The first stage of the renovation of Pialba Caravan Park in the Queensland town of Hervey Bay is now complete, delivering modern facilities, improved access and new dog-friendly accommodation.
Fraser Coast Regional Council Major Projects spokesperson, Cr Daniel Sanderson, said the upgrade would strengthen the region’s appeal as a coastal holiday destination while supporting local jobs and businesses.
“This project is about creating a modern beachfront park that attracts visitors, supports tourism operators and delivers benefits for the wider community,” he said.
“Being able to bring your dog on holiday is important to many families, so this upgrade opens the park to more visitors while still delivering a high-quality beachfront experience.”
The first stage of the Pialba Caravan Park redevelopment is now complete. PIC: Fraser Coast Council
The western half of the park is now open, with the completed first stage including larger powered sites, a new manager’s building, camp kitchen, amenities and a barbecue area.
“A new entrance off the Esplanade opposite the Hervey Bay Hotel will make arrivals easier and safer, with an internal check-in bay to reduce congestion on surrounding roads,” Cr Sanderson said. “This project focuses on making the park easier to use, more comfortable to stay in and ready to meet the needs of modern travellers.”
The $10.5 million upgrade of Pialba Caravan Park, was announced in the middle of last year, with improvements to include replacing underground services, improving internal roads and landscaping, building a new camp kitchen and BBQ area, installing new toilet and shower facilities, and creating a new recreation zone.
Cr Lachlan Cosgrove said at the time that the works would bring the park up to modern standards and better meet the needs of today’s travellers.
“The current infrastructure is ageing and wasn’t designed for today’s larger caravans and RVS,” he said. “The upgrade is about making the park more functional, comfortable and enjoyable for visitors while maintaining its relaxed coastal feel.”
The project is being completed in stages to allow parts of the park to remain open during construction.
Work on the eastern half of the park is starting this month, with completion targeted before Christmas this year, weather permitting.
Last year, the Fraser Coast Regional Council also decided to proceed with upgrading the nearby Torquay Caravan Park, following the largest community engagement process ever undertaken by Council.
That decision came after a four-week consultation period that received 4,385 completed survey responses, along with thousands of written comments and two petitions totalling more than 12,000 signatures.
Mayor George Seymour said at the time the strong level of participation reflected how important the Torquay foreshore is to people across the Fraser Coast and beyond.
“The Torquay foreshore is a much-loved place, and the community showed that clearly through the high level of engagement,” he said. “Council has carefully considered the feedback and balanced this with the long-term needs of the foreshore and the community in reaching today’s decision to proceed with upgrading the Torquay Caravan Park.”
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We have done this historic paddlewheeler in Longreach. Was a fantastic experience.
I’ve been staying there for over 15 years, the reason I choose this park is because no dogs were allowed. I won’t be staying there again now knowing dogs are allowed. Unless you stay in a national park CP there is no other parks that I know of. Will the council now allow dogs at all the other parks that they own, let’s hope not. Beautiful pialba beach is going to be taken over by the dogs, not were I would want to swim. Another money making exercise.
Your kidding right? The world has other people living in it too mate .. i think this is fantastic as traveler with a pet its become difficult to even find a spot because of all the national parks. Most dogo owners are pretty responsible. I think everywhere should be free and open for anyone no one is above anyone i think australia is the only country with tall poppy syndrome .
Imagine being alone and buying a pet a companion and getting turned away from your fav spots .sounds silly in hindsight
We don’t stay at parks where dogs are allowed. The owners say they are responsible but let their dogs jump on people and they pee on wheels and tent pegs, the dogs that is. If they are allowed in put them in a dog only area. We have stayed in this park many times over the years but no more.
Pialba Beachfront Caravan Park has been our caravan park of choice for many, many years in Hervey Bay. The park provides that happy medium of being on the beach & a water park next door, within walking distance to the shops and attractions along the Esplanade and an indefinable vibe that you feel as soon as you drive into the park. We have stayed here 40+ times and constantly recommend the park to anyone who will listen. We’re so very much looking forward to our next visit in the upgraded section to sample the larger sites and kick back & relax. Thank you Fraser Coast Regional Council.