General News
6 October, 2023
Footy fever has caravan park booking leaping
CARAVAN parks and camping grounds across the Loddon were at capacity for the AFL grand final eve long weekend. Scores of vans lined the Loddon River at Newbridge and Laanecoorie while at Boort the park was full of buzz, And at Bridgewater and...
CARAVAN parks and camping grounds across the Loddon were at capacity for the AFL grand final eve long weekend.
Scores of vans lined the Loddon River at Newbridge and Laanecoorie while at Boort the park was full of buzz,
And at Bridgewater and Wedderburn, where Loddon Shire Council earlier this year ticked off on long-term leases for the caravan parks, hundreds crammed in for three days of relaxation and football viewing.
An estimated 500 people booked into the Bridgewater where leaseholder Kristy Hourigan said occupancy had jumped 200 per cent at the riverside park in the last three months.
They were treated to live music and served pop-up Spanish dishes by Ann-Maree and Gary Davis, of Campbells Forest, with their Little Sangria van on Friday.
“There’s been a real buzz all weekend around the park that captures the spirit of camping in vans and tents at this very popular location,” Kristy said.
“We’ve seen amazing growth already in visitors coming to Bridgewater and exploring the area.
“The start of spring has certainly been a good omen for the summer season ahead.”
The Hourigans, who also have the long-term lease of the Wedderburn park, opted for a more traditional fare to treat park visitors on grand final day.
Hundreds of sausages were cooked up on the camp barbecue before the first bounce of the ball watched eagerly on television sets around the park.
“Our occupancy figures at Wedderburn have also increased since taking over the parks in July,” Kristy said.
“With the three new cabins now in place, we are aiming to have Wedderburn match the growth being seen at Bridgewater.”