Given that the character of many of Australia’s caravan parks has changed so dramatically in recent decades, it can be challenging to imagine what they might look like in the future.
But, as local authorities such as Queensland’s Fraser Coast Regional Council prepare long-term plans for their parks, they are asking caravanners and motorhomers exactly what it is they are looking for.
Councillor Jade Wellings told the Fraser Coast Chronicle that the council was preparing a master plan to guide the future development of the four beachfront tourist caravan parks it owns.
“Master plan concepts have been prepared for the Burrum Heads and Scarness caravan parks initially to consider a range of issues such as replacing ageing infrastructure, the design and layout, and the safety and comfort of guests,” she said. “It’s also an opportunity to ensure the caravan parks meet the size requirements for modern-day RVs and caravans.”
Former guests of the Burrum Heads and Scarness Caravan Parks will be sent the questionnaire, and guests using the parks over the Christmas-New Year period will also be encouraged to fill in the online version of the survey.
“Caravans have become larger and more self-contained, so the park layouts need to reflect that; they need more space to manoeuvre in and out of sites, as well as connections to power and water,” Cr Wellings told the Chronicle. “The RV and caravan market has become very sophisticated, so our on-site facilities also need to be of a level to attract visitors to our region, especially new visitors.”
Cr Wellings said there were also questions regarding on-site accommodation such as cabins and eco tents, and dog-friendly caravan parks, in the survey.
“It’s expected the master planning will occur over the next five years with an allocation of up to $17 million across all four caravan parks,” she said.
The community is being encouraged to participate via Council’s Have Your Say page on its website – www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/have-your-say – with the survey remaining open until January 15, 2021.
Dog friendly caravan parks along the waterfront as there’s none. Not many dog friendly choices at Hervey Bay.
Too many light fingered individuals prey on the foreshore caravan parks. I won’t use them for that reason.
I would like van parks to have angled parking so that you reverse in looking out the drivers side as a semi driver does. Also wider roads to make parking easier. Park the tow vehicle beside the van to create a bit of space for privacy between vans
Well written, these are the problems of today with larger vans and also larger tow vehicles. Somewhere to park the vehicle of the road in front of the van badly needed.
I think over the years there has been a definite trend to squeeze the most out of travellers where it’s not uncommon to see site fees go over $100/night during the peak times and then whinge about how hard it is to make a profit in the off season. There are a hell of a lot of grey nomads on the road these days and CP’s should get back to basics to capitalise on them by providing no frills camp sites at affordable rates that would be used all year round.
I don’t need an ensuite, I don’t need power and I don’t even need plumbing to my van as I’m happy enough to top up my tanks using a jerry can every second day or so. I don’t need jumping castles, over sized chess sets, tennis courts or even a pool for that matter.
Just provide clean toilets and shower facilities …that’s all! I want to stay at a place so that I can see the attractions of that area, so for me, the CP is not the reason for my visit. It’s a means to an end.
By all means provide these fancy options if you wish to cater for the cashed up who don’t want to mess up their own van’s ensuite, and the families whose kids can run amok in the playground, but give the rest of us a sensible affordable option.
I agree 100% the Caravan Park has changed from a social convenient style of accomodation to being focused on the profit rather than the service. I love seeing families enjoying all that parks have to offer but as a traveller all the bells and whistles are not required. A simple site for a night in transit if available would attract more business. Free camp on route or pay $40-$50 for an overnighter not a hard decision.
If we stay in C/parks, we and most likely others, don’t require power, water (but in saying that we would like to be able to fill up with water prior to leaving). We are fully self contained so don’t require showers or toilets BUT a dump point is essential. All we need ois apatch to put our motorhome on and be pet friendly. A fee for that type of camping, fo us is only worth $20 or less per night. Otherwise, creat a free to low cost camping area on the outskirts of town, that way more money is spent in the community but when you have to pay hihht fees in a park, very little money is spent in the community.
Many people travel with a pet, but not all pets are dogs. Why do they assume it is only dogs? When travelling we only search for pet friendly caravan parks and then we email to see it they allow cats, if not we look elsewhere.
I gave up on C/Ps a long time ago.Yes it is nice to have a hot shower and toilet facilities and be able to top up the water tank. “BUT” They will insist on trying to charge me and my dog the same rate as a couple. No discount.
So instead of them getting a bit less for that site they get nothing from me.I turn around and drive away. More fool them!!!!
I have never understood their business plan,,,perfect world,,$25.00 a night for a couple,both amenities used,all costs to service that sight is a business cost so therefore a tax deduction(they don’t like you knowing that),1 person@$15.00 a night,1 amenities used,worst case scenario site has no income,,,site costs are the same for all scenarios,as I guess its about the amount of work they are required to do.The facts,,,councils would not own parks,investment companies would not invest in parks,etc,if there was not a quid in them.Family scenario,Mum&Dad,4 kids,do they have mortgage?,no beautiful lge home,do they pay for vehicles or fuel? no,deeming tax rates are currently 30% so only have to provide 30% of shop turnover,so do they pay for household essentials no,the list is huge.This family can afford to take off to the USA,kids in tow,hire a motorhome for 3 mths every 2 yrs,check on their investments,oh wait a moment,that now becomes a tax deduction.You buy a caravan park because the tax perks,how do I know this,I manage the bloody park while they go off on their junket.Oh not to mention the ice cream container for the young ones who camp on a piece of grass,get my drift.More than happy to have a conversation with any park owner.Start telling the bloody truth,I don’t see too many for sale signs on park entrances.Thankyou.
Wider streets to allow us to reverse into our site – many caravan parks are very tight. Also a dump point is essential. An area for vehicles at a lower cost that only use the amenities, dump point and water. Power is not essential to most of us with solar systems.
I’m finding it harder to find an unpowered site (eg Echuca) and when I’m travelling alone I’m often charged for two even though I sleep in my car so don’t take up much space. Both these trends will price me out of Caravan Parks and leave me very few options as I’m not self contained so I need a loo at each sleep over, and a shower sometimes. In a recent trip to N.T. I paid $40 for a shower the use of the loo and a fridge to freeze my ice bricks. It would be nice if people like me were considered in future plans as well as big rigs.
More speed bumps to ensure “walking speed limits” are maintained.
We always ask for Drive-through sites if staying overnight only. Easy to get in and easy to leave early next morning. We also like Boom gates, which I know lots of other caravaners hate. We don’t need Common tv-rooms,jumping castles, playgrounds or swimming pools, but free WiFi is extra bonus.