The Caravan Industry Association of Australia estimates there’ll be 14 million nights and 3.3 million camping trips taken in Australia in the summer of 2020/2021.
That’s a lot of camping!
Camping and caravanning has always been a popular holiday choice for Australians.
City dwellers dream of escaping to ‘the great outdoors’. Getting closer to nature. Creating memories with friends and family.
For many people, camping is the most economical holiday choice.
In years gone by, local destinations have been competing with other popular types of holidays – like cruises and cheap trips to Bali – camping and caravan holiday parks have had to invested heavily into facilities to add value and attract people to their sites.
Of course, now with COVID-19 raging around the world, holidaying close to home seems like the healthiest decision this holiday season.
To encourage more people to take a break and support local businesses, Tourism Australia and G’day Parks are rolling out a collaborative “holiday here this year” campaign.
The campaign calls on Australians to re-visit destinations that have their heart, discover the heart of our regions, and find new connections with people and places across Australia.
According to G’Day Group CEO Grant Wilckens, while it’s been the ‘toughest year in the company’s history’, he’s never felt more confident in the future.
“Today, we launch what we hope will become an iconic Australian tourism brand, synonymous with authentic Aussie experiences,” said Grant.
3 reasons why great playgrounds create the most popular Australian camping and caravan holiday parks
1. Happy kids = happy parents
Parent and carers will tell you that keeping kids busy, active and out of trouble, makes for the perfect holiday for the whole family.
That’s why camping and caravan holiday parks with great play facilities for kids are always in demand.
Knowing that kids are able to play safely, within a short distance of the campsite, reduces the worry for many parents.
It’s also reassuring to knowing that their kids are off their ‘devices’ and getting some fresh air, socialising with like-minded kids and being active.
2. Having play areas in a park reduces the risk of injury for kids
Riding bikes around a camp ground is extremely popular with kids of all ages.
But it’s not without risk.
Busy camping grounds where campers are allowed to drive around in large vehicles, towing caravans can pose a risk for children on bikes.
Dedicated play areas, such as pump tracks, where kids of all ages can ride their bikes, scooters and skateboards, are safer. They also make supervision easier.
3. Playgrounds and pump tracks are good for business
Park managers agree that one of the keys to a park’s success is having great recreation equipment.
Giving guests plenty of recreational options within a park leads to increased bookings and longer stays.
When choosing the best play equipment for their park, park owners and managers need to consider a number of factors:
- Safety – Park owners and managers want to make sure kids are safe when using playground equipment onsite. Having play equipment with non-slip surfaces and fewer moving parts is ideal. Of course, reducing liability is super important.
- Ongoing care and maintenance – factors like the ease of cleaning and low maintenance operation are important to park owners and managers.
- Play equipment that keeps everybody happy – The days of setting up a swing, a slippery dip and a sandpit in your play area are over! Choosing the right combination of play equipment that appeals to all ages and abilities is really important. Having designated areas for very small children, away from the older kids, can also make a play area a safer space.
- The ‘novelty’ factor – Some types of play equipment are always popular. But if you’re trying to promote your park and give it a bit of ‘pizzazz’, choosing play equipment that’s novel and fun will attract kids and parents to your park.
Parkitect’s Modular Pumptrack is a winner for campers and park managers
A Modular Pumptrack ticks all the boxes for campers and park owners and managers. There are so many projects to prove it.
NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park in South Australia was the first to trial the new Modular Pumptrack during the summer of 2015.
According to then General Manager of ATPM, Andrew Chapman, installing a pump track led to an increase in night stays and expanded the park’s database to include new families. The pump track also complemented other park facilities.
“We want to have the latest and greatest features in our parks, but it’s important that they are family-focused and safe too.”
Luke Hellings, Projects Manager at Victorian-based Park Lane Holiday Parks, is constantly receiving positive feedback from guests after they installed a Modular Pumptrack at their Yarra Valley site.
“The kids are on it from first thing in the morning to last thing at night. Parents specifically request cabins and camp sites as close to the pump track as possible as they enjoy it so much. It has been a great success in our park at Yarra Valley.”
The Watts family of Watts Holiday Parks Australia, managers of BIG4 Renmark holiday park and 1st place winners of the Caravan & Camping with Kids South Australia Best Park 2020 Award, said:
“Our pump track is such a popular addition to our park. We love it!”
2:47 = pumptrack feature
4 out of these 5 caravan park winners and have a Modular Pumptrack to attract families to their holiday park!
You’ll find more examples of great camping and caravan holiday park playgrounds here.
And for more reviews from park owners, managers and park guest click here.
For more information about installing a Parkitect Modular Pumptrack at your caravan holiday park, contact Shaun on 0411 423 773.
