The lure of Australian luxury

Australians have embraced the caravanning concept by tripling the number of caravan owners in the past ten years. Caravan parks, however, have kept pace with this development and many now offer luxurious features to ensure that their guests will enjoy their environs.

Landscaped pitches and gardens, heated indoor swimming pools, spas, conference facilities and fully licensed restaurants are all becoming standard expectations.

Lisa Shapter, who manages a caravan park in Victoria, says: "People are looking for comfort and the environment of the caravan park, where they can relax, let their kids run around and meet new friends.

"It's not as sterile as motel environments can be."

Ian Beadel, who runs a caravan park training school, comments: "We have judges and solicitors, we would never have seen those people at a caravan park 20 years ago. These people are finding it is meeting their needs."

Obviously UK caravan owners won't be taking their own vehicles to Australia. Park owners, however, offer luxury static villas for hire, for Brits planning a touring adventure in Oz.

02/01/2008 11:12:00