Townsville Hospital is the same with family not being allowed to wait around. Birth suite has a tiny waiting room and it is meant to be a place that support people can go to heat up food for themselves, get ice or just have a bit of time out so they don't want people in there waiting.

As frustrating as it is for people not to be allowed to wait, labour can be quite long so they will probably more comfortable waiting for a call from home. It also gives you and your DH some time alone with your baby, and you the opportunity to have a shower before you have visitors.

Townsville Hospital did allow some visitors up in birth suite after the birth when the mum is ready for them. Tara, if you parents don't want to wait till visiting hours, and you are happy to have them up for a visit, they may be allowed up to birth suite to see the baby after everything is over. Might be worth asking the hospital about it.