Another Cairns van park to close.

BigBadBruce · Member

Another Cairns van park to close.

jimricho · Guru

Cruising Granny indicated some time ago that the Caravilla was on the market. It was only a matter of time as the land is probably too valuable to continue as a caravan park, however this doesn't help us GNs who enjoy a stay in Cairns, especially at a location as convenient as the Caravilla.

As the demand increases and the supply decreases we can expect to see the cost of a site go up in the Tourist season.

There seems to be a bit of an anti Grey Nomad attitude in Cairns, preferring the more up-market tourist sector, an attitude that I understand has come back to bite them in the current world financial climate.

As Grey Nomads we tend not to patronise the blatant rip off "attractions" but we do spend significant money on essentials such as food, booze (most essential!), fuel, vehicle maintenance, other shopping, meals at the local clubs and pubs, etc.

More details on this can be found at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2010/10/13/130435_local-news.html

jimricho · Guru

PS to above....

I can't help but feel that the fact that this park is located in a "less than salubrious" neighbourhood would have had an impact on the profitability of the park, especially outside the peak tourist season.

petengail · Guru

couldnt agree more with your comments jim

Covert Operation · Member

jimricho wrote:

There seems to be a bit of an anti Grey Nomad attitude in Cairns, preferring the more up-market tourist sector

There is an anti grey nomad attitude in Cairns. After our trip in May we wont be going back to Cairns. Over priced, over rated, over hyped and bad attitude in stores to tourists.
1 shop we were in did not realise we were tourists started raving after a couple that walked out after seeing the total of $99 paid about the bloody tourists and especially the old tourists in campervans and wish they would stay home. I did say you did not mind taking their $99 and left it at that.

BigBadBruce · Member

Unfortunately, a lot of business operators in Cairns are only after the quick tourist dollar. Customer service and manners don't exist. However, a number of small businesses (including mine) respect our customers, make sure they have a positive buying experience and encourage them to return. The problem is how do you tell which is which? Only by word of mouth, which visitors don't usually have access to.
Years ago, I lived on the Gold Coast which developed into the same situation as Cairns today. I moved to Cairns to get away from that "fast buck' attitude. Sadly, I think its time to move on again.

Ma · Guru

and would you be in the service or hospitality area Bruce. I have a nephew in business in Cairns and he is ready to get out

BigBadBruce · Member

I have a Deli Market stall at Rusty's Markets. it's for sale, interested? biggrin

Ma · Guru

Been in the hospitality area in another life. I have NO WISH to revisit what was a very hard slog. Thanks anyway. My nephew has a coffee shop, on of the very popular brands in a shopping centre up near the railway station

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Glad we have been to Cairns and can cross it off the list. We enjoyed our stay, and saw most of the touristy stuff, spent heaps, then went to Cape Tribulation and really relaxed. Spent less, still remember it with a smile.

justcruisin01 · Guru

I thought Cairns was very over rated many years ago, We need people to pull together & give these places the flick, treat them the same way.
Where would Cairns be without the tourist trade? I know as aussie,s we are out numbered by overseas visiters who dont stay long enough to see these things, so let them have it.