Gold Coast parks lose trade as caravaners stay home

The Gold coast is bracing for a massive fallout from the lucrative grey nomad winter migration if the NSW border remains closed until September.

THE Gold coast is bracing for a massive fallout from the lucrative grey nomad winter migration if the NSW border remains closed until September.

The over-50s domestic market is worth about $1.3 billion to the region each year, a chunk of it coming from Baby Boomers snaking their way up the coast in caravans for months-long stays.

“Gold Coast is a popular destination for the 50-plus market, though a typical visitor in this demographic is more likely to be travelling with extended family or as a couple during off-peak periods,” Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said.

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Gold Coast tourist parks are less busy than usual due to COVID-19. Pictured is Tallebudgera Tourist Park. Picture: Jerad Williams

“That said, the City of Gold Coast manages seven tourist parks in prime locations across the Coast, which are a true hidden gem for so-called grey nomads.

“If the current border restrictions remain in place, we know visitors throughout will predominantly be day-trippers, with the exception of Northern NSW and intrastate tourists.”

On average, council-owned caravan parks have an occupancy rate of at least 35 per cent in May and June and 45 per cent in July. They are currently at 8-11 per cent.

The expected financial impact on empty local parks cannot be calculated yet, but council officers remained optimistic.

“We have been working with councils in northern NSW to ensure we can refer our guests to each other in the event that borders remain closed so it really balances out.”

Over the border, however, River Retreat Caravan Park manager Faye Bulmer is already taking cancellations.

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Gold Coast Caravan Club secretary John Macnamara. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Queenslanders can stay but they can’t get back.

“It is a bizarre thing and I really think the border closures are where the problems lie.

“We are as far north as people can come, so we might pick up the business that the Gold Coast can’t get.”

Big 4 Helensvale owner Theo Whitmont said Queensland travellers should keep them afloat.

“Of course we would love to see the borders open and showcase but we understand the Government is taking a cautious view and we respect that.”

Gold Coast Caravan Club secretary John Macnamara said members had been unable to “rally” since February, meaning communities were missing out on the thousands of tourism dollars.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It’s a little pain for a lot of gain, but for tourism businesses I can understand the frustration. Usually, caravaners would be on the move from down south up here.

“With the border closures our parks will miss out on that winter trade.”

Mr Macnamara said the rallies could bring about $6000 to a camp ground a week.

The groups are expecting an increase in interest once domestic restrictions drop, with a halt on international travel and cruise ships.