Multi–million–dollar makeover: New caravan park to boost tourism in Wentworth region
The border town of Wentworth, near the junction of the Darling and Murray Rivers in far southwestern NSW, has boosted its tourism stocks with completion of a major refurbishment of the Wanderer's Crossing River Retreat caravan park.
Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, helped fund the major project on the Crown land site with a $1 million Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) grant. Wentworth Shire Council funded the rest of the project to a total cost of $4,718,210.
Wanderer's Crossing River Retreat caravan park, formerly known as Willow Bend caravan park, has been revitalised and reopened after a three-year hiatus with extensive renovations improving amenities, safety standards and mitigating flood risks. The upgraded park now provides a perfect home base for travellers to explore the historic town of Wentworth and the surrounding region.
Improvements to the park have included:
- Power upgrades, including installation of new switch boards and replacement of overhead power lines with underground lines to increase safety, reliability and the park’s visual appeal.
- Raising of the park’s ground level to help mitigate the risk of flooding.
- Replacement of water and sewer mains.
- Upgrades to internal access roads.
- Improved landscaping at the park.
- New boom gates to manage traffic flows, control access and enhance safety and security.
- New accessible amenities block.
- Fire safety upgrades, including the installation of two 45,000 litre tanks and a diesel booster pump with all new piping designed to feed the onsite fire hose outlets.
Locals Tony and Ana Smith have secured a 20-year lease to manage the caravan park and hope to turn it into a thriving community centre with activities for the budget traveller through to those looking for a more luxurious experience. In future years, the couple hope to build glamping facilities, host wellness retreats, install a sauna and pool, and host local music performances and ANZAC Day events onsite.
The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) supports Crown land managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements to Crown reserves to benefit communities, boost local economies and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW.
Wanderer's Crossing River Retreat caretaker Tony Smith said:
“Wentworth is a southern gateway to NSW and a little oasis on the cusp of a tourism boom. The caravan site was previously a bit rundown and not fit-for-purpose, but these upgrades will allow people to enjoy the area’s beautiful ambience, whether it’s for a quick visit or a longer stay.
“We have a lot of exciting plans for the site, and with a 20-year lease we’re here for the long haul. I’d like to thank Crown Lands and Wentworth Shire Council for helping ensure Wentworth has the right facilities to welcome tourists from far-and-wide.”
Wentworth Shire Mayor Daniel Linklater’s said:
“Wentworth Shire Council is thrilled to have completed the reconstruction of Wanderer’s Crossing River Retreat caravan park, providing a completely revitalised accommodation offering on the banks of the Darling River. This project in conjunction with the recently completed Visitor Centre in Wentworth provides an enormous boost to our visitor economy; stimulating tourist activity and expenditure within the village of Wentworth and right across the Shire.
“On behalf of our community I express our gratitude to Crown Lands for the CRIF grant of $1 million and encourage everyone to visit this stunning retreat.”
Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:
“This investment in tourism infrastructure will be a great boost to the Wentworth region’s economy. “The gateway to Yanga National Park and all that the region has to offer will now be more accessible and comfortable for more people to enjoy.
“The new caravan park is not only beautiful to look at, but it’s also boasting new and improved facilities, making it the perfect home base to explore this idyllic corner of NSW.”