Caravan convoys hit the trail

In an effort to boost tourism in regional and rural Australia, the Federal Government has given the Caravan, RV and Accommodation Industry a $250,000 grant to assist with the development of the program.

In launching the program, Tourism Australia Chairman Tim Fischer, says that caravanning and camping have become the fastest growing tourism segments in Australia, driven largely by retiring baby boomers setting out to see the country.

"What better way to do that than with a group of like-minded adventurers enjoying campfire camaraderie and the benefits of travelling together," he says.

"Anyone with a motorhome, caravan or even a tent can take part -- it doesn't have to be stylish or expensive," Fischer says.

There are currently about 350,000 recreational vehicles registered in Australia, a figure that has grown at the rate of about 15 per cent per annum over the past six years.

Three safaris are planned for 2006 with the first leaving Sydney on April 27 and arriving in Cairns on May 26 after travelling through Lightning Ridge, Longreach, Mt Isa and Georgetown.

The second will depart Perth in August and wind its way north to Geraldton then head east towards Kalgoorlie and down to Esperance on the south coast before working its way along the coast and through the South West ending up in Boyup Brook in September.

The third safari starts in Melbourne in November and heads east towards Gippsland and the High Country before turning north to the Murray River Valley and across to South Australia's Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island and ending in the wine district of the Claire Valley.

The cost per vehicle for Safari 1 is $3950 -- or $65 per day per person for a couple travelling together - that covers all campground fees, entry to national parks, a range of social functions and visits to local attractions, and the support of a "trail boss" and support team.

Each safari will involve up to 50 caravans and motorhomes with convoy departures setting off in groups of five or six vehicles travelling where possible on lesser used roads rather than main highways.

For information and bookings see www.caravansafari.com.au or check out CarPoint's sister site - www.rvpoint.com.au - for the latest road recreation news.