With the upgrade in the quality of caravan parks across the country, Australians can stay on holiday longer, and with up to 2 million Australians expected to holiday in Australia’s 2,700 parks this coming summer, book early is the smart thing to do.

There are around 350,000 Recreational Vehicles (RVs) – caravans, pop-tops, camper trailers, tent trailers, motor homes or campervans - owned by Australians and 250,000 tents are sold annually.

Parks are attractive even to those without RVs – as there has been a major growth in the introduction of park cabins –3 0,000-plus cabins, most sleeping up to 6.

Parks consist of:

• Resort-styled parks with 5-star ratings;

• Most have 2-3 star ratings and are located in country towns, popular holiday destinations, eg  beaches, lakes, rivers, bush retreats;

• Campgrounds in National Parks – mostly rustic basic facilities.

• 2 bedroom parks cabins with own kitchen, living area, bathroom and toilet.

• Quality parks often have facilities that include swimming pools, tennis courts, games rooms, barbecues, playgrounds, kiosks or mini supermartkets.

The $1.5 billion industry is vital to regional tourism as parks employ 12,500 people.  The industry’s manufacturing sector employs 2,500 people building 12,000 models a year.  The second-hand market sells around 50,000 units a year.

A mid-range, 5-metre caravan that sleeps 4 costs around $23,000 a year; a similar-sized top-of-the-range caravan with own shower and toilet costs around $30,000.  Some camper trailers which can sleep up to 8 cost around $18,000

Luxury motor home built on a truck chassis can cost quarter of a million dollar plus.

On any given day of the year up to 15,000 RVs are travelling around Australia, as the great round Australia trek is considered the ultimate dream for many Australians.  According to major Tattersalls/Lotto operators a 4WD and luxury caravan is top of the wish list for winners,

Typical holiday costs during peak times are:

Powered Site:  $150/$200 per week for 2; ($5/$7 a day extra additional person)

Unpowered Site:  $100/$130 per week for 2 ($5 a day extra additional person)

Cabins:  $350/$900 per week per week for 2 ($7/$10 a day extra additional person).

On-site Vans:  $250/$350 per week for 2 (around $5/$7 a day extra additional person

Important: Prices are supplied as a guide only and can vary from state to state. Always confirm pricing at time of booking.

This article has been provided for publication by the Caravan and Camping Industries Association of South Australia. Unauthorised use or reproduction is strictly prohibited. Article & photography is © Caravan and Camping Industries Association of South Australia and may not be used without their express permission.

The Caravan & Camping Industries Association of South Australia Inc., (CCIA. of SA) is a broad based Trade organisation which was incorporated in 1976. Its membership is made up of retailers, manufacturers, hirers, service providers, repairers and suppliers and as such is predominately aligned with businesses in or closely related to the outdoor leisure Industry.