Our Story – Big Valley Campsite… Where did it all start?

To start every great story there has to be a beginning. For the Silverthorne family, life on the farm (where Big Valley is situated) began in 1948…

Big Valley Campsite would have to wait for two generations to pass through the land before its own story could begin and has now moved into its second generation of family making the farm see four generations of the Silverthorne family.

The entire property used to be dense bush just as the neighbours block still is to the east of our entrance road. In 1928 during group settlement the Jennings family started to clear the land in an attempt to make it a productive farm.  In 1930, the Silverthorne family moved from Kojonup (216 Km East of here) to a block next door.

Across Rosa Brook Road there was another family known as the Summers. At this point you may think that the story is running off track but ironically just off that track would be where young son Lindsay Silverthorne would meet the neighbours daughter Hazel Summers.

Lindsay and Hazel would then clear the land between their parents farms to make it their own. The Jennings family home had burnt down (this was situated where our bottom camp shed now sits.) leaving them nowhere to live. This was no issue of course as they cut another group settlement house in half to move it four kilometers to the farm. Not an easy task in 1948! This is the old house in the middle of the campsite still being lived in to this day.

The property would continue to grow as Lindsay and Hazel purchased small adjoining bush blocks which they would have one year to clear and fence off or the government would take it back. Over the years clearing the land they had three girls and one boy named Kevin Silverthorne.

In 1972 Kevin was trying out his dance moves and wiggled his hips across the dance floor toward a local farmers daughter named Shelley Worgan. Both Shelley and Kevin, having a great passion for the land, purchased the farm from Lindsay and Hazel in 1977. This 525 acres included Hazels’ family farm on the other side of the Rosa Brook Road. Over the next few years Kevin and Shelley purchased a further 175 acres, running their 2000 corriedales and harvesting their own hay. The next step in the Silverthorne family tree was the birth of daughters Kylie and Megan.

1992 saw sheep and cattle markets crash with prices dropping dramatically Australia wide resulting in most farmers in the district turning to alternate sources of income or selling their farm. Most of these farmers turned to growing grapes although this would not be the path for Kevin and Shelley, consequently making the hard choice to cut 30 acres off the farm to sell and help get them and their sheep through the year. Unexpectedly an opportunity arose to use a section of the farm to start a campsite where the ground was unsuitable for agriculture. This would then become….

THE BEGINNING OF BIG VALLEY CAMPSITE.

Big valley started with just one camp shed, this was adequate for the school groups and clubs that came to stay mostly from Perth. In 1998 the influx of backpacker tour companies would bring travellers for a one night stay on their way around the country. This created the need for a second
camp shed which was named after the staffy cross dog, Muzza, who was always there to welcome them and keep them company. There were approximately five of these tour companies operating when on September 11, 2001 the world came to a halt resulting in insurance prices rocketing, forcing almost all these tour companies and the school trips to end.

Thankfully at this time the vineyards were thriving and needing more and more workers who came to us again in the form of backpackers. This time though instead of a quick one night stay they would stay in the area for three months. For most international travellers this grants them their second year visa to see more of our beautiful country.

Along with these workers were more and more general nomads thanks to someone putting us in the Camps 3 Australia Wide book. This advertising accompanied by word of mouth, led to us becoming so busy that the Margaret River Shire approached us requesting that we get an upgraded licence which enabled us to be then recognised as a Caravan Park in 2010.

Since this time with the help of Wikicamps,  travellers reviews and comments to other travellers on the road we have become a buzzing hub of nomads and weekend holiday makers eager to explore what the Margaret River Region has to offer.

We strive to keep Big Valley Campsite as a casual family friendly atmosphere with its rustic charms on a family run working sheep farm.

Big Valley Campsite history
Big Valley history margaret river
The story behind Big Valley Campsite
Our Story at Big Valley margaret river

A Fabulous Stay – Views, Friendly Staff, and Amazing Lamb Products!

We just spent 6 weeks at this campsite. It was wonderful. From the views to the friendly staff to the lamb products available at the office . An all round fabulous place. Close to Margaret River town amongst many other little towns and wineries. Do yourself a favour and book here you won't regret it. Thanks for our amazing time. We will be back ?

Nicola M - December 2024 (Google)

Extended My Stay Twice – Didn’t Want to Leave!

Loved it here, extended my stay twice. Didn't want to leave. A lovely farm property. They cater for people with dogs & kids. Sheep, Guinea pigs etc. Dog park. Grassy and beautiful. Very peaceful. So a little further out of town, but totally worth it. I would highly recommend and would definitely stay there again when next in this area.

Deb L – November 2024 (Google)

Beautiful, Tranquil, and Perfect for Families!

We loved our stay here at Big Valley!! The farm is beautiful and tranquil, the staff are super friendly and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome! The amenities are lovely and kept very clean and the farm has a natural charm with animals for the kids. Fantastic location close to town, beautiful beaches, wineries and breweries at your door step. We highly recommend and look forward to coming back.

Kirralee C – November 2024 (Google)

A Peaceful Gem with Stunning Scenery!

Big Valley Campsite is a gem! Clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery make it perfect for a peaceful getaway. Loved the calm, natural vibe. Highly recommend for a relaxing escape!

Camila P – October 2024 (Google)

Amazing Place with Clean Facilities and Friendly Owners!

What an amazing place , quiet and peaceful. Emus , Guinea pigs, and sheep running around. The owners are amazing with guides of where to go and visit. Facilities are clean and well kept

Graham D – October 2024 (Google)

Perfect for Families – Guinea Pigs, Great Amenities, and Lovely Staff!

Nice camping site here with nothing to complain about. Kids would love the guinea pig here as they get to pat them between the morning and afternoon session, while there are more roaming around freely near the shed. Amenities are well maintained. The staff are lovely. Would stay here if we visit Margaret River again. Thanks ?

Wei Jainn G – September 2024 (Google)

Very relaxing. Great location.

Great stay of 6 nights. Our caravan club enjoyed our stay. Great location to visit the surrounding areas. Camp kitchen great although a little exposed to the wind. Facilities clean, staff friendly. The fire pit in season is fantastic and you can hire your own little pits for your site if wanted.

Amanda G – November 2024 (Trip Advisor)

A beautiful spot to relax

We have camped at Big Valley over the years, taking camper trailers and more recently a caravan.  Always a pleasure to stay here, facilities are always clean and in keeping with the working farm location. We've never had noise issues, and the staff have always been very friendly and helpful.

Djac70 – March 2024 (Trip Advisor)

Lovely Views, Friendly Wildlife, and Spotless Facilities!

What a lovely place to spend a few days. We did not have great weather but the view from our annexe (on a very large site) watching the sheep, llamas and visits from so many birds definitely made up for it. The facilities are excellent and always spotlessly clean - highly recommended.

Julie S – November 2024 (Hip Camp)

Great Fun for the Kids and Excellent Facilities!

Good size sites, good facilities and great fun for the kids. We will be back.

Jake M – November 2024 (Hip Camp)

Super friendly staff

Easy to find, simple to check in, very friendly staff. Sites well laid out and good amenities. Showers nice and hot. Sheep feeding and Guinea pigs were nice for the baby to see. Would stay again. ??

Tom D – November 2024 (Hip Camp)

A Beautiful Farm Stay with Private Tent Sites and a Fantastic Dog Run!

A beautiful farm. The tent sites have a pleasant amount of privacy with hedges planted between which was a wonderful change to many other sites. And the dog run?!?! What an unexpected gem! Thanks

Evan W – November 2024 (Hip Camp)

First Time Camping!

Took my new partner who has not been camping before, to ease her into the camping lifestyle. The site was beautiful and the amenities all fantastic. A trouble free and well-located campsite that made the whole time we stayed a joy. Highly recommended. Thanks

Colin S – October 2024 (Hip Camp)

A Relaxed and Low-Key Getaway with Lovely Staff!

Big Valley was a breath of fresh air and exactly what we were looking for, somewhere low key and relaxed outside of a busy caravan park. The staff were lovely, and the kids adored the guinea pigs

Tatts – December 2024 (WIKI Camps)

Peaceful, Spacious, and Dog-Friendly!

Great Spot – peaceful and spacious. Dog friendly with large off leash dog run or drive was with country valley views for lead walks. Clean toilets and showers. Friendly atmosphere. Glad this was our pick for Marg River Region.

Troopin2023 – November 2024 (WIKI Camps)

A Pet-Friendly Haven in a Beautiful Part of the World!

What a lovely environment the family have created. So grateful to have been able to stay here fo a couple of nights. We were going to boycott Margaret River as we couldn’t find pet friendly accommodation until we found this place! Visited some local wineries and shops, beaches. Beautiful Park of the world. Very friendly staff and animals. Would highly recommend.

Nellsbells – October 2024 (WIKI Camps)

Extended Our Stay – Perfect Spot with a Relaxed Farm Vibe!

We booked for 7 nights and extended our stay to 10. The owners were very helpful obliging and friendly. This was the perfect spot to explore the area in a relax and informal setting. Being amongst the sheep, farm animals and birds was a delight. Highly recommended. Amenities were always clean. Great vibe here 5 stars!

Chook49 – September 2024 (WIKI Camps)
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