Glamp it up

THE first set of fifty glamping tents destined for Surf Coast caravan parks are now up in Torquay.

The semi-permanent structures are being setup at existing Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) sites through to Apollo Bay and offer accommodation option for people looking to experience a fuss-free camping experience.

The authority’s operations manager for caravan parks Brendan Parker estimated that between six and eight of the pop-up tents designed to comfortably accommodate singles or a couple will be available at Torquay by Christmas.

“We’re hoping over the next 12 months we’ll have 20”, he said.

By the time the project is complete there will 40 of the 3.6 metre tents along the coast, complete with a queen bed, alongside another ten “deluxe” models that will include fridges and an ensuite and be Disability Discrimination Act compliant.

“We’re really excited about that access for all component,” Mr Parker said.
Accommodation costs for the tents are yet to be determined but will be cheaper than existing cabins offered in GORCAPA parks.

“As managers of Crown land, we do have obligations as part of policies around caravan and camping grounds on Crown land, and as part of that equity of access we want to ensure that we continue to offer varying affordable accommodation types so that all types can enjoy and access our coast.

“You don’t have to be someone who has an $80,000 caravan to enjoy it.

“What we’re trying to do is make it a bit more hip and groovy, so it’s got a sort of more non- traditional feel to it to than a caravan park.”

A team of 20 workers from Western Australian based company Eco Structures, who won the contract to roll out the glamping tents, are assisting with there installation.

“There’s a train the trainer component to it, we’ve certainly enjoyed their expertise… they are well equipped and well trained now to continue to roll that installation out down the coast,” Mr Parker said.

GORCAPA is financing the project through its $18 million grant from the Victorian government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund that’s designed to help the state’s visitor economy bounce back from COVID.