Geelong is edging closer to establishing a low-coast camping area, PIC: City of Greater Geelong
The establishment of a low-cost camping site in the north of Geelong has perhaps moved a step closer with the findings of a feasibility study into the idea being released.
With the opening of the new Spirit of Tasmania terminal at Corio Quay later this year expected to bring approximately 25,000 recreational vehicles to the area, the City of Greater Geelong Council has been seeking ways to better cater to travellers’ needs.
The independent review into low-cost camping listed Seagull Paddock as a preferred location.
Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said that the council received 595 responses to public surveys about providing low-camping and amenities in Geelong’s north, including feedback from 405 residents.
“86% of residents supported providing low-cost camping and facilities at a site in North Geelong,” he said. “Councillors will carefully consider the needs of campers and local residents, and the need to reduce the risk of illegal camping and amenity issues.”
Councillors noted the findings of the feasibility study and requested further analysis on the potential operating model for the facility.
They also requested further exploration of the consultant’s preferred location at Seagull Paddock, noting the importance of considering all potential future opportunities for the overall site.
Councillors said that if Seagull Paddock was considered incompatible for low-cost camping when compared to other opportunities for the site currently under investigation, the council should consider calling for expressions of interest from landowners and tenants north of Cowies Creek who may be able to identify an alternate site for low-cost camping in the north of Geelong.
The report forecast that recreational travellers will contribute around $65 a day to the City of Greater Geelong’s economy. It also found that an RV site would support the local tourism industry, which provides jobs for more than 9200 people.
Windermere Ward Councillor Kylie Grzybek said the council needed to consider providing facilities to meet growing demand from recreational vehicles.
“Low-cost camping contributes an average of $1.4 million annually to Geelong’s economy, with spending across our hotels, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions,” she said. We don’t want travellers to miss out on attractions in Geelong’s north such as the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary as well as events such as the Australian International Airshow and the Lara Food and Wine Festival.”
The Spirit of Tasmania is expected to increase tourism expenditure in Geelong by $57.3 million by 2029-30.
Yes definitely.
Both before and after
The Spirit of Tasmania will have to be cheaper for Caravans before we will consider taking ours to Tassie.
Price is the biggest hurdle to saling with a caravan.
Yes, I would have to agree with you Ole, we are pensioners, and it takes a while to save up to be able to cover the cost of the fare over to tasmania.
Most definitely before and after.
Yes of course!
We have camped twice at the showground and would definitely use a low cost facility.
Absolutely. Before and after. Want to ride in You Yangs
Yes
Absolutely! we have a 25’ caravan and would certainly take it to Tassie. The cost of the Spirit of Tas is not related to the cost of camping. Try to keep the cost of camping reasonable. We would use it before travelling.
Yes
Yes of course. As we travel we share our money around in individual towns as we go.
Shopping and fuel and entertainment. So personally we find if a town has a free or low cost campground, it’s a winner for us.
At the end if the day we all try to save dollars while sharing it around.
Yes
Yes before & after
Great idea!
Yes
This will be fantastic,(if it’s low cost) coming down from qld ,I will stop a couple of days before and after.
For us it will be a nice break,to have a look around Geelong.
yes, hurry up already
We will be coming from SA to travel to Tassie in January. It depends how FAR north of Geelong, it is located.
Yes, it makes perfect sense for one to be established & imperative that the cost is LOW for it to be effective.
Yes definitely would
We will certainly use it. After the dreadful mess in Melbourne trying to park somewhere, it will be great to legally park up before and after travelling. A great initiative by Geelong City Council which will bring more people to the area
That would be most welcome and hugely stress reducing having somewhere to stay near the terminal at an affordable price, freeing up $ to spend in Geelong and surrounding area . Please ensure it is pet friendly and even better, include a dog exercise area. Would definitely use it on way to Tas and if day sail to Vic from Tas
Yes both before and after sailing
Yes both
YES!!!
Not only if we were going to Tassie but also to visit Geelong and surroundings if extended stays are allowed. We have stayed in the Showgrounds a few times. Paying $30 per night is getting a bit rich though.
Yes I would as it would give greater flexibliity to bookings. Please consider the booking of such a park as it may well fill up with non ship travellers then leave genuine ship travellers in the same position we are in now thank you Ian Sutton.
Good idea
Agree totally with you Ian… proof of sailing perhaps required
Yes.
Great idea, would definitely use it before and after trip to Tassie. Access should be restricted to Spirit of Tassie patrons and limited nights
Yes agree with restricting to Spirit patrons. Or an ability to book ahead. If it was opened to everyone then it could become full and the travellers who need the stop over for their sailing would not be able to find a place to stay.
Yes it’s a must, you need a place to camp before you sail ..and know you are legally camped
Absolutely
Yes !!
Yes definitely
For sure
We will also like to use the facility when we disembark from the spirit to look around the city of Geelong
will definitely use a low cost camp area before and after travelling to Tasmania on the ferry with our caravan
Definitely will come,excellent idea especially if the cost is reasonable
Yes absolutely.
Definitely yes, before and after our travels
Definitely but also they need to cut the cost of taking a caravan over on the spirit.
Yes Definitely, hoping to do a trip to Tassie in November 2023.
Definitely
For sure will use.
Absolutely ! So after approval from the council, heritage considerations, land use impact statements, indigenous approval, protection overlays, environmental impact studies, air pollution targets, et al, we may get one in 10 years.
Yes we would definitely.
Certainly would. Great idea!
Be a great idea. Think it wonderful that the boat is sailing from Geelong
Yes I would
Yes definitely! Council should have started this discussion when the Spirit started the new facility.
Likely. Will solve the timing issues we’ve experienced getting through Victoria, particularly heading back to Tas.