Caravan parks prepare for post-pandemic rush
Easing of travel bans opens floodgates for caravan park bookingsThousands of caravan parks around Australia are preparing for an Easter-style camping bonanza, albeit a few weeks or months late, as social distancing rules begin to be relaxed in some regions -- allowing caravan parks to once again accept bookings from holiday makers.
Although camping in state parks or caravan parks is so far only back on in South Australia, Northern Territory and West Australia, one of Australia's biggest holiday park chains is already encouraging ‘no risk’ reservations for those in other states who don’t want to miss out on a spot once non-essential travel is allowed.
Discovery Holiday Parks CEO, Grant Wilckens said the 200-plus holiday park chain has introduced wait lists for popular destinations including Jindabyne, Airlie Beach and the Swan Valley, for those already planning their 'iso-escapes'.
“For some people, it’s about having something to look forward to,” Wilckens told the Escape publication. “So for those who want to make a booking now we’ve introduce a new flexi-travel policy. Bookings made between now and end of June can be deferred if needed without a re-booking charge.”
Rival chain BIG4 is also encouraging keen campers to plan ahead, with flexible bookings for non-essential travel available at all BIG4 parks from June 1.
"Many parks are now open and the rest are likely to follow over the coming weeks," BIG4 said on social media. "In particular, bookings for Sep/Oct school holidays and Christmas bookings are selling fast."
Farm stay camping website YouCamp is encouraging Queenslanders to be prepared and have a campsite booked before holiday travel restrictions are lifted in that state from the proposed date of June 12. YouCamp currently lists only a proportion of its 230 Queensland properties as open to ‘essential’ travel.
RV and camping trips in Victoria and NSW are still likely a few weeks’ away at best, with Victorian premier Dan Andrews announcing this week some easing of social distancing restrictions on outdoor activities including golf and bushwalking but not camping.
Industry insiders say pent-up demand for camping experiences other than 'backyard stays' are growing by the day, with the founder of Kui Parks budget chain Bert van Spronsen recently telling Caravanning News: "Many of us are in need of recovery ... Never before have I sensed such a hunger for travellers to get out there."
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont is touting the possibility of school holiday-like queues at many caravan park check-ins as soon as restrictions are lifted.
"We estimate more than 350,000 caravanners and campers are ready to take a trip in the next four weeks, and many other Australians could be introduced to caravanning through the amazing roofed accommodation that we have around the country in some of the most spectacular locations," he said.
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