Aussies flock to caravan park for unique reason: 'They're easy'
As scores of couples and families take to the great outdoors to explore the country's beautiful landscape, some Aussies are looking to break away from the crowds and find their own 'quiet' slice of heaven.
While caravanning has been a popular travel choice for retirees, otherwise known as Grey Nomads, for decades, parents with young children are now joining in on the fun — with some even living on the road full-time.
However, the trend has led to a dramatic increase in visitors descending on caravan and campsites in each state and territory, subsequently creating a 'cut-throat' industry.
This is partially what led Debbie and her husband George to sell their kid-friendly caravan park in the Whitsundays — which they ran for 25 years — and open the adult-only Gum Tree Lodge and Bush Camp in Howard, near K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island.
'We had lots of facilities for the kids, but obviously we cared for the nomads in the winter when they do that yearly migration,' Debbie told Yahoo News Australia. Despite the 'lovely concept', the business owner said she often heard retirees say they didn't need any of the additional facilities aimed at the younger crowds.
'These caravanners have got these beautiful vans that have got absolutely everything on board, and they don't need anything else,' Debbie said. 'So we thought we would build something really basic and cater for an over 50s audience because they're easy.
'They don't want to kids running around their sites with their scooters, and to hear 'Daddy, Daddy, Daddy' — they just want something really quiet, safe, and peaceful.'
The Gum Tree Lodge and Bush Camp opened up to retirees travelling in a self-contained van or motorhome in 2020, and now boasts 50 powered sites and a handful of powered deck sites that overlook dams on the rural property. There are no toilets, BBQs or camp kitchens here. The site is for fully self-contained caravans, but a dump point is available.
After being contacted by numerous younger Aussies also seeking a child-free stay, the site changed to an adult-only facility this year. 'We were getting inquiries from 30 to 40-year-olds that have got all the necessary stuff — a self-contained van — but they were sort of shy about coming in,' Debbie said.
'So we just thought we'd open it up for them, and that'll obviously create a few more customers for us. But also we thought it would just change the conversations around the campfire and stuff, which would make a bit more interesting for all of us.'
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While dogs and cats are allowed, anyone under the age of 18, or without the appropriate equipment, are not. There is a limit of two people per site.
'They have to have a shower and toilet inside their van. We're also not allowed to take tents or swags,' Debbie told Yahoo. 'We're very conscious about creating a really special place for people.'
And the niche idea appears to have paid off, with visitors reportedly 'just loving the concept'. 'We get lots and lots of return visitors and lots of interest from people that want to come and stay. You know, they might be down south and on the way sort of thing, or it's earmarked for a stay in the future.'
Numerous Aussies have commented on the bush camp's social media, agreeing it is a 'relaxing and very peaceful' place. 'We have stayed here so many times and keep coming back,' they added.
'Thanks for having us, we love it here,' another said, while someone else deemed it 'one of the best' holiday stop-offs.
Adult-only caravan parks are not yet widespread in Australia but appear to be gaining attention as the demand for diverse camping experiences increases.
New data released late last year revealed more Aussies than ever before are looking for child-free flights.
'We're seeing a huge demand in people wanting to travel without kids,' James Kavanagh, Flight Centre Travel Group Managing Director, told Yahoo. 'Travel operators are responding to the interest by launching… experiences across airlines, cruising and touring.'
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