Kerang Caravan Tourist Park — meet the New Owners
Words and photos John Westbury
COVID affected the lives of many, but, in some cases there were very happy endings for some including Thomas and Amanda Cove, the new owners of the Kerang Caravan & Tourist Park, a member of the Kui Parks group. They both met at a Coles store in 2015 and when Thomas was checking out the variety in the deli he saw Amanda and with a smile their eyes met and it was basically love at first sight.
Another perfect match
In 2017 Amanda began teaching and Thomas started his career as a property valuer, and in 2019 they became married at his parents caravan park which has a great function centre. A year later (2020) Amanda left teaching due to COVID and school closures while Thomas continued his career in property valuing. Then this year they both fell in love again, this time when they went to look at the Kerang Caravan & Tourist park which had come up for sale, and it was love at first sight when they saw it and then purchased it.
A family tradition
Thomas had always helped his parents at their caravan park, and mid year came the opportunity when the caravan park at Kerang, which is also part of the Kui Parks group, was up for sale. His parents and Amanda visited the park and saw the opportunity to put their own mark on it and turn it into a great successful business.
When I arrived at the park mid September they had been there only a week, and, it was all hands on deck including Thomas’s parents and other relatives hard at work making various improvements. There were solar panels being cleaned, a new coat of paint here and there, lawns mowed, gardens brought up to date and much more.
Riverside camps & dog-friendly cabins
We received a warm welcome at reception and were taken to our site alongside the river by Thomas who explained the park layout and facilities.
There are 26 power sites along the river plus another 25 around the park. As well there are a range of cabins to suit everyone including two dog friendly and one disability and these range from deluxe to standard.
You will also find a good size laundry, clothes lines, a very well kept amenities block, dump point plus a camp kitchen with everything you need.
Fire pits for all campsites
A new feature are fire pits for all sites which were being made by Thomas and his uncle and they look really great. While there is no jumping pillow there is plenty for the kids with a great size playground at the entrance to the park, and, across the road is a fabulous swim centre including a water slide which will keep the kids occupied for a long time.
Don’t forget to bring the kayak or canoe plus safety vests as the river provides a great experience for everyone to enjoy this activity. There are plenty of fish to be caught and it was great to hear squeals of delight amongst some of the kids with their prize catch of the day.
A smart ExChange
The park also provides free drink vouchers at the ExChange Hotel where we found a great menu and a meal that was very enjoyable. Over all we gave this park a 10 out of 10 and we will certainly be returning.
For bookings you can contact the park on (03) 5452 1161 or visit their web site.