In a move that will no doubt be of more than passing interest to an army of potential developers, one of Queensland’s oldest caravan park is to close.
The 2.5-hectare Newmarket Gardens on Brisbane’s northside first opened all the way back in 1957. Located next to Enoggera Creek and within striking distance of Brisbane CBD, the park has long been a favourite with grey nomads.
Owner Robyn Wright said it was a sad decision to close up, but her husband Derek Rossiter had recently had a health scare and it felt like the right time to call it quits.
While the seven cabins and other fixtures will be sold, there are no immediate plans to sell the property.
“It’s going to be a big change after working seven days a week, 24 hours a day but I treat every change as a step forward,’’ Ms Wright said. “Eventually, the land could possibly go on the market.’’
The ABC reports that the park has become a key part of Newmarket’s community, with Ms Wright saying she was touched by the outpouring of support from locals saddened by the decision to close.
“We are a tourist park, so there’s no residential guests here. We’ve chosen to keep it mainly as sites, we’ve got over 100 sites in the park, all designated for tourists in our city,” Ms Wright told the ABC. “Being inner-city there’s a lot of accommodation available to visitors to Brisbane, so Derek and I stuck with the caravan sites for those wanting more affordable accommodation for their visits — for tents, camper vans, caravans, sleeping in their cars even, to be able to come to Brisbane and stay with us.”
Have stayed at Newmarket Gardens on numerous occasions and always loved it. Staff are great, great for our son to visit because he is based at Ennogera barracks. Easy access to the city. Your health is the most important thing, so you must do what is right for you both. But you shall be sorely missed.
WE HAVE ALSO STAYED THERE A COUPLE OF TIMES FOR ARMY REUNIONS IN BRISBANE VERY CONVIENENT AND ALSO THE MAXI TAXI DRIVER LIVED CLOSE BY WE ARE FROM WA AND OTHERS HAVE COME FROM VIC GREAT MEETING PLACE
We have stayed at Newmarket Gardens several times over the years, it has been a wonderful park, as it is situated so close to Brisbane City and has allowed us to see our children and Grandchildren with ease.
Robyn and Derrick have been very understanding and caring.
This park will be missed by many people, including ourselves.
We wish Robyn and Derrick all the very best for their retirement.
I stayed there whilst I was visiting Queensland and NSW from the UK a couple of years back. Great site and right on the bus route into the centre. Good luck in your retirement
From Pete in Plymouth UK
We have fond memories from NGCP .
Yes we very much enjoyed Newmarket gardens and whilst there we visited EKKA. It is so well positioned for visiting Brisbane -I do hope that another couple will come in to run it, WE would certainly make a return visit. David &Moira Nth. Balwyn