MARCH 31:
Grey nomads heading for isolated rural communities to ride out the coronavirus crisis are putting locals at risk, according to federal Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton. He says it is "exactly the wrong to do" because it puts travellers and locals at risk. He encouraged them to stay in cities and larger towns which offered more facilities should they fall sick.

MARCH 31:
Police in Tasmania may press charges after 10 people were found at a restricted camping ground on the island's east coast.

MARCH 31:
Locals take to social media to applaud Edward River Council in the Riverina region of NSW after it slapped a ban on camping following complaints of caravans and campervans overnighting at free camps, including Willoughby's Beach at Deniliquin.

MARCH 31:
Queensland's Southern Downs Regional Council has closed the 72-hour campground at Leyburn and other sites at Dalveen and Allora.

MARCH 31:
Sunshine Coast-based Sunseeker Caravans' three-day Owner's Rally at Boreen Point raised $12,000 for Australia Zoo's Wildlife Warriors.

MARCH 30:
Perth-based Fleetwood says some operations in its RV Solutions sector are planning "longer than usual Easter period shutdowns" as consumer demand falls for RVs and associated parts and services.

MARCH 29:
Potential COVID-19 sufferers in need of community care will be accommodated at Adelaide's eight-acre Marion Holiday Park where they can be assessed by staff from the nearby Flinders Medical Centre staff, reports the SA Government.

MARCH 29:
Googarra Beach Caravan Park at Tully Heads in Queensland has announced it is now able to sell alcohol with takeaway meals. "You must order a takeaway though and it will be tightly monitored," the park stresses.

MARCH 27:
Victoria's Great Ocean Road Coast Committee has temporarily closed its Torquay Foreshore, Anglesea Family and Lorne Foreshore caravan parks and told current guests they must leave the parks.

MARCH 27:
Operators of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries TT-Line is now contacting all mainland caravan and motorhome owners with bookings to advise them that if they do not have a permanent address in Tasmania, they will not meet the self-isolation rules and will not be allowed to board the ships.

MARCH 27:
In South Australia, campgrounds at Bolto Reserve and Haythorpe Reserve, Yankailla's council-owned Jetty Caravan Park, Normanville and Rapid Bay campgrounds and Karoonda East Murray Council's Karoonda Caravan & Cabin Park have all closed.

MARCH 26:
Southbound lanes of Queensland's Bruce Hwy were closed today after a vehicle towing a caravan rolled on the infamous Cooroy Hill.

MARCH 26:
Reflections Holiday Parks will restrict access to their 37 parks from midnight tonight, in line with yesterday’s NSW government's announcement to close caravan parks and camping grounds.

MARCH 26:
NSW's Yass Valley Council has closed the Yass Caravan Park to anyone who is not a permanent resident and/or without a permanent home. Site amenities will be locked and only permanent residents will have access. RV and camping grounds, including Joe O’Connor Park, have also been shut and signs will be installed notifying their closure.

MARCH 25:
Caravan parks operated by Victoria's Hindmarsh Shire Council will be closed to holidaymakers until further notice. This includes Riverside Holiday Park Dimboola, Jeparit Caravan Park and Rainbow Caravan Park.

MARCH 25:
Spicer Caravan Park at Parkes in NSW only accepting fully self-contained caravans or motorhomes.

MARCH 25:
BIG4 holiday parks are remaining open to provide essential travel to those in need. "We care deeply about our owners, guests, and staff and are focused on providing a safe space for those who need access to the parks," it said in a statement. "Therefore, we have had to make the difficult decision to no longer accept bookings or arrivals for non-essential travel at this time. This has also meant that parks have needed to close almost all in-park leisure facilities."

MARCH 25:
New coronavirus restrictions announced last night by Prime Minister Scott Morrison put the responsibility for opening or shutting campsites and caravan parks on the shoulders of each state and territory, excluding permanent residents.

MARCH 24:
Travellers with caravans, campervans and motorhomes have been barred from travelling on Spirit of Tasmania ferry services to the Apple Isle. The ban does not apply to residents, who will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the message was clear: "If you are not a Tasmanian resident returning home or an essential traveller, do not get on the Spirit with your caravan or motorhome as you will not be able to self-isolate in it." Anyone whose booking has been cancelled as a result of the restrictions will receive a full refund and are urged to call TT-Line on 1800 634 906.

MARCH 24:
WA couple in their 70s who collected their caravan and were self-isolating after disembarking from the coronavirus-stricken Ruby Princess cruise ship in Sydney were recovering today after being involved in accident on the Riddoch Highway near Willalooka in South Australia. It is understood they were taken to hospital at Bordertown with non life-threatening injuries. Police said they were not carriers of the virus and had overnighted in The Grampions and at Portland.

MARCH 24:
Walkinshaw Automotive Group ‒ manufacturers of New Age caravans ‒ has volunteered to help both federal and Victorian governments to design, engineer and assemble any emergency medical equipment which could help in the current coronavirus crisis and can be made with a 3D printer.

MARCH 24:
Mayor of Robe Alison Nunan is worried about the upsurge in the number of grey nomads heading for the town and fishing port on the Limestone Coast of South Australia to self-isolate. Bringing coronavirus into the 1000-strong community would have a greater affect than in places like Mount Gambier, which has a large hospital, she said.

MARCH 23:
Caravanning Queensland has suspended its caravan safety check program due to the coronavirus pandemic.

MARCH 23:
Fraser Coast Regional Council in Queensland has closed Maryborough Showground to help slow down the potential spread of the coronavirus.

MARCH 23:
Aspen, which operates a chain of holiday and lifestyle parks, has withdrawn its 2020 financial year earnings and financial guide due to the coronavirus crisis. Underlying earnings were ahead but the remaining four months are now "highly uncertain", Aspen said in a statement to shareholders. "Our short-stay tourist product is likely to be the most impacted by the isolation rules being implemented across the country."

MARCH 23:
Queensland will introduce border controls from midnight Wednesday in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak. Details will be released tomorrow.

MARCH 23:
Police investigate caravan blaze in Emmaline Drive, Maiden Gully, Victoria. No injuries reported.

MARCH 23:
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park in Victoria will close from March 26 until June 26 and possibly beyond for all non-essential travel. All bookings for this period will be cancelled. "Initially we made the decision to completely close, but a family made us aware of the fact they had nowhere to go," the park said. "We also have visitors from overseas who are unable to return home due to lack of flights. In response, and because we provide an essential service, we have decided to remain open but under different conditions. We are here to help." The park has modified its booking terms to service those in need ... people who are stuck and are travelling in self-sufficient motorhomes or caravans or desperately need a roof over their head.

MARCH 23:
Caravan Industry Association of Australia has urged caravan parks to keep a register of all visitors in addition to the primary contact in case people need to be traced. They should also consider closing or limiting access to common facilities such as amenity blocks, camp kitchens, swimming pools and the like.

MARCH 23:
Two men and a woman charged after police stopped their ute on Tapleys Hill Rd at West Beach in SA and found 10 televisions, three DVD players, a kettle BBQ and gas bottle, two tables, two lamps and two beach towels allegedly stolen from nearby caravan park.

MARCH 22:
Caravan Industry Association of Australia is seeking clarity from Federal Government on the status of caravan parks during the current coronavirus crisis. It says that caravan parks provide a place of residence for long-term tenants and have many short-term visitors who would now be unable to easily travel home due to state and territory border closures. An estimated 75,000 travellers still require accommodation whilst they head home, and round-Australia travellers may currently have no fixed abode and as such. "They may need to locate themselves in a commercial property for a period of time," the association says. "Therefore, the forced closure of a caravan park would have a significant impact on the health and safety of people. In addition, with new self-isolation rules - which are changing rapidly - we are advocating that caravan parks should be considered for self-isolation purposes due to their non-centralised air-conditioning and the ability to register guests and practice social-distancing ... more so than other types of accommodation options."

MARCH 22:
WA is the latest state to introduce strict border controls as the coronavrus crisis deepens, following in the footsteps of the NT, SA and Tasmania. People entering the states and territory will be subject to a compulsory 14-day isolation period.

MARCH 22:
Tingha Gems Caravan & Camping Park in NSW has ramped up its protection measures against the deadly coronavirus pandemic. From midnight tonight, amenities are being locked to travellers and only fully self-contained campers will be accepted. Site numbers will be strictly limited to provide social distancing. No large groups are being accepted. Preference will be given to people who are living full time in their self-contained caravans or motorhomes over people just wanting a quick weekend getaway. "These are unprecedented times and we ask for calm and judgment-free reaction to this decision," the park says on its Facebook page.

MARCH 22:
Grey nomads and other travellers have been warned that the Northern Territory will introduce new border controls on Tuesday in a bid to stem the killer coronavirus. It is understood that access from all three highways leading into the territory will be controlled by police. The lockdown will see anyone entering the territory forced into isolation for 14 days. Announcing the unprecedented move, Chief Minister Michael Gunne said: "I have seen what's happening overseas and down south and I am not going to let that happen here." Anyone attempting to flout the new measures could face a fine of up to $62,800.

MARCH 21:
WA's Sandstone Shire Council has closed Sandstone Caravan Park, visitors' centre and Astro Dome due to "ever changing uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 virus".

MARCH 21:
Victoria's Mornington Shire Council will close its campgrounds along the McCrae, Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento foreshores from 5pm tomorrow. This includes all amenity blocks. "While we are disappointed the camping season has to end early, it is a necessary step to protect our community and do our part to flatten the curve of this coronavirus pandemic," it said.

MARCH 21:
New caravan park at Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland has decided to postpone its opening date until May 1 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

MARCH 20:
As the coronavirus outbreak worsens, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia has formally requested the Federal Government to provide a stimulus package for the caravanning and camping industry. "We strongly encourage government to act boldly in the decisions and economic stimulus that they propose to ensure the long sustainability of Australia’s economy and the caravan and camping industry," it says. "Although the focus is on the immediacy of the situation, an investment into the sustainability of the caravan and camping sector will help protect the $23.6 billion the industry creates on an annual basis."

MARCH 20:
Nambucca Valley Council in NSW has closed Gumma Reserve Camping Ground, 5.7km east of Macksville, until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic.

MARCH 20:
Forty-two percent of respondents to an online survey by the Kui chain of caravan parks said they would head for the country during the current coronavirus scare to enjoy the "open spaces and isolation" that camping offered, while only four percent indicated they would not travel until the pandemic was over.

MARCH 19:
Tourism Council WA has called on the state government to cut stamp duty on caravans and motorhomes.

MARCH 19:
Two Victorian caravan parks have been targeted by crooks. Police are searching for thieves who drove off in a 2018 blue Mazda sedan after grabbing the ignition keys from a caravan at the Cobram East Caravan Park. Meanwhile, three dirt bikes were stolen from a shed at the River Bend Caravan Park.

MARCH 18:
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia is seeking clarification from the Health Department, Prime Minister's office and the Minister for Tourism on the following points:

* A caravan park is considered ‘essential’ (consistent with hotels, motels or other accommodation services);
* The 500-person limit on mass gatherings therefore does not apply for "campers" and "caravans";
* The indoor 100-person limit could apply to a caravan park e.g. on-site restaurant, but they could remain open subject to a maximum limit applying and social distancing taking place;
* That domestic travel is still encouraged (even for holiday purposes) subject to common sense and good hygiene practices.
* A person could self-isolate in a cabin (with ensuite facilities).
* A person could self-isolate in a campervan or caravan (subject to having on-board bathroom and kitchen facilities) .
* A person cannot self-isolate in any accommodation which relies upon shared bathroom or cooking facilities (and further that a caravan park can refuse entry relying on Section 86 of the Equal Opportunity Act to reasonably protect the health and safety of any person (including any person discriminated against) or of the public generally)

"We expect responses to these queries in the following days and will provide to member state associations and to industry as they come to hand," it said.

MARCH 18:
Great Ocean Road caravan parks in Victoria are asking people who have travelled overseas, been in contact with coronavirus victims in the last 14 days or have symptoms of the disease not to visit them. The Anglesea, Torquay and Lorne Foreshore parks will not handle cash and are practicing "social distancing". "This may require some campers to move from their usual sites," they warn.

MARCH 18:
The three-day South Queensland Caravan, Camping, Fishing & 4×4 Expo opening on April 17 at Nambour Showgrounds has been postponed.

MARCH 17:
The six-day NSW Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow, scheduled to begin on April 28, has been cancelled as the deadly coronavirus continues to spread. CCIA NSW chief executive Lyndel Gray said 300 exhibitors and over 50,000 people were expected to attend the event. "This is the first time the Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow has been cancelled in its 50-plus-year history," she said. CCIA NSW will be refunding paid ticket holders and exhibitors.

MARCH 17:
Ingenia Holidays' Sun Country mixed-use 257-site caravan park in NSW's Riverina region near Victorian border is on the market, with CBRE Hotels as exclusive agent.

MARCH 15:
Channon's campground in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales has been temporarily closed to protect the local community from the coronavirus. Many campers using the facility are international travellers and make it their first stop in Australia, using the local shops and tavern. "We have decided to close the campground temporarily as our contribution to slowing the spread of coronavirus," it says in a social media posting. "It is very important that the bell-curve of inevitable infections is flattened and lengthened as much as possible so that hospitals have more chance to cope with seriously ill people. We hope to re-open soon."

MARCH 15:
Grey nomads and other travellers will be able to access iconic Commonwealth national parks for free from tomorrow. Entry fees are being waived for Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kakadu and Booderee National Parks from March 16 to December 31. Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the initiative, under the government’s $1 billion Coronavirus Regional and Community Fund, was aimed at supporting local tourism operators and getting more tourists into these regions.

MARCH 15:
Tourists have been banned from travelling through remote Aboriginal lands in Australia's Top End to protect the communities from the coronavirus pandemic. "Should this virus break out in our communities, we don't have the manpower to deal with this," Northern Land Council chief executive Marion Scrymgour said. Meanwhile, a ban on entering Kakadu National Park is under consideration.

MARCH 14:
Grey nomads and other ageing travellers reportedly represent the biggest fall in tourist numbers on NSW south coast, particularly in areas recovering from recent bushfires.

MARCH 13:
Ingenia's mixed-use holiday and lifestyle park at Lavington in NSW is up for sale. It is being exclusively marketed by CBRE Hotels. Expressions of interest close on April 8.

MARCH 13:
Snowy Valleys Council in NSW has spent about a million dollars on upgrading the Batlow Caravan Park. Six new cabins arrived this week and will provide temporary accommodation for bushfire victims. Other work at the park includes a new office, amenities and a camp kitchen. Roads have been improved together with fencing and electrical upgrades. "The work is being fast tracked, with the aim of opening prior to Easter," Mayor James Hayes said. "It will be a great boost for the Batlow community."

MARCH 13:
Brisbane-based global RV rental and Windsor and Coromal caravan builder Apollo Tourism and Leisure has withdrawn its Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) guidance for the current financial year, issued with its half-year results in February. It blames the move on the coronavirus outbreak. Chief executive Luke Trouchet says in a statement to shareholders: "In our experience tourism activity recovers and returns to previous growth trends after major travel disruptions. Apollo will benefit when this occurs and realise the investment undertaken in guest experience, leadership and systems."

MARCH 13:
Mitsubishi is recalling MQ and MR Tritons built between 2015 and 2019 and fitted with towbar wiring harnesses because of a fire risk. More than 102,000 vehicles could be affected. In its recall notice, the company says that incorrect installation could allow "liquids" to contact electrical circuits and cause the harness and its surrounds to overheat, burn or catch fire. "There is a risk of injury to vehicle occupants and other road users," it says. Mitsubishi is writing to owners urging them to see their dealers to have the fault rectified free of charge.

MARCH 12:
A WA lotto winner is all set to join grey nomads weaving their way round Australia. But the Geraldton man in his 60s now plans to hit the road in a luxury caravan instead of a lowly campervan after becoming the state's first 'Set for Life' winner for 2020. His windfall will pour $20,000 a month into his bank account for the next 20 years. The lucky winner has requested anonymity. "I couldn't believe it when I saw all of my numbers come up," he said. "I was planning on retiring in three months, and didn't know how I was going to do it just on the pension and the little super I have, but now I needn't worry, can retire early, buy a caravan and travel in style."

MARCH 12:
Sunshine State caravan and holiday parks preparing their nominations for the 2020 Queensland Tourism Awards which open on March 23.

MARCH 10:
Shares in two companies involved in Australia's RV industry opened at record lows today as the market continued to take a hammering from the coronavirus outbreak. Stocks in Brisbane-based Apollo Tourism and Leisure, a leader in RV rentals and builders of Windsor and Coromal caravans, began trading at 25c while shares in Perth-based Fleetwood, operators of Camec RV spare parts and Northern RV servicing, opened at $1.45. According to reports, the Australian Stock Exchange yesterday suffered its worse session since the 2008 global financial crisis, wiping out more than $137 billion in value.

MARCH 7:
It didn't rain cats and dogs when a cyclonic downfall hit the Artesian Waters Caravan Park at Yowah in Queensland's outback ... it just dumped dozens of fish there. Park owner Rick Shiells said he came across the small spangled perch, some alive and some dead, while checking his rain gauge. "They obviously come from the sky," he said.

MARCH 6:
BIG4 Hahndorf Resort is celebrating after being named Australia's best holiday park. Located in the Adelaide Hills, it scooped Gold in the caravan and holiday parks category at tonight's Australian Tourism Awards in Canberra. Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut resort took out Silver while the Bronze award went to the NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park.

MARCH 6:
Habitat Noosa camping ground on Sunshine Coast collects Gold after being named 'Best New Tourism Business' at tonight's Australian Tourism Awards in Canberra.

MARCH 6:
A caravan was reduced to a pile of charred wreckage after catching fire as it was being towed along Victoria's Midland Highway at Bagshot. Meanwhile, an oil spill is being blamed for an accident in which a caravanner lost control of his rig on SA's Duke Highway north west of the Keith township. No none was believed to have been injured in either incident.

MARCH 6:
Nominations for the Caravanning Industry Association of Australia's first ever Employee of the Year Award close on March 9.

MARCH 5:
New video from Caravan Industry Association of Australia features chairman Grant Wilckens discussing the bushfire season, coronavirus and other challenges which have faced the industry in recent months. To view, click here.

MARCH 5:
Murrindindi Shire Council draft budget recommends allocating $50,000 for bridge renewal at the entrance to the Yea Riverside Caravan Park in Victoria.

MARCH 3:
Council-drafted CBD revitalisation plans for Berri and Barmera in SA suggest improving Barmera's caravan park.

MARCH 3:
The prolonged drought followed by recent rains has seen a dramatic increase in insects in south-east Queensland, making life a misery for grey nomads and other campers. "It's a nightmare," traveller Denise Holloway told Caravanning News at the Gin Gin rest area on the Bruce Highway. "There are millions of the critters and we just can't keep them out of the caravan, particularly at night when we have our interior lights on."

MARCH 2:
Caravan badly damaged by fire at Gunns Plains in Tasmania. Police investigating the blaze at Bannons Park and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

MARCH 1:
Three caravans at Takalvan's New Age dealership in Bundaberg, Queensland, were damaged by an out-of-control car. The vehicle smashed through a fence and caused an estimated $50,000 damage at the premises in Takalvan Street. The driver was taken to hospital and police are investigating.