Grey nomads rule ... but for how long?
Is the grey nomad ‘era’ about to be superseded by an unprecedented influx of caravanning couples, families … and international travellers?
Well, there are plenty of industry experts who think so. In a challenging economic climate, it seems the freedom, flexibility and affordability of touring holidays is encouraging growing numbers of couples – particularly between the ages of 25 and 40 – and young families to hit the road.
“Some tourist and holiday parks have invested significant amounts of money to completely transform themselves and attract the couples and young families, as well as the grey nomads,” Caravanning Queensland chief executive, Ron Chapman, told the Fraser Coast Chronicle. “This means many tourist and holiday parks now feature a range of accommodation, from tent and caravan sites through to deluxe cabins, as well as playgrounds, pools, sports facilities and organised holiday activities.”
And statistics show that it’s not just Aussie travellers who are falling for the charms of a ‘camping’ holiday. Almost one in 10 international tourists now spend at least one night of their Australian stay in a tourist park.
The soaring Aussie dollar is part of the explanation. Visitors from Britain, Europe, New Zealand and North America want to make their weakened pounds, Euros and dollars go further. And the number of Asian ‘campers’, particularly from China, is also growing.
The Caravan, Camping and Touring Industry says it is currently developing self-drive motor-home packages with Chinese travel companies.
“We have seen some interest from very innovative wholesalers in the China market,” the organisation’s NSW CEO, Lyndal Gray, told the Daily Telegraph. “We also think there’s some opportunity in the cabin type accommodation … lying back in your cabin with kangaroos in the park is a really quintessentially Australian experience.”
Do you think the mix of visitors at Australian caravan parks and camping areas is changing? Comment below.
grey nomads rule…..but for how long? there is some increase from our overseas visitors. Yes times are changing, how nice of them to enjoy what we have to offer.
I think it is well worth sharing what we adopt “nomads rule” . if this means better rv parks etc we all benefit from improvements in these areas from encouraging more visitors. is it time to update our past, and look forward to new ideas with visitors experiences and stories too? It might be what the industry needs? hmmmm!
All grey nomads are not rich baby boomers some of us are pensioners trying to enjoy what is left of our lives having worked all our lives before the time of super and sold our homes before the boom, the cost of some caravan parks is getting way above our budgets hence we like to free camp, but that is also being closed to us now the caravan parks have gotten greedy, I know they have invested a lot of money but some of us just want a site, power maybe a concrete slab and clean ammenties, not fancy pools and playgrounds Why can’t someone start up a chain of parks for nomads, just think of the savings in insurance fees which i am sure must be expensive with playgrounds etc
I second this 100%. how do we get the message across?
I certainly agree with the comment that caravan parks are becoming far too expensive for some of the grey nomads. Many have gone to a great deal of expense to equip themselves so as to not need all the extras that these parks have on offer . I am 65 and I can’t see myself in a playground or even perhaps a swimming pool with a bunch of kids . What is needed are parks for the likes of many of the nomads that are basic or just above . Amenities[ shower ,toilet , washing machine ], a nice grassy site, perhaps a cement slab [for rainy days] , power and water , plus a dump point. Is that too difficult . It would save money for us and whoever provided the same . A big convenience would be drive thru sites. Enough said , why would the big 4 parks provide such for us when they can make $65 TO 100 PER NIGHT PEAK SEASON . Its all about money
I think that maybe the so-called experts need to go caravanning now and then. We have just come back from 10 days on the Eyre Peninsula and I would like a dollar for every grey nomad I met or passed. We are about to take off up the middle then to QLD I would bet that we will travel with, meet or pass so many grey nomads that we will lose count.
Just our thoughts
Terry and Raelene
Being a pensioner couple we find that most parks have out priced themselves as far as pensioner travelers go,we stay in free camps as much as we can to save up for our next drive and will keep doing that as rental housing prices have gone stupid here in WA so it looks like we will be in our caravan for a long time yet but enjoying the life.
lets hope that we see more CP’s expand and have areas that cater for all sorts of RVers and tourists. Imagine more CP’s with space set aside for those wanting to almost free camp at $10/nite, then powered sites at whatever price, through to the luxury cabins. something for all to be enjoyed. With all the influx of RVers around the nation, imagine what the CP’s could do if they were more flexible in their approach to get the tourist business dollar. Imagine some of the deals they could do in their off seasons…..anyway I am rambling here. Cheers, Bob.
I saw some pigs flying last night
I would think most park operators are also good business operators, For their investment they would follow trends & cater for their best return on capital. I know I would, & have done similar in the past. My observations are that caravan parks in the east are seemingly much more family orientated, offering better & upgraded facilities & attractions for all the family. While the caravan parks in the north west & west are seemingly catering more & more to the demands of the mining industries. Neither direction, however, caters to my needs & thus I exercise my personal choice & seldom if ever frequent caravan parks. This way we both win, I camp where I want & am happy with my lot & the caravan parks look to be getting a better return on capital & are happy with their lot.
terry
I think it’s great that caravan parks are diversifying and catering to the demands of younger people. I just don’t understand why they then want to force us (self contained grey nomads) into the space they have created for families and younger people with kids.
Grey Nomads not need worry…There are far too many of us to ignore by anybody….As soon as One dies there’s always replacements
Yes Jimbo I agree there will always be another one to take the place yep
I heard of a caravan park (wish I could remember which one) that was making available some sites, free of charge, to self-contained and independently powered motorhomes and vans. I think that’s a brilliant idea. They can still make money out of their kiosk and laundry etc. But I think it’s beneficial to their town too.
i agree with all the comments on c/p are correct we need to be cattered for there is very few places we can stay at for free,my small moter home is like many self contained yet to go to a c/p you have to pay a the same price as one that needs all there fasilaties ,,not right in my opinion
Move over grey nomads there is another generation caravanning Australia and enjoying it.