Significant upgrades have been made to a popular free camping area in Central Queensland as the local council there bids to attract even more grey nomads.
Rockhampton Regional Council says the improvements at the Kershaw Gadens site in North Rockhampton which will greatly improve its use and functionality … and will ensure visitors, ‘particularly grey nomads’ travelling along the Bruce Highway, have a more pleasant and easier stay.
It says it is part a broader initiative by Rockhampton Regional Council to boost tourism in the region and capitalise on the grey nomad and drive tourism market.
The upgrades include:
On our way! Grey nomads drawn to stay in an area by a free camp spend in the local community.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams, said the trend of visiting regional areas, particularly with people jumping in the car or caravan and driving up the Bruce Highway, had never been stronger.
“We know how important tourism is to our economy, local jobs, and small businesses,” he said. “Every caravan that pulls in means dollars into our economy and we are proud to be investing in that.”
Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor said the works had made the site more accessible, more durable, and more welcoming.
“By improving the surface, drainage, and layout, we’ve created a space that’s not only functional but also fits beautifully within the natural surrounds of Kershaw Gardens,” she said. “It’s about making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demand from drive tourists and grey nomads who are choosing to explore regional Queensland.”
The site – which allows fully self-contained campers to stay for a period of 48-hours, free of charge –- is strategically located close to shops and transport. Anyone using the site is required to take their waste to the nearest dump point and are not to discharge any waste water onto ground.
WIN ONE OF THREE SKID ROW TRAILER SKIDS
Grey Nomad members are being given the opportunity to win one of three Skid Row Trailer Skids (each valued at $199). The ingenious Australian-designed device could come to the rescue of nomads who find their trailer or van stuck on sand, mud, or worse.
Manufactured from high-grade polypropylene, the ‘skid’ has been designed for use with or without the jockey wheel to accommodate different conditions in the retrieval process. The device is very compact (77cm x 39cm x 21cm), making it easy for grey nomads to store, and it weighs just 3.8 kilograms.
Click here to find out more.
A lesson in Economics for other States, Cities, and towns. Build and they will come. Deny and they won’t And either way, word of mouth will complete the details.
Now we need the Livingstone Shire Council (just next door to Rocky) to do the same. The Capricorn Coast is Central Qld’s tourism hotspot. Our caravan parks are full at the moment.
Yes I have previously stayed at Kershaw Gardens & whilst I loved the location right next to the beautiful gardens & walking distance for shopping, it was very cramped. Had to give it a miss this year as it was closed for the renovations but maybe next time.
We have stayed at Kershaw Gardens on 2 occasions previously. The upgrade looks brilliant in the photos and we will definitely be back. We always support the towns we stay at free camps. Fuel, supermarket supplies and visiting attractions as it frees up money that would have been used for paid accommodation. Well done Rockhampton City Council. Progressive thinking that should be embraced by other cities!