Overflow campsite expected to grow

Campervans and caravans should be a common sight on local roads next month as grey nomads are expected to begin motoring into Hedland’s overflow campsite at the turf club.

Mayor Kelly Howlett said Hedland’s inaugural overflow campsite last year had been a huge hit with travellers and the Town expected 2016 to be even bigger.

Visitors will, however, face new conditions of use of the camp this year as they will be expected to pay a small charge for its use and will only be permitted to stay if Hedland’s caravan parks are also busy.

“Tourists can stay at the overflow campsite for a maximum of three nights when alternative campsites in town are at 50 per cent occupancy or if their self-contained recreational vehicle is too large to fit in a vacant (caravan park) spot,” she said.

“Travellers with pets can also use the overflow grounds.

“A fee of $10 per night will be payable and this will be used to cover (the Town’s) costs associated with maintaining and monitoring the site at McGregor Street.

“The RV campsite will reopen from May 1 until August 31.”

The move by Hedland councillors to support the overflow camping initiative comes on the back of other recent tourism initiatives by the Town and its partners.

Ms Howlett said she and councillor Julie Arif, with staff from arts group FORM and the Hedland visitor centre, recently manned a stall at the Perth Caravan and Camping Show.

“On average close to 600 people visited the stand each day during the five-day exhibition, including WA Premier Colin Barnett and local member Brendon Grylls,” she said.

“We met with past visitors and potential travellers to Port Hedland, showcasing a range of activities, sights and destinations to visit.”

Ms Howlett said the Town also launched its new pocket-sized brochure, 30 Things to Do in Port Hedland, at the Perth show.

It highlights Hedland’s “vibrant arts and culture scene, industry tours and proximity to the world’s largest bulk export port and our natural Pilbara landscape and viewpoints”, she said.