Where will you spend the southern winter?
While the poor condition of the Bruce Highway has received a lot of publicity recently, Caravanning Queensland insists the Sunshine State’s roads are generally in good condition.
The organisation is anticipating a good season, and is urging grey nomads and other travellers to venture inland to help boost drought-affected regional economies.
Caravanning Queensland CEO Ron Chapman told the ABC he is not expecting drought to deter any visitors, and he says the lack of flooding means roads are in good condition and accessible.
“I am sure there is an element of worry but we have said to people who have mentioned the rain ‘yes, but you have to remember that the majority of Queensland is still in drought’,” he said. “These people out there are really suffering and the more that you can travel through that area, the better, because you will be putting money into the economy.”
Mt Chapman said there had been a positive response from people attending caravanning and camping trade shows at Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
“The positive results we’ve had are very encouraging for Queensland,” he said. “I have never seen such a positive response from Sydneysiders in probably the last 10 years.”
Mr Chapman says while there is still competition from cheap international destinations, the outlook for the coming year is solid.
“I think this is the most positive I have ever seen it for five, eight, even 10 years,” he told the ABC. “People are really positive about travelling within Australia. We’re still selling between 20,000 and 30,000 new caravans every year.”
Definitely. Queensland has been magnificent for us this year. We have been traveling the outback areas, drought affected areas and the small towns and we have really loved it. I think I now prefer to travel the inland areas than the coastal areas. The people are lovely and the towns are so welcoming. The small towns really need our support. We left Perth 9th July 2013 and have travelled all over but have spent a lot of time in outback NSW and outback QLD. Totally recommend it.
Hi Kathy, it’s quite special when you get around the outback areas, isn’t it! Hope you called into Charters Towers and discovered all the unique offerings in the area. If not, perhaps you can make a promise on your next drive around! We love having visitors so please do put us on your list. Amazing australian history and really authentic “Australiana” abounds! Enjoy your travels, wherever the road is taking you!
Regards
Tricia.
Currently in Lightning Ridge, and will cross the border on Sunday to spend a few months exploring outback Qld.
Hi Marilyn. Good to hear you are coming to QLD! Charters Towers is looking forward to the opportunity of welcoming you to our world! A visit here will need at least a 4 or 5 day stay to discover the secrets. Enormously rich stories of Australia’s history lie here – history you can really feel, amazing built structures that have been preserved and loads of real Australian landscape to explore. Oh! An excellent choice of award-winning caravan parks and bush camping grounds with all the creature comforts and great areas for bush camping in nature as well! Sounds like an advertisement, doesn’t it!!! Well, we love showing our world to our visitors so if you want authentic in every sense, we’ll have it! Please put us on your itinerary and call in to the visitor centre when you arrive … we’d love the opportunity to welcome you and give you all the info you’ll need for this unique area. Travel safely and trust you’ll enjoy every day of your adventure.
Sincerely,
Tricia Howard
Tourism Manager
Charters Towers Regional Council
Hopefully heading to QLD from the NT at the end of May & we are just going to take it slowly & spend time in many outback towns before heading up to Cape York.
Hi Chris. Consider taking Overlander’s Way from Tennant Creek. That way you can visit lots of small town on the way and most importantly, Charters Towers, before heading north to the Cape via the inland route. Win-win! You get to visit loads of outback towns and we get to meet you and welcome you to our world. Drive safe, travel well and please call in to the visitor centre and say hello!
Regards,
Tricia.
Tourism Manager
Charters Towers Regional Council