Search continues for suitable site for budget camping area in Geelong

Published: June 16, 2023

Since the Spirit of Tasmania began sailing into Geelong instead of Melbourne last year, the Victorian city has found itself playing host to thousands of extra visitors.

However, the long search for a suitable site for a new budget camping area goes on.

A spokesperson for the City of Greater Geelong told the Grey Nomads that it was still considering the important information gathered from a feasibility study which was carried out midway through last year.

The study found many locals supported low-cost camping and facilities at a yet-to-be identified site in north Geelong for those using the Spirit of Tasmania service.

“The City is delighted to see that the opening of the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Geelong’s north in October 2022 has contributed to a significant increase in the number of visitors to the region, with many using campervans and caravans,” said a spokesperson. “Many van owners are making use of the low-cost camping space at the Geelong Showgrounds in Breakwater, or choosing to stay at one of the many high-quality caravan parks across Greater Geelong.”

Councillor Kylie Grzybek told the Grey Nomads that establishing a low-cost camping space in the northern parts of Geelong was something that should remain a priority.

“I am a passionate caravanner and will continue to push the need for this facility to council,” she said.

Some 450,000 passengers are expected to use the Spirit of Tasmania service each year, potentially bringing huge benefits to Geelong’s tourism, accommodation, and hospitality sectors.

According to one study, the Spirit of Tasmania is expected to increase tourism expenditure in Geelong by $57.3 million by 2029-30.

  • Where do you camp in the Geelong area before or after a Spirit crossing? Comment below.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win an organic bamboo fitted sheet set designed for caravans from Ecoluxe Travel Decor. The winner can choose a queen, double, or two singles. The prize is valued at approximately $100.

Click here to find out more about the prize, and how to enter.

Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.


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I wanted 4 days in January 2024. Caravan Park wanted over $500. Nope, went to Port Campbell instead. Half the price.

OMG- name the park- that’s astronomical

It was a minimum of 5 days at that time of year and a 5 day booking was $800 for a powered site!

We stayed at the Discovery Park at Braybrook before our trip on the spirit last weekend. In a word it was awful. $68 per night for a cramped site in a park that looks like a prison. The area around it is very dodgy. Woman on the adjacent site was smoking and it was coming in our van. No consideration for others. Staff member was rude. NEVER again.

Why is low cost camping needed, just stay in a caravan park nearby?
There are plenty of them in the area.
If you can afford the cost of a return trip to Tassie with your RV, you can afford one night in a caravan park.

Two months ago we opted to leave our van at our daughter’s place further west & stay in the equivalent to Airbnbs. Paid heaps too, some were very good though. Driving down the Tasman Highway confirmed to me that decision was best! Those who criticize the Bruce Highway, have not obviously haven’t done the Tasman!

We stayed 10 nights at Geelong Showgrounds $30/night ,doing all our Aldi shopping sight seeing and even had a new mattress made for the van

I so wish that Geelong City Council would make a decision and realise how important this is to the area.

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