New tourism drive initiative

Australians have been urged to “get on the road” in a series of caravan, camping and motorhome safaris to take place around Australia as part of a major new tourism drive.

Launching the campaign in Sydney on Wednesday, Tourism Australia Chairman Tim Fischer said The Australian Caravan Safari Trails – a series of driving safaris through five States – offered an ideal way for locals and international visitors to sample the “real Australia”.

Wearing his customary Akubra and standing in front of a $600,000 motorhome, Mr Fischer said the safaris would provide a safe, cost-effective and enjoyable way to visit stunningly beautiful locations.

“Caravan and camping has become one of the fastest-growing tourism segments in Australia, driven largely by retiring baby boomers wanting to see their own country,” Mr Fischer said.

“What better way to do that than with a group of like-minded adventurers enjoying campfire camaraderie and the benefits of traveling together. Whether you’re from Mansfield or Manawatu, Munich or Massachusetts, The Australian Caravan Safari Trails are an amazing opportunity to really experience this Great Brown Land.”

Mr Fischer said the safaris were being funded by the Federal Government and coordinated by the caravan and camping industry to boost tourism in regional and rural Australia. Three Safaris were in planning for 2006, each to run for a month:

Safari 1 – The Outback Discovery Trail to leave Sydney on April 27 and end in Cairns on May 26 after visiting such legendary destinations as Lightning Ridge, Charleville, Longreach, Winton, Mt Isa and Georgetown.

Safari 2 – to depart Perth in August and finish in Boyup Brook in September after winding through the Great South-West visiting the likes of Cervantes, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Norseman, Esperance, Hopetoun and Albany.

Safari 3 – to leave Melbourne during November for Gippsland and the Victorian High Country before heading further north to the Murray River Valley and heading south west to Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges before ending in the beautiful Clare wine region in December.

“Anyone with a motorhome, caravan or even a tent can take part – it doesn’t have to be stylish or expensive,” Mr Fischer said.

Cost per vehicle on Safari 1 is $3950 – or $65 per person, per day for a couple – to cover all camping ground fees, entry to National Parks and a range of attractions and social functions, as well as the services of a “trail boss” and support team.

Made possible by a $250,000 Federal grant to the Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry Australia through Tourism Australia to assist regional tourism, the three Australian Caravan Safari Trails will also produce a business model that can be adopted by private tour operators.

For information and bookings phone toll-free 1800 228 517 or visit www.caravansafari.com.au