While catastrophic events such as the ongoing LA fires, or those on the NSW South Coast a few years ago, or the terrible floods in Lismore, spark major headlines for a few days and weeks, for those not directly affected, it is easy to forget about how much suffering and hard work is needed to get things back on something like an even keel.
The devastating Murray River floods of 2022, for example, caused widespread damage, and the recovery process remains ongoing.
One van park, the Mildura, Buronga Riverside Holiday Park, has only just reopened after a two-year recovery journey.
After being inundated by floodwaters, the park underwent a $4 million transformation with enhanced guest facilities and upgraded accommodation options.
Mildura, Buronga Riverside has re-opened after two years. PIC: Discovery Parks
The task was huge.
The flood recovery project saw 155 powered and unpowered campsites rebuilt; 20 cabins refurbished and relocated on site; two amenity buildings built; the refurbishment of two swimming pools and camp kitchens; a new communal fire pit; and an upgraded bouncing pillow added.
The park’s waterfront area has also been rejuvenated with dedicated sandstone seating and two waterfront barbecues.
Discovery Parks Chief Development Officer, John Domino, said the impacts of the 2022 Murray floods had been felt far and wide across these communities, and the company was excited to open the park again to bring vital tourism dollars back to the region.
“With cabin occupancy approaching 80% during the Christmas period, we look forward to seeing the park full and busy again with guests who will be out in the community spending their money with local cafes, shops and tourism operators,” he said.
As part of the recovery project, Discovery Parks also negotiated a long-term lease extension with Wentworth Shire Council and Crown Lands to enable a more substantial redevelopment of the park.
WIN A MAP MY LAP CUSTOMISABLE COTTON MAP
Grey Nomad members are being given the opportunity to win one of four Map My Lap cotton maps (each valued at $70) that enable adventurers to stitch, draw or bead their Big Lap route to create a permanent and personalised artwork reminder of their trip.
The 1m x 1m map of Australia is made from thick organic cotton and has a 2cm seam running across the top for easy hanging. And Map My Lap can be used time and time again! With each trip, users can simply stitch the roads they’ve travelled using different coloured threads. It is available in two colour options: one with light-coloured roads; and the other with dark grey roads.
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
What a fantastic idea. I love looking at a map to get the BIG PICTURE. Great talking point and easy to show friends and family where we have been. Well done.
The former Willows CP at Wentworth has recently reopened as Wanderers Crossing River Retreat.
It was totally rebuilt after the floods also.
It’s at the Junction of the Murray & Darling Rivers.
Did I see somewhere that it is a caravan park ? Looks like the good money is in cabins…
Not much of a caravan park anymore. No waterfront blocks for caravanners. Just cabins. How fortunate for them they got flooded.
$50.00 For a powered site,$150.00 for a cabin,money back in 5yrs,it’s a no trainer,happening all over the country.