While news that a free or budget camp is closing down often sparks a lot of attention, the fact is that there are plenty of communities around the country which are still deeply appreciative of the value that grey nomads and other travellers bring.
The Grey Nomads recently reported that the NSW town Woodstock was opening a up a budget campground at its showgrounds with overwhelming community backing … and councils have since been queueing up to tell their story.
WA’s Shire of Dundas says the Norseman Free 72-hour RV Park continues to be a popular stop for travellers in fully self-contained vehicles exploring the Goldfields and beyond. It is located near a token-operated water and dump point, and is within walking distance of the dog park and main town centre.
The Mt Molloy Labyrinth is located near the Rifle Creek rest area and is one of the many attractions in the region. PIC: Shire of Mareeba
Council President, Laurene Bonza, told the Grey Nomads that the council had undertaken community consultation before establishing the camp, and the feedback had been overwhelmingly supportive.
She says the RV Park gives visitors the chance to enjoy local cafés, dine out, visit the supermarket, use the laundromat, or top up prescriptions at the chemist.
“We also encourage visitors to submit their local spend receipts during their stay, helping us capture valuable data on tourism’s economic contribution to Norseman,” said Ms Bonza. “To date, the average spend is $5,224.80 per month, and we know that this is just a small capture of visitor spending.”
And Queensland’s Mareeba Shire says the Rifle Creek Rest Area is a 48-hour stopover on the Mulligan Highway, just north of Mt Molloy.
A stay costs just $2 per night, with no bookings required. Facilities include toilets, cold showers, rubbish bins, and sheltered picnic tables. Pets and campfires are permitted. Most of the areas are flat and well shaded.
“The Rifle Creek Rest Area is a great spot for grey nomads and travellers alike to take a break and recharge before continuing their journey across the Tablelands and beyond,” said Mayor, Angela Toppin. “We warmly welcome our grey nomad visitors and hope to see even more travellers in the future.”
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We recently stayed in Norseman at the nearby caravan park rather than the RV Park because we wanted a day or two to use the laundry. We mostly stay in free-camps and don’t mind leaving a donation if that is applicable. For instance, a popular and very well-serviced “free” camp is at the Kimba SA recreation reserve. It is a delightful spot well away from the highway and noise. Well worth the donation we left and fuel etc. bought in town.