Caravan parks across the country have reopened their gates to visitors and grey nomads are flooding in, eager to finally start their holidays post-pandemic. Aussies let out a collective cheer earlier this month when restrictions were eased further and state and territory premiers gave intrastate travel the go-ahead.
New South Wales and South Australia were the first to restart the tourism industry, with the remaining states and territories following closely behind. However, at this stage interstate travel still remains a no-go for many, with some states refusing to open their borders just yet, for fear of a second Covid-19 outbreak. But, there’s an overwhelming number of people claiming they’re ready to hit the road once again and give caravan parks a much needed boost in bookings.
In fact, a recent study carried out by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia revealed 19 million Australians have indicated they would consider staying in a caravan park following the pandemic. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of survey respondents said they wish to take a caravan and camping holiday in the next two months.
Adding to its popularity is that it’s one of the safest accommodation types available in Australia, ideally suited for Aussies to get away and have a safe and much-needed holiday. In addition, caravan parks don’t have shared corridors and lifts to access rooms, and have recently introduced staff training, including Covid-19 best practices and cleaning of high-frequency touchpoints, to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday option for Aussies.
“By design, caravan parks have large open spaces, cabin accommodation and many caravans/RV’s have their own toilet, shower, kitchen and air-con systems, reducing the need to use shared facilities. Caravan parks also have strong cleaning and hygiene practices in place,” Keelan Howard, general manager of marketing and communications at the Caravan Industry Association of Australia said.
So, what exactly is allowed in caravan parks now, and what do travellers need to keep in mind when packing for their upcoming holiday?
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has remained firm on her decision to keep the state’s borders closed, only hinting that they’ll reopen on July 10. However, she’s encouraging intrastate travel in a bid to help the tourism industry get back on its feet. So, if you’re a Queenslander and looking for a getaway, caravan parks are open for business, and you’ll be able to make use of some of the facilities as well.
Currently, pools and outdoor facilities are allowed to open, however, there are some restrictions on indoor facilities and each park can determine what they would like to open for visitors. So, if you don’t have a self-contained caravan, then it’s best to check ahead with the park to see what rules are in place. But for those who don’t have their own caravan, and still want to head off on a driving holiday Travel at 60 has a deal going, which includes 15 days hire in a 2WD vehicle with unlimited km’s, entry to select attractions, and plenty of other great inclusions!
South Australia was the first state to lift restrictions and allow intrastate travel and eager travellers have already hit the road. The state has also opened its borders to Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland, while there’s plans to open to the remaining states by the end of July. This is good news because caravan parks are open for business and shared facilities such as pools, playgrounds, camp kitchens and amenities are available for use in most parks.
Tasmanians can enjoy holidays in their own state and caravan parks are beginning to open to visitors. Currently, most parks have reopened pools and play equipment. However, there are still some restrictions on indoor facilities, with each caravan park making its own decisions on what to open and what to keep closed. So, it’s best to ring ahead to see what the rules are.
Victorians are now permitted to stay at caravan parks and campgrounds throughout the state, including roofed accomodation such as cabins. However, while communal toilets are open, facilities such as showers and indoor kitchens remain closed. Campers must also maintain social distancing and bring along their own personal hygiene items.
There are no internal travel restrictions within NSW and the border has actually opened to visitors from other states, however, at this stage with other borders closed, it’s not likely they’ll be anyone but NSW residents staying at caravan parks throughout the state. Thankfully, all shared facilities are open in parks as well, but social distancing rules still apply, so if you’ve got your own shower, it’s probably wise to use that instead.
Meanwhile, if you’re ready to pack up your bags and getaway for a week or so, Travel at 60 has a great deal on RV hire within NSW. The package includes 11 days hire in a 2WD vehicle with unlimited km’s, 24 hour roadside assistance, plus more!
Cases of the coronavirus have remained relatively low in the Northern Territory throughout the pandemic, so most of the restrictions have been eased already including intrastate and interstate travel. This week it was revealed the territory would open its borders on July 17, meaning travel to the Top End is back on the cards. You just can’t go into biosecurity areas such as Kakadu and Arnhem Lands. But caravan parks everywhere else in the territory are allowed to reopen and they can allow visitors to use pools, playgrounds, kitchens and amenities.
Western Australians can now enjoy a stay at a caravan park in their state without the worry of having to have their own shower or kitchen facilities. All shared facilities in parks are able to open, such as playgrounds, outdoor pools, kitchens and amenities. However, travel is still not permitted in biosecurity areas in the state, so stay clear of these parts of WA. If you don’t have a caravan of your own, but are eager to hit the road, check out Travel at 60‘s fantastic RV hire deal.