The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCPA) is in the midst of a substantial redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve, a move that has brought mixed responses from longtime campers and industry observers.
As part of a 10-year master plan, the reserve—previously home to 185 year-round caravan and camping sites—has been closed for renovations since April 2023 and is expected to reopen in mid-2025 with a significantly altered site model and upgraded amenities.
The updated design includes 10 safari-style eco tents and 10 pop-up tents, as well as improved road infrastructure and expanded green spaces.
While these developments aim to modernize the reserve and improve its appeal to a broader range of visitors, they also represent a shift in how the park will operate, moving away from long-term annual site agreements to seasonal and short-term accommodation.
This transition, supported by a commercial review and $5.5 million in state funding, will reduce the number of available sites to 128 during the high season—from September to April—and only 47 during the off-season.
For businesses in the outdoor hospitality industry, the changes reflect a growing trend toward flexible, premium camping models such as glamping and seasonal stays, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and land-use optimization.
“This is all about making the reserve more inclusive, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone who comes to experience it,” a GORCPA spokesperson said in a report by ABC News.
However, the removal of annual sites has raised concerns among former site holders who had formed long-standing traditions and community ties at the reserve.
Heather Ennor, who maintained a site at Apollo Bay for seven years, expressed disappointment at the decision.
“The kids knew the park and the [people with annual sites] in the park got to know those families and they soon knew that everybody was looking out for their kids,” she said. She added that she would not be returning to the reserve, citing fears it will no longer be an affordable option.
For outdoor hospitality operators and caravan park managers, the situation presents both a cautionary tale and an opportunity.
The shift at Apollo Bay reflects broader industry dynamics around balancing long-term affordability for returning guests with the economic benefits of higher turnover and premium accommodation offerings.
Operators watching the GORCPA transformation may take note of how such changes affect community perception, seasonal demand, and revenue performance in regional destinations.
With Apollo Bay’s population swelling from 1,800 to 15,000 in peak season, the loss of annual sites and reduction in overall availability may also create increased demand for alternative accommodations in nearby towns such as Marengo and Skenes Creek.
This could present potential growth opportunities for other operators in the region, provided they can absorb displaced campers and meet expectations for quality and value.
While GORCPA has yet to release pricing details, a spokesperson said rates would align with market standards. For stakeholders in the caravan and glamping sectors, understanding evolving visitor preferences and adjusting offerings accordingly will be key to navigating changes like those at Apollo Bay and beyond.