The Gold Coast is making big plans to entice more grey nomads to stay in the city.
Mayor Tom Tate says that land had already been identified at Mudgeeraba on which to establish a new low-cost RV park. He says it would offer basic facilities and cheap daily rates for grey nomads.
“They spend money on fuel, food, visiting attractions and other shopping,” Cr Tate told the Gold Coast Bulletin. “This is a huge growth market and we are missing out on it … this could be a huge boost for the city overall, but particularly for areas like Mudgeeraba and Nerang.”
According to Cr Tate, an estimated 150,000 RVs are driving past the Gold Coast each year.. That represents a potential $85.5 million in business bypassing the city annually.
The Gold Coast is just the latest community to recognise the huge potential of the grey nomad market … and to look at ways of providing the sort of facilities that self-contained travellers want. Just yesterday, it was reported that the New South Wales town of Parkes is setting up a task force to see how it can better cater to the accommodation needs of grey nomads.
There has been growing concern among many long-term travellers that they are sometimes effectively forced to pay for facilities – such as bouncing castles and swimming pools – that they do not necessarily want or use.
Do you support the Gold Coast initiative? Is the ‘trend’ towards grey nomad-friendly parks one that will continue? Are there any particular towns you think need to follow this example? Comment below.
I would love to see this happen, we will be visiting family for Christmas at the Gold Coast, but because of hefty prices for caravan parks we are having to park up at Canungra, would love to stay at Mudgeeraba!
Congratulations to GC Council for being one of the first to “see the light”! But they must keep the costs low to encourage those of us who steer clear of the expensive coastal route and travel north via the inland where there are plenty of low/no cost campsites. Oh, and please, when you put in a dump point, make it accessible for Big Rigs!
Now that is what I need to hear!
Great news, a similar proposal was aired about a site near Avalon airport near Geelong sometime ago,but was shelved due to council red tape or similar hurdles,so I say great stuff give it all the publicity it can muster, good to see people of vision still aspire to our third tier government, rather than issue fines. Hats off to Parkes, GC and anyone else that develops this sort of facility.
In response to Graham B, we live in Lara – didn’t even know of this proposal, but it makes so much sense. It is impossible to even park a caravan in Geelong unless you are prepared to walk for miles or rely on public transport. You only have to see the numbers of campers at the BP Service Stations on the Highway (Sanctioned free camping) to appreciate the need. Prices in the Geelong caravan parks are ridiculous!
It amazes me that it has taken them so long towake up…Don’ttellmeI have to start liking Councils again…Can’t wait for the so called low prices
This is a fantastic concept, many more towns are starting this idea to bring in more caravaners who only need a place to park and relax for one day or 1 month. About time many more areas needed. Great Stuff.
I for one welcome this as I was there a few days ago and no where to park with a van on the back and prices just way over the top for me. If I could get cheaper accommodation on the Gold Coast I will stay there for sure.
Lets hope the idea germinates. The powers that be are finally realising that Grey Nomads are a national moving asset. Be fair to them & they’ll be fair to all.
this will be a great place to pull up for a week or so.its usually too dear up that way.good on the mayor.
The Gold Coast Mayer knows what is going on. We are from Cairns and they should read his comments. We support Tom and will willing stay at the Gold Coast. We do not go near the fun park type Van parks and look for low cost parks. We are self funded retirees and like to spend money in the local communities. We are quite active and are under 60,
We are at present on a lap, currently in Wheat Belt and Wildflower Country WA. It is disappointing to note the discouraging attitudes of Local Councils to the needs of Grey Nomads and the camping public. The point they miss is if they provided better facilities, the travellers will spend more time in these communities and contribute to the local economy. On a positive note it is encouraging to see WA spending Money at upgrading Rest Areas particularly in the north of the state.
Take note Redlands City Council, Grey Nomads definitely need an
RV campsite, Vacant Land available in Nelson Road, but someone is
sitting on their hands and not using Brains. Think of the revenue
that Council would collect with this facility in Place.
As a newly self-funded retiree and traveller of 22 months, finding dog friendly inexpensive sites to park the 5th wheeler that are close to shops and facilities. We’d love to be spending our money in the local businesses, but if we pay too much for the site we haven’t got it to spend in the shops!
we were at gold coast a few weeks ago the only cvan park to have a realistic price is palm beach 19th ave 170$wk power big rigs ok but no pets.All others are 40$ plus per nite.Not that i give much money to caravan parks anymore.
Its about time you realise how much tourism your missing out on.
We are travelling at present and some towns around Australia…particulary country towns..do provide great facilities such as parking and basic needs.
Tom Tate should ask the nomads how to set up such facilities.