Noosa’s waterfront caravan parks have experienced a surge in popularity, with visitor numbers reaching unprecedented levels across three locations. According to a recent report, Noosa Holiday Parks saw a significant increase in occupancy during the 2023-24 financial year, welcoming close to 65,000 guests.
The report, which was presented at the Noosa Council Services and Organisation Committee meeting on August 6, revealed that occupancy rates rose by 5.6 percent compared to the previous year. This growth has positioned Noosa Holiday Parks as a standout performer in the Sunshine Coast region’s camping industry.
The network of parks, comprising the council-operated Noosa River Holiday Park, Noosa North Shore Campground, and Boreen Point Campground, collectively generated $4.53 million in revenue. This represents a 1.8 percent increase from the previous financial period, highlighting the strong financial performance of these popular outdoor destinations.
Among the three locations, Noosa North Shore Campground demonstrated the most impressive growth, welcoming an additional 3,160 visitors. This 14 percent increase in annual visitation brought the total number of guests to a record-breaking 25,707, accompanied by a 9.1 percent rise in revenue.
The Noosa River Holiday Park also experienced positive growth, with an extra 1,345 visitors choosing to stay at this picturesque riverside location. However, Boreen Point Campground saw a slight decline in visitation, with numbers dropping by 1,085 people, or 5.7 percent.
A key indicator of the parks’ success is the number of nights sold, which saw an increase. During financial year 2023-24, the Noosa Holiday Parks accommodated over 64,000 guests,” the report stated. “This is the highest recorded visitation levels at Noosa Holiday Parks and is 5.6 per cent higher than the previous year.”
The number of nights sold is a measure of the total number of camping or caravanning site nights sold in a given period and is a key indicator of visitation and revenue performance,” the report said.
“Currently, the Noosa Holiday Parks have 294 sites available to guests per night. In financial year 2023-24, an additional 1087 nights were sold, representing a 1.35 per cent increase from the previous financial year period and a total of 84,307 nights sold. Noosa North Shore Campground was predominantly responsible for this increase, recording annual growth of 6.2 per cent,” the report added.
The popularity of these waterfront campgrounds aligns with a broader trend in outdoor hospitality. The increased visitation has significant implications for the local economy, as tourism plays a crucial role in driving economic activity in the region. The influx of campers and outdoor enthusiasts supports local businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, and recreational service providers, driving economic activity in the region.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for Noosa Holiday Parks. Forward bookings for the 2024-25 financial year have already reached $2.55 million, indicating continued strong demand for these waterfront camping experiences. The parks are managed by Escape Parks, which oversees operations, maintenance, and minor repairs within established budget allocations.
The financial success of Noosa Holiday Parks extends beyond the campgrounds themselves. Last financial year, the parks delivered an operational surplus of $1.06 million. This surplus is strategically used to offset general rate increases that would otherwise be required to fund non-revenue-generating council activities and programs, benefiting the broader Noosa community.
As Noosa Holiday Parks continue to attract record numbers of visitors, they not only provide memorable experiences for campers but also contribute significantly to the local economy and community well-being. The challenge moving forward will be to maintain this growth while preserving the natural beauty that makes these waterfront campgrounds so appealing to visitor
Featured image by Noosa Holiday Parks via www.noosaholidayparks.com