Port Sorell Caravan Park is undergoing significant upgrades, after receiving 2.5m in State Government funding this year.
Plans to install a quad-style ensuite block, new cabins, extra parking and a stunning entrance are well advanced, with construction hopefully commencing in October 2020.
Council intends to keep the seaside caravan park open during the renovations, with works anticipated to end by Easter next year.
SHAPED BY RESEARCH
Directions for the renovations stem from Sustainable Park Solutions’ analysis, which found that turning Port Sorell Caravan Park into a Tourist Park would broaden its appeal.
“It’s an exciting project for Tasmania,” says Matt Williams, General Manager for Sustainable Park Solutions, who compiled the report for Latrobe Council in late 2018.
“Port Sorell is a fantastic location and the caravan park enjoys absolute beach frontage.”
The 8.25ha caravan park currently has 135 powered camping sites and 35 unpowered camping sites. Plus six cabins, owned and managed by the Port Sorell Lions Club.
In the past 18 months, Latrobe Council has slowly implemented changes on the back of the report, including a new camp kitchen.
But the 2.5-million dollar investment will provide the Tassie North-West Coast council its biggest opportunity yet to embrace Sustainable Park Solutions’ recommendations.
CATERING TO MORE TOURISTS
The report took five months to compile and includes a financial plan based upon its recommendations.
“The main issue with the park was that it didn’t cater for all tourists.”
The research recommended increasing accommodation options while continuing to cater for existing guests.
Port Sorell is 20 minutes from Devonport, an hour from Launceston and 2 hours from Cradle Mountain, making it suitable for those travelling to or from the island, and for those seeking a base in which to stay.
The current renovations will include new two-bedroom ensuite cabins per Matt’s report, which also recommended Permanent Safari-style tents.
A BETTER EXPERIENCE ON ARRIVAL
Check-in comforts is a key focus to the park’s latest renovations.
A large, curved stacked-stone entrance sign will bolster the foreshore’s appeal, attract travellers passing through and help guests locate the park on arrival.
Caravanners will find it easier to enter into the park as a result, while extra single-vehicle and caravan-friendly parking out front will also improve safety and comfort on arrival.
Brand-new office will also streamline processes at check-in.
QUAD AMENITIES FOR CAMPERS
Sustainable Park Solutions identified opportunities to extend the tourist season.
“We recommended Latrobe Council install quad ensuite blocks in the park so campers could access semi-private amenities during the cooler shoulder seasons,” Matt explains.
Matt is thrilled to see Latrobe Council acquiring funds on the basis of Sustainable Park Solutions’ findings, and looks forward to inspecting the work on completion.