With the Spirit of Tasmania due to begin ferrying passengers to Geelong in Victoria later this year, a new 55-site caravan park could soon be under construction in the area.
The City of Greater Geelong is currently considering a planning application for the potential park at a Princes Highway-fronting site at Lara, 18 kilometres north-east of the Geelong CBD
The proposed park would be west of the town, immediately south of Avalon Raceway and near the entrance to Avalon Airport.
The Geelong Times reports that the 14.86-hecatre site is in farm-zoned land and includes a greyhound track and associated buildings that has been used as a training centre, which would remain under the current proposal.
Planners said in their application that the camping complex would primarily serve Avalon passengers and tourists such as for events at the Raceway and its Motor Sports Centre.
“The proposal will be a positive addition to the variety of tourist accommodation offerings within the area, attracting more visitors to the region … (and) would have a significant positive economic impact to the surrounding area,” planners said.
The site would include 36 portable cabins, 10 ensuite sites and nine powered caravan spots, alongside recreation facilities, a camp kitchen and an amenities block.
According to the Geelong Times, construction would happen to the north of the greyhound facilities, leaving the south-east corner open to due to flood risk from a co-located dam.
The application comes as City of Greater Geelong is considering establishing its own caravan park in Geelong’s north.
Public comment on the Lara plans closed this week.
Not really a true caravan park! 19 RV sites out of 55.
Won’t help the new Spirit of Tas terminal to handle RV travellers needing to stop overnight before a day sailing.
Could this new park have anything to do with the Spirit of Tasmania now arriving and docking in Geelong. Be great with aircraft arrival and departure for light sleepers
This is not a Caravan Park, with 36 cabins and only 9 powered sites for vans it’s a cabin Park..
those of us that have been to and from Tassie no that 19 sites just aren’t enough that’s the problem with councils that don’t talk to the industry and to put in 36 cabins just takes away from the established business but I guess as this is the council that didn’t really want caravans visiting there are so many things pointing to a lack of understanding they built a public dump point at the Showgrounds that only caravans with a caset can use come on Geelong you have an opportunity to have visitors stay in Geelong for a few days if you only put some thought in to it
Definitely need more powered sites. And maybe some unpowered as well. Would be great to have drive through sites so you can stay hooked up.
Also what about a parking area for those not staying overnight but want/need to have somewhere to park up their vans for a few hours whilst waiting for boarding time.
I am sure a better place could have been chosen than this spot as it is uninviting, open and not a place I would like to stay for more than 1 night if that!… We need a proper park on this side of Geelong and there are areas closer to the You Yangs and Serendip that would have been more suitable and pleasant to stay at… More powered sites and camping areas are a must so why did the council not speak to the caravaning community…
I’m having a bit of a problem visualising exactly where this caravan park is to be located. My wife is a Geelong girl and we have visited the city over many years. I know where the Avalon airport is, the town of Lara (my uncle lived there for some 20 years), the raceway and the motor circuit. Even the greyhound track.
I wonder if a map has been published of the proposed site?
As for the 36 portable cabins I would suggest that solo travelers (ie, those not towing a van) would be better off staying in a motel in town. They could at least have a breakfast provided, whereas they would be on their own in a cabin.
Looks like someone in council failed to do their research.
9 caravan parks lol, this is already looking like a lost opportunity.
Whether or not a Caravan/Cabin Park is established, a readily accessible DUMP POINT will be needed in the area, not only for Tasmanian visitors, but for all visitors to the region. Apart from Private Van Parks, the only dump point is at The Geelong Showgrounds. Many towns, both large and small, around Australia provide accessible dump sites..why not the Geelong Area?
The City of Greater Geelong was considering a small free camp & dump point in the area of the new ferry terminal…..this plan now being shelved?
9 powered sites out of 55! First thing vans need after the trip is power to charge the fridges again after being turned off during the trip! Needs more realistic planning!
Why cabins? More sites are needed and if Geelong council thought about it, offer a 3 day stay for price of 2. That way there would be a significant influx into their economy.
Is this plan a joke? Imagine trying to get a site. Not enough for the area, including the Bellarine. What a total waste of a great opportunity. Especially with parks like St.Leonards closing down.