbecues’ A Series cabinets are wheelchair-accessible and meet strict Disability Discrimination Act standards.
• Smaller groups have different considerations than larger parties, so consider how the facilities will be used.
• For high-volume shared use, locate the barbecue close to multiple sets of tables and seating. Smaller bench spaces will prevent the benchtop from being used as a table and encourage users to return to the picnic tables once cooking is complete.
• Provide a single grill plate with adequate bench space for cabins. Locate tables and seating directly adjacent to the barbecue. Privacy is valued for celebrations and special occasions, so consider plants or other screening materials to provide a sense of seclusion.
• Place barbecues strategically around the park, for example, near the playground, the pool, or the camp kitchen, with high traffic and visibility. This will encourage groups and families to play, cook, and eat together and promote engagement amongst guests.

Nothing builds relationships faster than cooking and sharing food. Providing individual barbecues for cabins and shared facilities in communal areas and camp kitchens allows guests to enjoy an outdoor barbecue experience.