The impact of the fuel crisis is not just being felt by grey nomads who have been forced to alter the way they travel, it’s also being felt by the country caravan parks that were looking forward to welcoming them.
The Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park in the Kimberley town of Derby says it has seen a significant downturn since the war in the Middle East began.
“We have had a large amount of people call and cancel their bookings, 90% of the time the phone rings now are just for cancellations,” said managers, Noel and Sarah Russell. “A lot of people are worried, not just about the cost of fuel, but also the availability.”
While a large proportion of the people staying at the park are going on to the Gibb River Road, and so want to purchase large amounts of fuel for the trip, Noel and Sarah say – at this stage – they have not run out of fuel.
Are you already seeing fewer caravans on the road? PIC: Cizza
“It is very concerning for us and we are uncertain of how this season is going to go,” they said. “We have already held off employing extra staff for the main season.”
It’s a similar story at the Manbulloo Homestead Caravan Park in the NT town of Katherine.
“For the last two weeks we have been receiving cancellations of sites due to the fuel prices, with about 50% stating they will be looking at travelling in 2027,” said park owner, Bronwyn Trebbin. “I think it would be great if travellers could look at visiting the NT to help our economy since the NT has been immensely affected by floods this wet season.”
Jordan and Sam Lawrie have seen a drop-off in bookings.
In Queensland’s Blackall Caravan Park, owners Jordan and Sam Lawrie say they have also seen a drop off in bookings.
“This time last year I was taking 4-5 bookings a day for April onwards, and we have had one new booking this week,” said Jordan. “Conversely, I have taken 2-3 cancellation calls a day mostly one-day stopovers … it is definitely top of mind for us.”
The couple says they understand the points around fuel preservation for farming and transport, but stress a lot of Outback towns and businesses rely on tourist dollars.
“We are hopeful people will still want to escape the dreary winters in the southern parts of Australia,” he said. “To preserve fuel, one thing they can do is stay longer in one place … and what better place to do that than Blackall!”
Like many parks – including Kimberley Entrance and Manbulloo Homestead – Blackall van park is trying to incentivise potentially cash-strapped nomads to stay longer.
This season, it is offering guests the fourth week free, saying this balances the needs of guests who are primarily looking to escape the cold and enjoy the Outback for a while, with the need to be fuel sensible.
“This is pretty much cost price for us for their accommodation,” said Jordan. “But, if we can attract even 10 more vans to Blackall for four weeks, the economic benefit to the town and our fellow businesses helps us longer term once we get through the current headwind.”
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Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win a Cobb Grill Gas+, the ultimate portable barbecue option for those who live life on the road.
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Retailing for $479, the Cobb Grill Gas+ comes with a cooking plate, 1.5-metre hose & regulator, lifting fork, and a carry bag.
Its more the corporate van parks that are “price gouging” in my opinion. Rates go sky high in peak periods. And a few years ago a couple i know told me that the park they were in wanted to charge 2 visitors to a “fee” just to enter the park to spend a few hours with them When asked why this couple were told they might use the facilities EG Showers/swim in the pool ect.
The couple made other arrangements to to meet elsewhere and promptly left the park
Drop the price we will drop in for a few days