Other than buying fuel and perhaps a loaf of bread, one of the key ways in which grey nomads say they support rural towns is buy treating themselves to a cup of coffee … and it’s making a difference!
While splashing out $4-plus on a barista-made flat white, cappuccino or latte may not at first glance appear a likely purchase for budget-minded grey nomads, it is quickly becoming the traditional way for caravanners and motorhomers to say ‘thank you’ to the communities that roll out the welcome mat for them.
Not surprisingly, towns that offer visiting grey nomads free or cut-price camping opportunities have reaped the biggest ‘coffee dividend’.
When the Pacific Highway bypassed the tiny New South Wales town of Bulahdelah a few years ago, local residents reacted by transforming a scrubby, lantana-filled patch of land into an attractive, riverfront, 72-hour, free camping spot with barbecue facilities and tables and chairs.
“Bulahdelah might not be quite as busy as it was when the highway went through it, but it is still alive and thriving,” Myall Lakes member, Stephen Bromhead, said at the time. “Grey nomads show their appreciation by shopping at the supermarket, getting a coffee at a cafe, or buying fuel… it is a win-win situation.”
The attitude of veteran grey nomad veteran Kerry Boman is typical.
“Free camping for a cup of coffee … bargain!” he said. “Yes, you can have a cheap cup of coffee in the van, but honestly a nice cuppa paid for and served at the local business works for everyone … plus you never know who you get to chat to.”
So, it’s not just in the wealthy and trendy inner suburbs of our metropolitan centres that the coffee culture is booming.
The ABC recently reported that stylish boutique coffee shops have been springing up in little towns across Outback Queensland … and they are doing a roaring trade, despite the drought and other economic challenges.
Holly Hawkes has just opened The Drawing Board cafe in Blackall, announcing that the “coffee culture is well and truly here”.
And former school principal, Emma Brennan, recently bought the Black Sheep Country Cafe in Charleville’s main street.
“I wouldn’t say it’s drought-proof, people will still go without coffee because it’s those little expenses they will take away,” she told the ABC. “But sometimes, with those expenses, you can talk yourself around.”
Jericho Qld Primary school hold breakfasts each Sunday in the “free” camp and most people support them . Donation left in box for your stay. Win, win for all, as this is a lovely sorry on the river.
We have been on the Coffee track for more than eight years as we look for a good coffee as we “property mind”all over the country areas of Australia – an the coffee gets better the further you get from the cities!
We all win this way
A bakery treat/pie and coffee is always a first morning duty when we a utilising free camp facilities. As self funded retirees it’s just a little thank you to the smaller towns and villages we prefer to visit
We like our coffee and more often than not will call in at a Bakery or Coffee Shop when available. Throw in an Aus Pie or Sausage Roll and/or a loaf of bread and a chat with the locals and we are happy Nomads. We have a limited budget but also believe every little bit helps the economy.