Destination Wakefield: Caravan tourism on the rise.
Published 4th May 2018
| 4 May 2018 |
Caravaning is cool!
Port Wakefield is building as a tourist hotspot, with the local caravan park experiencing about a 60% growth in bookings over the past four years.
Port Wakefield Caravan Park caretaker Rob Gordon puts the steady increase down to the town’s proximity to tourist regions and the fact ‘Wakey’ is an attractive destination itself, with a rich heritage and intriguing environment.
“We’re finding more people are choosing to stop in Port Wakefield to break up their drive to other destinations, and taking time to enjoy what our historic town has to offer,” Mr Gordon said.
“Once people find out we’re only an hour from some holiday hot spots they are more than pleased to stay here a couple days, and explore these areas and then continue along the highway.”
Mr Gordon believes better promotion of the park is one reason for the rise in visitor numbers but also says great customer service and excellent location will always bring people back.
“There’s plenty of advertising options in the digital space emerging for tourism and we have seen considerable results from these platforms. A lot of caravan clubs and families follow these websites and apps almost religiously,” he said.
“We have some great things happening here in Wakefield and we love to showcase our special slice of the state with the rest of the world.”
Visitors to Port Wakefield can reflect on the town’s past as a major port. History buffs won’t be disappointed with the historic walking trail through town, while anyone seeking the sea breeze can enjoy the boat ramp and wharf, tidal lagoon, access to the Samphire Coastal areas and tidal flats teeming with mangroves and wildlife.
The region’s second largest caravan park - in Balaklava - has also seen a boost in overnight stays and
Wakefield Mayor Rodney Reid said the growth was an outstanding example of the region’s potential and a credit to the hardwork of our dedicated park caretakers.
“Our shops, bakeries, cafes and pubs - and more - all benefit from increased visitors,” Mayor Reid said. “And there’s plenty of headway being made to bring tourists to our townships too.”
“Our caravan park caretakers do our community proud.”
You can find out more about Wakefield’s caravan parks and some top things to see and do through Council’s website > wrc.sa.gov.au.