Gold Coast campgrounds already full for Christmas, New Years amid housing crisis

Gold Coast’s housing crisis has added pressure to the availability of camping sites and spots at caravan parks ahead of the peak tourist season. Vote in the poll.

Campgrounds and caravan parks across the city are already booked out with growing wait lists ahead of the first Christmas holiday season since heavy Covid restrictions were lifted.

The Gold Coast’s housing crisis has added pressure to site availability, with more families forced to live at campgrounds and caravan parks amid soaring rents and a lack of available stock.

Most of the city’s 10 major tourist parks are at full capacity over Christmas and New Years, with the exception of an odd day or two where some spots are available.

These include City of Gold Coast-run parks at Jacobs Well, Tipplers, North Currigee, South Currigee, Broadwater, Main Beach, Ocean Beach, Burleigh Beach, Tallebudgera Creek and Kirra Beach.

Cam and Tania Withers stayed at Burleigh Beach Tourist Park last week.

“Bookings at Gold Coast tourist parks for the summer school holidays are largely made the year prior by our regular holidaymakers,” a city spokeswoman said.

“As this is such a popular time of year to visit the Gold Coast, and we continue to see increased popularity in the caravanning and camping industry, we recommend booking well in advance to secure your chosen dates and length of stay at the tourist parks.”

Some parks have even filled up outside the peak period.

Caravanners Cam and Tania Withers said their friend was unable to make a booking to stay with them for one night at Burleigh Beach Tourist Park last week.

“They said it was completely full - there wasn’t even one site available,” Mr Withers said.

“Unless you book a couple of months in advance, you can’t find anywhere at all.”

Cam and Tania Withers at Burleigh Beach Tourist Park.

The impact of the housing crisis on demand for camp sites was highlighted last month after residents reported campers had taken over Budds Beach and Winders Park.

City council said patrols would be ramped up heading into the peak Christmas holiday period in response to reports of illegal camping at parks and beaches.

But many residents defended the campers, pointing out the lack of available housing stock had forced many to sleep in cars or tents.

Sharp Park River Bend Bush Camping manager Scott Woodcock said he kept prices low to offer a “safe and comfortable” alternative for those between homes.

“We’ve had a lot more people displaced from rentals that are looking for temporary accommodation while trying to find other rentals,” Mr Woodcock said.

“We’re also seeing interstate buyers coming up here looking to buy property who are staying in caravans.

“We have a maximum allowable stay of three weeks due to council guidelines.

“Our prices stay at $10 a night per adult to keep it a safe and comfortable option for people.”

While the park still has about 40 spots available over the holiday season, Mr Woodcock warned these would fill up quickly.

“We are definitely getting more earlier bookings this year,” he said.

“I think with all the Covid that’s been around, people are organising things a lot earlier.”

People camping at Budds Beach. Picture: Jerad Williams

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said camping areas at Springbrook National Park and Green Mountains in Lamington National Park were the most popular this year.

“A booking is essential prior to leaving home,” he said.

“We’re also urging campers to ensure they have the correct vehicle access permit before leaving home – bookings and permits are essential otherwise you won’t be able to pitch your tent.”

For a camping checklist and information about permits, visit here.

Any travellers looking for last minute Gold Coast accommodation can search for it here.