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G’Day Group Leads the Charge in Australia’s Expanding Caravan Market

The Australian caravan industry, valued at $27 billion, has seen a significant recovery following the pandemic, with the rise in domestic tourism continuing to shape the market. 

As international travel restrictions lifted, the number of Australians utilizing caravan parks surged, pushing expenditure in these parks to record levels. 

The sector has benefited from a shift in consumer behavior, with more families and digital nomads seeking affordable travel options due to cost-of-living pressures.

For some industry leaders, the growth has been marked by increased capital investment. 

Grant Wilckens, founder and CEO of G’Day Group, which owns 90 caravan parks, notes that large funds are now recognizing the stability and profitability of the industry. 

Wilckens explains to Forbes, “They’ve realised that Australia would follow suit and, lo and behold, here we are. It’s a very stable, steady income stream. We own land. We own property. It’s asset-backed.”

Despite the increasing competition from apps like Hipcamp and Wikicamps, which connect campers with private landowners, many in the industry see these platforms as complementary rather than a threat. 

Wilckens himself purchased Wikicamps in 2022 and emphasizes that the user-generated content remains independent, stating, “We do not influence what goes on there.”

In response to rising demand, many caravan parks have sought to enhance their offerings. Reflections, for example, has adopted a back-to-nature approach and is focused on providing an immersive outdoor experience. 

CEO Nick Baker highlighted the evolving expectations of travelers, particularly those in their 50s and 60s, who are seeking more than just basic amenities. 

He notes, “We wanted it to be about nature because of this inherent belief that time spent outdoors is time well spent.” 

To further cater to this demographic, Reflections is investing in more premium facilities, including a “world’s best amenities block” designed with biophilic elements to enhance the guest experience.

As the industry matures, it is clear that innovation and investment in amenities will continue to drive profitability. 

With caravan parks diversifying their offerings and embracing new business models, such as glamping and unique nature-based tourism experiences, the sector is positioning itself for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: G’Day Group Leads the Charge in Australia’s Expanding Caravan Market! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/australia/gday-group-leads-the-charge-in-australias-expanding-caravan-market/