Series of Riverland caravan parks close as tourism authorities ensure region still safe to visit

Caravan parks from Renmark to Blanchetown have closed amid rising flood waters – but all hope is not lost for South Australians looking to spend the holidays camping in the regions.

Tourism operations throughout the Riverland are taking a hit in the lead up to one of their busiest times of the year – the latest victims, five riverside caravan parks.

As flow forecasts are expected to surpass 200GL a day by late December, several caravan parks in the region have been forced to close up shop.

In Renmark, the Riverbend Caravan Park has temporarily ceased operations.

The park was closed and evacuated on Tuesday night after the SES determined flood waters were a potential threat to occupants of the park.

SES chief executive Chris Beattie said issues with the levee protecting the park from the rising waters were identified, including fractures, water penetration and groundwater seepage.

However, Edwards Group chief executive officer – owner of the Riverbend Caravan Park – Mr Stephen Edwards said occupants were never in harm’s way and defended the park’s private levee.

Levee works near Riverbend Caravan Park in November. Picture: Riverbend Caravan Park Facebook

Also in Renmark, the BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park closed on Friday.

In a statement posed to social media, the Renmark location said the staff need to concentrate on maintaining the levee.

“We look forward to reopening and welcoming everyone back as soon as it is safe to do so,” the statement said.

The BIG4 Blanchetown Riverside Holiday Park location is also temporarily out of operation.

Nearby, the Blanchetown Caravan Park closed following days of protective and relocation works.

The BIG4 Blanchetown Holiday Park underwater. Picture: Facebook

The BIG4 Blanchetown Holiday Park underwater. Picture: Facebook

In posts shared to Facebook on Thursday, the park owners said they were “racing against time” and the “the exhaustion is beyond words”.

The account also shared an image of an exhausted owner, known as Adam, as followers of the page showed their support in the comments.

The phone now answers to a prerecorded message advising the park is closed until future notice.

In Barmera, Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney has been deemed at risk of potential flooding and has been closed until further notice.

The park team are said to be onsite undertaking flood management preparations.

However, it’s not all bad news for avid campers.

The Berri Riverside Holiday Park is fully operational and manager Cindi Taylor said the premises are not expected to close.

“There are plenty cabins and sites available from now until the 27th and in 2023, with some options left over the new year period,” she said.

Meanwhile, the BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks in Mannum and the BIG4 Loxton Riverfront Holiday Park are still open, in addition to the Waikerie Holiday Park.

Defence cells will be installed at the Loxton location, while a levee will protect most of the Mannum park. Cabins outside of the protection zone have been put in storage.

Further west, Morgan Riverside Holiday Park is still open for business, but it’s unclear for how long.

Employee Natarsha said the park only checked in 10 guests from Monday to Thursday last week.

“We’ve had a lot of cancellations, but they have rescheduled for next year so that’s good news,” she said.

Destination Riverland general manager Pamela Canavan said while the summer is going to look different this year, areas of the region are still safe to visit.

“It’s really sad for businesses who have to close due to the higher flows, but there are still plenty of accommodation options,” she said.