For grey nomads without a home base who are staying in caravan parks while the coronavirus pandemic plays out, this will be an Easter holiday like none they have ever seen before.
Not only are the parks eerily quiet – devoid of holidaymaking families that normally help to make this the biggest camping weekend of the year – but strict social distancing regulations are completely changing the ‘vibe’ for those that remain.
Instead of intense amenities block chats, or handshakes and hugs, there is a minimum 1.5-metre gap, or perhaps just a wary wave from a ‘safe’ distance.
And van parks – and most guests – are taking things very seriously.
At Queensland’s Gatton Caravan Park, strict new rules and a rigorous cleaning regime were introduced ahead of government directions coming into force.
“We took measures well and truly before the government directions came in,” Operations Manager, Brett Fort, told the Chronicle newspaper. “We were already self-quarantining for 14 days all new guests before they could even get to the park to make sure nobody could bring anything in.”
Residents are isolating across the park’s 126 caravans.
“They can only leave to go the shops in groups of two at a time, and the only reason they can leave is to go to the shops,” Mr Fort said.
Only one person per caravan is permitted to leave their caravan at a time, including to make trips to the communal bathroom.
The Chronicle reports that seven residents – most of whom are backpackers – have already learned the hard way that breaking the rules has consequences.
“We have evicted people if they haven’t followed rules – we’re just not taking any chances,” Mr Fort said.
Mr Fort said the park had hired security guards to enforce the rules and said police had also been patrolling the park.
“The police are coming through most days and residents are very aware of that,” he said. “The police are very happy with the way we’ve isolated.”
I am in a CVP and there are only 2 other vans here and 3 cabins in use. I am the only non worker the others are working in the area. We are well spread out.
The amenities are closed and we have to use or own. The laundry is open but WE have to clean out the washing machine and dryer if used. There are two Hills Hoists and a dump point we can use. The camp kitchen and rec room are closed as well as the pool.
It’s very quiet for sure. it’s just a hi from a distance if I see anyone.
We are full time nomads and have been staying at Wallaga Lake Big 4 for the last month and intend sitting out the lockdown here.
The park is amazing and only has one other van (also nomads) here despite being able to take 90 powered sites. The owners are happy to take some more genuine nomads (for $200 per week) if needed.
G’day, I am a full time grey nomad and a newbie to “the grey nomads” , when the shut down was occurring I was in transit at the Mornington Peninsula Vic, being sent away from all caravan/camping parks….. Ended up at Inverloch foreshore/Big 4, the owners listened to my dilemma and allowed me to camp on the foreshore until this covid lock down is over, very friendly and helpfull. Its weird/eeirey as I am the only one here… Where are the rest of the grey nomads in vic? Have a happy = safe Easter everyone. Mal