The hugely popular 72-hour free camp in North Queensland has re-opened after recent flooding.
Local authorities and businesses are delighted that the Greenpatch campground in Gordonvale near Cairns is fully operational again, ready for a busy dry season.
The site was given a $2.4 million upgrade back in 2019, in recognition of the benefit that grey nomads and other travellers delivered to the entire region.
“Gordonvale businesses are geared to all the needs and requirements that the RV community require and are ready to welcome our new visitors and to encourage them to spend a little time discovering all that our historical country town has to offer,” said Gordonvale & District Chamber of Commerce President, Susan Byrne Callaghan. “The new infrastructure and campgrounds completed at Greenpatch on the banks of the Mulgrave River complements the RV parking on Mill Street in the heart of Gordonvale, with the two sites soon to be connected by a new heritage walk.”
The upgraded campground has 42 campsites and boasts an an amenities block with toilets and showers, dump point and day-use facilities such as picnic spots.
Cairns Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller said the RV market was an important contributor to Gordonvale’s economy
“The economic benefits to the town of Gordonvale from the RV market visitation are well known and appreciated by our small business owners,” he said. “This facility has proved immensely popular with RV users.”
Last year, despite Covid closures and restrictions, the facility was used by more than 4200 vehicles, which equates to between 8,500 to 10,500 visitors.
“We can expect those numbers to increase as restrictions continue to ease and the number of registered RVs in Australia rise as more baby boomers enter the market,” said Cr Moller. “Gordonvale and the Far North region are well positioned to benefit from this expected growth.”
Yes great place and Cairns plus surrounding towns Pt Douglas Atherton Mareeba are wonderful to visit and stay
Yes great spot for few nights stay. Cairns and surrounding towns Pt Douglas Atherton Mareeba awesome to visit and camp over
I haven’t camped there myself (as an adult) since I live in Cairns, but having grown up in Gordonvale and completed all my schooling there in the 50s and 60s, the Greenpatch was a popular spot with us kids. We used to walk from the school(s) to the Greenpatch for swimming lessons from our teachers. Every time we drive through Gordonvale now, my wife and I think what a great idea it is to have camping there for travellers. Gordonvale is so handy to the tablelands and the rest of FNQ.