An ‘iconic’ caravan park which sits on the banks of the Murray River in New South Wales looks set to undergo a major redevelopment as the local council acknowledges its importance to the travelling community.
Federation Council has resolved to seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a significant long-term lease to operate, manage, and redevelop the Ball Park Caravan Park in Corowa.
The council says the aim is to ‘secure the park’s future’ and ‘unlock its full potential’.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook said Council’s expectation for the successful tenderer is to see a significant and strategic redevelopment of the park.
The 'iconic' park sits on the bank of the Murray River. PIC: Federation Council
“We envision a modernised facility that truly enhances the visitor experience, increasing capacity and offering contemporary amenities that meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers,” she said. “The goal is to ensure Ball Park becomes a premier destination, contributing strongly to our local tourism economy and capitalising on its prime position on the Murray River foreshore.”
The Council resolution calls for a 21-year lease, with the possibility of extending up to 30 years subject to Ministerial approval. It says this extended term is central to attracting the necessary investment for the park’s transformation.
Mayor Cook said a longer lease term provides the necessary security and incentive for an operator to commit significant capital to the redevelopment and long-term improvement of the park.
“A shorter lease simply wouldn’t justify the level of investment we believe is required to transform Ball Park Caravan Park into a top-tier destination park,” she said. “The process will commence with the call for Expressions of Interest, followed by a comprehensive tender process and final approval phase.”
Mayor Cook said the process was likely to take up to 12 months, although the council was committed to ‘moving as efficiently as possible to secure the best outcome for the park and our community’.
“Council has carefully balanced the need to continue the essential operation of Ball Park Caravan Park, ensuring it remains open and serving our community, with the strategic vision to secure its long-term future through private investment,” she said. “This decision allows us to manage the park responsibly in the short term while actively seeking a partner who can deliver the significant improvements needed to unlock its full potential as a key tourism asset for the Federation Council region.”
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No, we free camp on the Victorian side of the Murray River at The Willows Reserve.
It’s directly across the river from Corowa.
Hopefully Federation Council will approve a lease to someone who can really appreciate the potential of this beautiful location and not try to overcharge tourists to the area. About 4 years ago we stayed at Rivergum Caravan Park and phoned Ball Park(which was managed by Federation Counci) to find out what their site fees where. The price they quoted was way over the top for what it offered. Even the entry fees to their new swimming pool complex is again over the top.
Yep – fill it up with jumping castles, fire pits, sheds with friges and microwaves, fountains and gardens . . . and make the costs prohibitive so that the nomad and self-contained community looks elsewhere. All thats needed is a dump point and fresh water for the vast majority of potential travellers.
Right on the money!
I reckon that’s exactly what’s going to happen…they’re double dipping. I won’t be fueling up, shopping or venturing into the trashing of a wonderful camping facility to sustain the greedy with no or little respect for nature… or those of us who enjoy a simpler yet wholesome life style.
I stayed there 10years ago
Beautiful place.
May I suggest a new jetty
Also a decent size grosery shop and maybe a bistro / coffee ☕️ shop.
Larger bathroom facilities in a more practical modern design.
House boat facilities also.
On site security office. More fire fighting equipment.
On-site generator for emergency use.
More outside taps and showers.
A dog safe free run area.
And more trees with better roads.
Hope you can make it happen.
I’d go for the 30year lease , better chance of getting someone with deep pockets.
we regularly stay at. ball caravan park and love it as it is. normally off grid site maybe a closer shower block would be handy. love the closeness to pool and shops and river walkis great
It’s a beautiful spot and there’s nearly always people camping there.
We loved our stay at Ball Park Caravan Park. Please don’t spoil it with fancy stuff the setting is so lovely on the river..Maybe updated amenities, but we loved it just as it is ♡
Council got any thing to do with this…..$$$$$$$
A night
Make it no pets allowed, too many caravan parks are pet friendly.