Caravan Parks that charge by site not per person

most have a price for 2 adults as standard with kids extra and anything between $5 and $12 each (or even more in peak times) and under 5's usually free. On top of that you'll get increased rates for school hols.

You'll do very well to pay $55 p/night but expect a fair bit higher at peak/school hol times

Hi Derek,

We found when we travelled the East coast that the council parks charge per site up to 5-6 kids from memory.

I'm with you it's a complete rip off for charging for kids up to $12 and dogs are free.

Christian

Hi Derek,

I understand the problems in travelling with a few young children.

My understanding is that caravan parks are dominated these days by the aging population. They are almost full the majority of the year and I certainly am speaking of Queensland and not Victoria. Caravan numbers are up and caravan parks are down. This combined with the move to "user Payes" and the eternal lust for profits (by councils) has made it even harder for young families.

A blanket price will see however that the additional costs of runnning a parks, occupied by families is passed onto retired people, many who are finding life very hard as well.

The bean counters in the council do not see the "society pluses" of youngsters away from the XBOX and running around in the clean air and looking at nature. Funny thing is in Russia they have FREE camps for children on holidays with FREE transport, FREE food and FREE accomodation. We however are living in the FIRST world and life is better here for children?

One of the most stupid reasons given to us for charging an extra $10 ,yes $10 per night for a child [ 9yr old at the time] was that " Kids use a heap more TOILET PAPER and make a mess in the bathroom so we charge an extra $10 per child per night ,take it or leave it ! " We left , ,,,,, Mango Farm C/Van Park on the Daley river N.T.

hey Derek, Im in exactly the same situation as you.
Question-have you ever had anyone leave the office and actually count the kids? We havent, and usually the kids are so busy tearing round during the day that short of entering after everyone is in bed, a head count is impossible.

as asingle traveller caravan parks can be a pain in the butt ;most want too charge for 2 people ;no discount for 1 but will gladly charge for 3 ;free camping best for me bye barry

you can understand their need for a small charge. After all, they do use some hot water, electricity and yes, they do contribute to the need for cleaners but $5 p/night is surely adequate unless there has been considerable investment in kids' facilities/playground/games room. Trouble is, even for a family of four, the costs can get up to $80 p/night at peak

We just learned to be a bit choosier and avoided the Big 4 type of park. Family Parks aren't too bad. We go to one most January school hols and it works out at around $48 p/night for four.

I was talking to a Caravan Park owner yesterday, and the conversation was about the upcomming improvements to their park next year.

He was saying that the land value alone was $3 million.

And he pays $200,000 Land Tax per year let alone rates, power, and insurances.

The owner also stated that he prefers not to have kids on the park as they cause the most work re: cleaning and damage to the amenities.

Also the Grey Nomads like to steer clear of parks where their are Kids Entertainment ect.

He mentioned that last Xmas their were 17 extra kids running around, more than that was registered at bookin time.

He said some C/P owners will negotiate with the adults and forego the Kids Charge so they won't miss out on a customer, in the low season.

It pays to haggle.

Cheers

Hi Derek
I wouldn't worry too much about the charges a park has, because with 5 kids and 2 adults in a van I don't think it will be too long before you get a cash windfall after you sell the van!
You are truly a glutton for punishment and you are my hero!!
Buy a copy of camps Australia 6 to get all the info you need.
Have fun Cheers!