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NEWS
Australia’s newest park a big hit
Brand new caravan park at South Australia’s Streaky Bay already full of nomadsIf you thought it would be easy getting a spot at Australia’s newest caravan park, think again.
Just seven weeks since opening, the Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park along South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula has been close to over-flowing most nights, with all of its 128, mostly powered sites booked over the Easter break.
The park was built by Ron and Jenny Dean from Western Australia, who according to Kerry Callister (who manages the park with husband Shaun), bought the large slice of land located about 6km from the township about 10 years ago with the intention of building a house.
However, a change of plans saw them follow their dreams and make the major investment of building a caravan park on the property, which now offers stunning coastal views from most sites.
The Callisters moved on-site almost two years ago, to help finish construction of the well laid-out park, which has two desalination ‘plants’ supplying fresh water while power is from the grid or an on-site generator.
It hasn’t been easy though, with regular battles with Council contributing to a long, drawn-out process “from planning to completion”.
“They’ve had issues along the way… to the point where they almost shut the gate, because it’s been so stressful,” she said.
However, the response since opening on February 18 has been “wonderful… and we’ve done no advertising. The word of mouth on the road has been really powerful, caravanners talk like you wouldn’t believe!”
She’s also noticed a boost to the local economy, which is good news to the 400-odd permanent town residents.
“The town’s more alive, because this is usually our quiet time. It’s great for business, everyone is feeling the change,“ she said.
She said prior to the new park opening, the other 65-year old Council-run caravan park in town regularly turned away up to 40 ‘vanners a night during peak season.
The Streaky Bay Islands park has already hosted its first wedding, and one of their first guests enjoyed it so much they ended up staying for a few weeks after initially booking for three nights.
As well as all the usual park features like a laundry, camp kitchen, swimming pool and rec room, the pet-friendly park offers some special touches like an on-site café, free wi-fi and free wine and chocolates if you stay for a week.
Most sites are “enormous” and there’s a flat rate of $30 year-round for a powered site, which Callister says is much cheaper than its Council-run rival.
A 727km drive west from Adelaide, Streaky Bay is a popular stop-over for its excellent fishing and spectacular coastline views. Click here to visit the new park's website.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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