Many caravanners are looking for a place to call home for a while.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has warned in the strongest possible terms that non-essential travel means no holiday travel.
And Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville warned that road blocks could be used to stop people disregarding the advice.
Campgrounds and caravan parks were ‘highly contagious’ when there were shared bathrooms and showers, Ms Neville said.
“We’re very conscious around camping and caravanning grounds,” she told the Herald-Sun newspaper. “There are potentially high risks with people sharing showers and bathrooms etc.’’
The Herald-Sun reports that campgrounds, including Walkerville Foreshore in Gippsland, were closed or closing, but caravan parks which have permanent and long-term occupants, most in self-contained cabins or caravans, were still open for business.
While still open, Victorian parks operated by Discovery, Top Parks and Big 4 said many guests had returned home.
The Discovery Parks chain said that as an accommodation provider, its parks were an essential service in a time of crisis.
In a statement, Discovery Parks said changing travel restrictions meant some people found themselves in need of accommodation.
“We also have communities of caravanners currently on the road and requiring a safe place to stay,’’ the statement said.
Parks Victoria closed down the accommodation and camping at Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory National Park on Sunday.
More updates about access to other campsites around the state are expected in coming days.
Big 4 parks not open for non essential travellers
Can you self isolate in a caravan park?
Yes you can as I’m in one in Hervey Bay
I wish they would use the correct terminology – isolation can be just keeping your distance because of cross infection (some choose to do this voluntarily) – if you are told not to see anyone because of contact, or coming into the country etc. the word used should be quarantine-