Great caravan parks to try in fire-affected East Gippsland
As fire-affected areas of East Gippsland start to get back on their feet, tourists are being urged to hit the road with caravans, campers and tents in tow. And there are some magnificent parks eagerly awaiting visitors.
National
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Victorians are being urged to help boost regional tourism in the wake of devastating bushfires.
And with road access improving across fire-hit East Gippsland, many caravan parks are already open for business, or gearing up to reopen in the near future.
“All those who are involved in the caravan, camping and tourism industry are encouraging those looking to get away to head to regions that were affected by the fires,” said Caravan Industry Victoria chief executive Rob Lucas.
“It is now about supporting those in the towns affected and supporting them for much longer that we think we should.”
The devastating fires, as well as road closures and tourists’ reluctance to be a “burden” on fire-affected towns, have led to a sharp drop in visitor numbers in what is traditionally the busiest period for caravan parks and camping sites in East Gippsland.
“We have been lucky enough not to have lost any caravan parks, however overall tourist numbers have declined,” Mr Lucas said.
As the clean-up continues, closures and restrictions on the roads are starting to be lifted, allowing caravan parks to reopen and resume business operations.
Mr Lucas said fire-affected communities would need Victorians’ support for many years ahead.
“We live in an amazing state where much of what we love is at our fingertips. It is now about driving that little bit further and staying that one extra night, which is what will help those who have been affected by the bushfire crisis,” he said.
“It will allow Victorians to help shape and rebuild small and large communities that have been devastated by simply taking a short break or holiday.”
In the lead-up to this weekend’s Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow, check out some of the magnificent caravan parks to explore in East Gippsland:
Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park
Allan Dr, Mallacoota: Opening in stages from today
One of East Gippsland’s great escapes, Mallacoota was significantly impacted by the recent bushfires.
Following weeks of road closures and restricted access, the picturesque fishing town’s foreshore caravan park will partially reopen from today.
Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park will reopen in stages ove the next week, and is set to be fully reopened and accepting new bookings from next Wednesday, February 26.
Beachcomber Caravan Park
85-87 Betka Road, Mallacoota : Open
Nestled on Victoria’s southeastern coast, Beachcomber Caravan Park is roughly halfway between Melbourne and Sydney.
Featuring a range of cabins, onsite vans and caravan sites, visitors can also enjoy the park’s solar heated pool or take a walk to the nearby beaches, Lake Barracuda or a local golf course
Bushfires effectively wiped out tourism during their peak summer season, but owners Paul and Debbie Preston are already seeing a positive jump in reservations as they begin to take bookings for the coming months.
Nowa Nowa
7 Bridge St, Nowa Nowa: Open
With a unique combination of vintage upcycled caravans, scrap metal artworks and free range chickens, this charming site is situated on the edge of Boggy Creek Gorge
Nowa Nowa Caravan Park caters to the eco-conscious traveller, with its environmentally friendly credentials.
For those who want to explore more of Nowa Nowa, there’s also a mountain bike park featuring 20km of bike trails and 15km of dual purpose tracks.
Mingling Waters Caravan Park
2050 Princes Highway, Nowa Nowa: Open
Fifteen minutes from Lake Entrance, Mingling Waters Caravan Park and Cafe overlooks one of Victoria’s most pristine waterways.
With kayaking, fishing, boating, bird watching, fossicking, bike riding and bush walking just some of the activities offered, this is definitely best suited for tourists who enjoy exploring their surroundings.
Visitors are also well catered for, with an on-site cafe that claims to have the best burgers and coffee in the region.
As well as powered and unpowered sites, accommodation options include two cottages and a bunkhouse.
Omeo Caravan Park
Old Omeo Highway, Omeo: Open
This beautiful tree lined caravan park sits adjacent to Livingstone Creek in the state’s far-east and is extremely pet friendly, with dogs, cats and even horses welcome.
Omeo Caravan Park facilitates a range of accommodation, such as caravans (including onsite options), cabins, tents and bunkhouses for larger visiting groups.
The location also boasts its very own on-site food truck, with The Big Red Food Van providing a range of delicious foods and beverages most evenings until late.
Swan Reach Holiday Park
2143 Princes Hwy, Swan Reach
An award-winning property, Swan Reach Holiday Park is the ideal location for those wanting to get in touch with the great outdoors.
Located on the Tambo River, with the legendary Gippsland Lakes and Lakes Entrance situated nearby, there’s more than 180 species of birdlife that call the area home and the Buchan Caves nearby, perfect for adventurous types to explore.
With caravan, camping and cottage facilities available, there’s something for every kind of accommodation preference.
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Marlo Ocean Views Caravan and Camping Park
10 Argyle Parade, Marlo: Open
A short drive from the foothills of the Snowy River National Park and the Croajingolong National Park, Marlo’s caravan park sits on beautiful parkland with a large playing oval overlooking waterways and nearby access to surrounding beaches.
On-site cabins and vans are available, in addition to sites for camping and caravans.
NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park
42 Eastern Beach Rd, Lakes Entrance
Close to the waters of Eastern Beach, this holiday park offers the ultimate beachside escape with two-bedroom villas and powered or unpowered caravan and camping sites.
There’s also a solar heated swimming pool, bouncing pillow, children’s playground and recreation room, making it the ideal holiday park destination for families.
Note: Visitors to the Gippsland region should check the traffic and Emergency Victoria updates before travelling.
To find out more about travelling on wheels in East Gippsland and beyond, visit the Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow at the Melbourne Showgrounds from Thursday, February 20, to Monday, February 24.
Originally published as Great caravan parks to try in fire-affected East Gippsland