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NEWS
Free camping at NSW van park
Caravan park near northern NSW coast breaks the mould by offering free unpowered sites during low seasonIn what could be a first for an Australian caravan park, Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge in Seelands, NSW is offering free unpowered sites to attract visitors during the slower winter months.
The “grey nomads winter special” runs until September 30 and is only available to travellers that live more than 100km from the park. It also doesn’t apply during school holidays and long weekends.
The park has requested a gold coin donation from those who takes up the offer, which saves up to $20 per night on the normal low season rate. Overnight powered sites are also available for $20 during the same period, a saving of $10.
Situated on the Clarence River about 15 minutes drive from Grafton, the caravan park is a mecca for watersport enthusiasts in summer. As well as powered and unpowered sites, the park has a range of cabins and modern facilities including a swimming pool, tennis court, general store, camp kitchen, fuel pump, and boat trailer parking.
The special deal announced earlier this month seems to have struck a chord with ‘free camping’ enthusiasts, many who usually avoid commercial parks, as well as creating a buzz on social media and free camping websites.
“I know I’m rarely one to sing the praises of van parks, but this place deserves all the praise they get...I'll spend my money here,” wrote Scott Watkins-Sully on the Free Camping Australia Facebook page. “Without their amazing deal, I probably would never have stopped here and wouldn't have spent anything here.
“These are smart people who realise that catering to budget campers during down time is a means of creating business. It's not some dodgy old park either. It's a very flash, beautifully maintained resort.”
Another commenter, Ronnie Pond said: “Way to go for sure… will be spending a week down there in July and paying for a powered site. Thanks Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge."
Todd Bonney called it an “ingenious idea… (It) generates income for the town, and gives a cheap place to stay with all amenities.”
While Warren Gordon suggested: “Maybe all van parks need to take a page out of their book."
“It's better to have bums on seats at a lower cost than it is to have no one at a high price. Good on them,” wrote Rob Mclean. “Would be a good idea for other businesses not just caravan parks but the likes of cinemas to get a full house instead of three rows of people to watch a movie.”
What do you think? Should other caravan parks offers special deals during the low season to attract new visitors?
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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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