Caravan parks seeking to maintain both their viability and their profitability must constantly reassess what sort of amenities they are offering and which sort of clientele they are seeking to attract.
And it can be extremely difficult to strike the right balance
Certainly, there is no shortage of grey nomads travelling in self-contained rigs who strongly object to paying for services and amenities they say they don’t need or want. The most oft-quoted example is that of a bouncing castle, but some well-equipped travellers say they don’t even use amenities blocks … and all they really need is a secure place to park their vehicle or vehicles for a few nights.
The new owners of the Queens Beach Tourist Village in the north Queensland town of Bowen are in the process of assessing the best way to take their business forward.
While it is still early days, Peter and Jenny Greer say that they eventually hope to diversify their client base to accommodate larger families.
“On first look it’s the grey nomads place to come, but trying to bring more families in will be our long-term goal,” Mrs Greer told The Whitsunday Times.
She told the paper that the completion of a water park would be a great boost, and their plans involve building more cabins to house larger families over the next 12 to 18 months.
The Greers already own a caravan park in the New South Wales town of Inverell and had been looking to diversify their business interests. The couple’s managers from their Inverell park have already relocated to Bowen and will be looking after the day-to-day running of the Queens Beach Tourist Village.
“We made a big difference down there with what we did with tourism,” said Mrs Greer. “If we can put our stamp on it up here and bring a few more people up then it’s a win for everybody.”
Mrs Greer described Bowen as a ‘hidden gem’ and said it had tremendous tourism potential.
“We’ve only seen a really small amount of what they’re trying to do, but there seems to be a big push to boost tourism which is fantastic,” she said.
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I guess if the families prefer to pay higher prices for these amenities to keep the kids occupied older couples will have to put up with it – we do not have the budget nor the wish to put up with screaming kids in water parks, so will have to go to farm stays or free camping. Parents don’t want to be bothered to give the kids nature – fun without all the bells and whistles
We refuse to use parks that cater specifically for kids, we always travel when there are NO school holidays.
Very well said. Our children made their own fun, as did we when young.
I see no point, as you say, in paying for things we don’t need.
We dont mind the noise of kids having fun, but just can’t afford CP prices. Try to book, and they are full up anyway..
There are a lot of large self contained caravans that do not really need caravan parks but there are also a lot of caravans still which arent self contained so they need some facilities (Toilets, showers, laundry) and dont mind paying for it as long as the price is reasonable and not getting ridiculously expensive as some parks are getting just to provide a lot of entertainment for kids that are not there all the time.
Caravan Parks are great, a slab and amenities. it’s when they become a tourist park and everyone is sitting on top of each other. I do think we may need an over 55 caravan parks. lol
My one real annoyance the last time we travelled was when arriving at a park to find all the spaces around the amenities blocks taken up with self contained vans. We are not self contained by choice and it would be good if when vans are booking in to ask the question are you self contained then putting vans in the appropriate places
We are self contained and always say when booking in that we don’t want to be any where near the amenities, but we are still put right opposite the toilet door – YUK. We then have to return to reception to ask if we can have a site further away. They always say that most people prefer to be near the amenities block. We are young retirees and very mobile, so it’s not as if we look like we need to be close!!
Grey Nomads are the ones who prop up these businesses when the kids are in school. Wonder how they would go without that income. QLD and NT are the worst for high prices.
Definitely wd not choose a jumping castle van park. And yes the grey no.ads do bring in business to small towns outside of school holidays.
Young families will pay the extra for the amenities and kids play areas as the grey nomads won’t or some won’t , but still there are grey nomads that still use the amenities and only stay in parks and not off the grid like a lot are and I’m one and we have a big triaxle and have everything in our van which is 29’ long
School holidays last for 12-14 weeks a year. Grey Nomads predominantly for the other 30 ish.Sure , provide ‘resort’ style parks to cater for the families, but most of us, YOUR BREAD AND BUTTER TRAVELLERS’ only need power, water,a reasonable site and sometimes a basic, clean amenities block. Why would i pay $55 a night or more for $2 of power and water? There’s a new market out there. Somebody just needs to design it.
2 levels of park fees. 1 for families with kids who need all the amenities and entertainment provided, and 1 for retirees who are self-contained and aren’t interested in paying for installation and maintenance of water parks, jumping castles etc. they have no use for.
I agree with Sea Change, different levels of fees would sort the problem. Pay for site & Power, then add extra fees for Amenities, Pool, Kids Play.
I agree Simple really.
I know of families who can no longer afford to camp for more than a few days because of the cost of caravan parks with all the extras. All they want is a park at the beach with an amenities block.
I am sick of you grey nomads whinging about problems you have created and passing the blame. I have a young family when we travel we stay in caravan parks as we have no choice we are not in the position to own a large self contained rig with all the trimmings. We choose our parks wisely and stay where the price and amenities suit us, I am sure if our children were running through the park creating trouble as there were no playgrounds or entertainment you would complain about that. We do not spend all day in caravan parks and do go out for day trips to see the areas we visit when travelling but it is still great to have somewhere safe for the kids to play on returning. If you don’t like families don’t stay in caravan parks, go and free camp problem is you have worn your welcome out by overstaying and abusing that privilege, by the time you grey nomads have finished the following generation of travellers will have to pay for your sins, like we currently do with climate change and economically.
I totally agree…grey nomads leave the amenities filthy & are scrooges…families (mums & dads) work hard as did the grey nomads & we have also earned the right to relax…so I agree … if you don’t like parks don’t stay there…btw…we also free camp & are fully self sufficient but occasionally choose to treat our daughter (5) while travelling around Australia…and grey nomads.stick together & I find most only want to boast about whose rig is bigger & not interested in exploring & having fun which is why families are traveling…grey nomads spend little money in towns & still seem to do nothing but whinge & complain…at least families support parks & towns by spending money, so really, we are the bread & butter for the towns & parks
Try living on a pension its not stooge it is unpleasant necessity
I live on the pension and its great.I only have the seniors cant see why people complain so much.iv no debt,have a car, rent a flat, eat out often love going to the cafe each day ,dont smoke social drinker and my life is wonderful.single.
I am 70 years old,I sleep in the back of my 4wd and have an awning for shelter. I am completely independant. I choose this life style. I am in the position to have the best big rig but feel it is a wank for me. You are correct some old travellers are miserable old braggards who love to tell others how great their rings are etc. However a lot of nomads are lovely people of modest means but of generous nature. And very respectfully of families. I personally enjoy seeing hard working families having fun in the parks and am happy to see facilities for you kids to have fun. After all you young folk are my future. I apologize for the mess my generation was partly to blame for that the planet is now in. Have peace and fun on your travels .Grant Mathews
P.S. I’m agreeing with Grant Mayhews.
I could argue the exact opposite as a grey nomad. We cant afford fancy riggs either. Should we stay home or should you? Perhaps we should throw it back to the parks to lift their game.
What a total load of bull. We are Grey nomads and eat out nearly every meal plus coffee before breakfast.
Settle down previous climate change is a lot of political bullshit and it’s your problem and choice . We have all been there done that so get over yourself, prices are the responsibility of the parks not the great grey nomads!
Crap grant i have campef all my life with kids and with out we are nomads nowand get sick to death with yung wingers we help every one yung and old we clean up after more yung people who cant walk to bins all over australia got to be honest mate u will relize when u reach oure age
I fully agree ,we are not grey nomads yet but close and sick of cleaning up after ppl to ,its normally locals,we cant wait to be a grey nomad to and have worked and paid taxes all my life ,cheers
Grant get over it. Did your children wear cloth nappies or disposable ones that don’t decompose. Soooooo bad for environment yet you blame the older generation for.
The term grey nomads is in my opinion derogatory and rude. I am retired. We travel extensively. We sometimes stay in caravan parks, sometimes we free camp. We bring a lot of money into the economies of the places we visit.. as someone pointed out school holidays are twelve to fourteen weeks a year. We are the bread and butter for the rst of the year. A little respect would be nice.
Well said. I am a grey nomad but I love seeing young families out camping & having a great time. There have been heatwave conditions laately & i still enjoy cooling off in the swimming pool. The children are the next generation let them enjoy their childhood .
Well said. I am a grey nomad but I love seeing young families out camping & having a great time. There have been heatwave conditions laately & i still enjoy cooling off in the swimming pool. The children are the next generation let them enjoy their childhood .
Don’t put all grey nomads in the same box i don’t care if kids are at caravan parks we were kids once. I have a small dog some time it’s hard to get a caravan park we don’t worry about it we just move on life is to short to worry about these things when you have retired.
I am a grey nomad myself and agree with you
I am not a grey nomad, however this story popped up on my Google news feed and I thought it interesting.
I have a young family 4yrs and 8months we get out and go camping with our camper when ever we can, I refuse to pay ridiculous prices for a caravan park however we do look for parks with a swimming pool, and playground for the oldest to play. We also have kayaks and bikes and love to go fishing.
We don’t need a park with all the bells and whistles.
I am not sure why things have gotten to the point of grey nomads vs families surely we can all coexist together at parks.
Well said… a sad reflection of our times
Well said. Only sensible comment so far on this whole thing. Surely everyone can share parks if they choose to stay in them and be happy you can get out and enjoy whatever facilities are provided.
We have a mobile home fully self contained and yes a tank for grey water we stop where we like and break no laws why on earth would we want to pay high prices to stay in a caravan park when we have no need
I agree with Jen. As older travellers experiencing caravan parks for more than fifty years we have found that with a little consideration for others both young families and older travellers can co-exist happily in caravan parks. The sound and sight of children happily playing can enhance your stay.
Recently went to stay at a park. It came with a warning about rules for dogs and not allowing them to bark or disturb others………problem was next to us (very close next to us) was a family with two preschoolers who screeched and yelled all day long………….Now, it is possible to coexist, dogs and kids, but sardine tin like sites make it difficult for everyone. Rarely do we use caravan parks these days, so the kids can have them……perhaps if they were do friendly and not merely dog tolerant, we might try more often.
Australia is an expensive place. Nobody is going to set up a business to just provide self contained vans with power, water and a place to dump their crap. The economic case is just not there. Perhaps those experienced self contained “vanners” can get together and establish a cooperative to provide the services they need. If not, chillax and go with the flow. Everyone complains about taxi drivers, but none of them is willing to become one.
To be honest, I am a retired person and I’d rather not sit around hearing old people go on about how good they were and how the franking dividend changes are an afront to the years of working in a government protected job. That type should stay in a park with younger people. Heaven forbid, it may even make them consider others.
We are grey nomads who are sick and tired of the entitled generation blaming us for everything. We worked very hard for what we have. We do not go for a latte every day. We don’t waste money but support regional communitys as we travel.
Im a family with two kids. We have to pay for our site like everyone one. But we also pay extra per child per night which i believe is payimg for the pools jumping pillows etc. We have payed up to 18 dollars per night per child. That makes a family camping holiday alot more expensive. I dont agree that familys should have to pay even more on top of that. Kinds dont really use extra power or water, mine barely shower hahaha. I think charging extra again would stop familys who are trying to have a cheaper holiday completly not be able to.holiday at all.
Half the problem is the time people choose to caravan. I’m retired but never caravan during schools holdays. Why take up a booking when families have limited school holiday time. And I don’t really want to caravan with a park full of kids screaming, running amok and piddling all over toilet cubicle floors. Likewise, if you are one of the increasing number of couples who take their kids out of school to holiday then don’t whinge about grey nomads enjoying themselves in their way in parks. There’s a time and place for all of us.
Should be dog free kid free parks as well as family dog friendly parks
Then freedom of choice would exist.
The perfect grey nomad caravan park for a recycled baby boomer hippie, like me . Have happy hour from 10 a.m. play Beatles and stones music, sing, dance forget your worries, now where is Nimbin. Peace, love and ukelele s .
My thought is why are council and state government parks not catering for the nomads and those families on a budget by provinding a more affordable option and let the private parks cater for the others. In NSW the goverment are taking parks of councils and turning them into bells and whistle parks and charging as much and sometimes more than private parks. Maybe we need to meet our Mps.
Traveled around 0z with bike and trailer and wife chared up to 45$ anight soon learn to free camp
Thanks Grant Mayhews for your comment one day i I Would hope to be able to share a drink with you contrary to my previous post I am not anti grey nomad just anti whinging. I have 70 plus year old parents who still travel and like to see them travel as much as possible. We have also met many great older people in our travels who have passed on some great tips and knowledge and I am very greatful for this. I just dislike hearing people bitching about families when all I want to do is show my children around this great country. So yes thanks I will travel in peace and I don’t mind who is staying with me kust don’t whinge when you have a choice of where to stay, and don’t forget you are actually getting the opportunity to travel and see a lot of countryside.
Even Grey Nomads had children once. Chill out and stop preaching. There are good and not so good in all generations. We are in between the Grey Nomads and the family travellers and have witnessed the ugly side of both. Choose your times to travel, enjoy & live and let live!
Wow, no wonder there is so much hate in the world. I think everyone would get on a little better if we all appreciate that everyone has their own needs and opinions. Personally, being a grey nomad, we prefer to head inland during the school holidays and leave the families to enjoy themselves as they work hard to get their break. I also worked hard to live the lifestyle I enjoy now. From reading some of the above comments I can also certainly see where incidents of road rage come from. Next we will be beating each other up to get into the amenities. Chillax everyone and take a chill pill………please.
I have camped in nation parks free stays etc and what I have seen is the distraction of camp grounds and national parks by overseas tourists that dig a hole and shit and leave paper every where because they can’t walk 10 metres to toilets or bag it and bin it I’ve met alias of nomads and I have learnt a hell of a lot for saying high it’s all about helping these towns make small money it’s the tourism industry that makes the killing stay at the local showgrounds for $5-10 and use the community facilities.
We are grey nomads and we try and stay at clothing optional parks usually $20 a night have met some terrific people who share the same values in life as us.Great to live the dream.
I stayed at this Park, and found it was well worth it in 2017, great camp kitchen, and happy hour’s, and the pool was good. Staff very helpful. Bowen is my favourite place.