As grey nomads plot their routes north for the southern winter, competition is fierce among the various rural communities as they bid to attract their share of the ‘grey dollar’.
Offering free or budget camping options is a popular way to lure caravanners and motorhomers … but so too is highlighting attractions and delivering tourist drives.
The small Queensland town of St George, some 512 kilometres due west of Brisbane, is one community that has shown itself more than willing to go the extra mile for older travellers.
The town is about to launch a new self-drive cotton trail which will give visitors a closer look at the local agricultural industry.
“The grey nomads from the southern states are always asking questions about our industries, and hopefully this will fill in the gap,” local councillor, Rod Avery, told the Toowoomba Chronicle. “It will keep tourists involved as they look for more things they can be doing while they are in the district.”
The council has allocated funding for information boards at key points along the route, which starts at Jack Taylor Weir, continues on to Beardmore Dam, then goes through the St George irrigation area towards Buckinbah Weir before passing the St George cotton gin and returning to town along the Carnarvon Hwy.
Along with the cotton trail, other new ideas have been discussed to help increase tourist numbers across the region.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reports that, earlier this month, a Balonne Shire tourism familiarisation meeting showcased local attractions to nine surrounding councils.
A Western Trail Loop was mooted at the meeting which would combine the resources of multiple shires to promote the greater south-western area of Queensland.
• Do new tourist drives like this help persuade you to visit a particular town in the north? Do you pick a different route each year? Is there a ‘secret’ gem destination you would recommend to fellow travellers? Comment below.
St George is 6 1/2 hours without a van it tow, and 512 Km from Brisbane.
Thanks Phillip. Typo fixed up now.
it sounds like a plan at least they are truying to draw people to there area. Which is a good thing I think
but I try to enjoy myself were ever I go. Just enjoy I say
We are planning to hitch up the caravan in a couple of months, but will be looking for work. We are still 4 years off retirement but are no longer employed and can’t seem to pick up any work. I look forward to visiting RV friendly town and learning about their history and industry. Maybe they could also give information re work available and don’t assume everyone travelling is just out for a holiday. With age discrimination in the workforce starting in the 50’s a lot of us are mobile and looking for opportunities.
Surprising amount of work out west in all states as they can’t labour. The grain companies all have websites that you can put an application in and follow the grain trail. They need more than truck drivers and will put on husband and wife teams and give you training
Will be travelling North from Rochester Vic. in May via Gunnedah, Tamworth, Gayndah, to the Atherton Tablelands .Hope to see as many country attractions as we can. We are in no rush so anyone with any ideas would be great. We have travelled a lot as truck drivers but now Grey Nomads with a Grey Bedford Bus and plenty of time. Hope to meet up with you along the way. Thanks.
We hope to go through St george this Winter on our way to Longreach. Put in a few cheap camp sites etc and we will be there for a few nights instead of just passing through.
Heading that way now. Currently camped out at Condamine by Caliguel Lagoon and wil be moving on to Surat tomorrow and down to St George after that. Will be good to see some changes. These smaller western towns are always more friendly snd we prefer to spend our dollars where we are welcomed.
It is good to visit without busting the bank. Self drives are great, and we always end up spending money somewhere along the route. Thanks St George.
A great idea. As Grey Nomads we would welcome some good ideas to add interest to our trip, and if course if there are reasonably priced camping spots, we’d stay longer (and therefore spend more money)!
Great. The last time, it was mainly under water. Really great country in the winter, that is.
Great to see councils thinking outside the box. Motorhomes and caravanners are ribbons of money trails travellingthroughout this great country. Just be aware all you dog folk that there are 1040 baiting programs for wild dogs. Longreach is embarking on a program so watch your dogs and scout around yxour rest points when first arriving. Happy travels.
remember as well that birds especially crows will pick the baits up and drop them many klms outside the baiting areas