Shire of Broome’s temporary camping trial wraps up, overflow caravan parks closed

The Shire of Broome’s temporary camping trial at the Cable Beach Surf Club car park today came to an end, along with the closure of overflow caravan parks.

A trial of free overnight camping by travellers in self-contained caravans or recreational vehicles commenced on July 1, in response to the increased number of visitors coming to Broome this year.

The extended trial concluded on September 6 at 7am, with a total of 462 self contained vehicles having taken advantage of the opportunity.

Most people abided by the rules, but Shire Rangers had to issue 44 infringements over the course of the trial.

Also closing were the overflow caravanning facilities at the Broome Pistol Club and Seventh Day Adventist Church grounds, which were in operation to provide additional options for visitors and ensure the required level of capacity.

Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said the decisions had been made in collaboration with the town’s caravan park providers.

“The Shire has moved quickly this year to do what it could to help cater for what has been the busiest tourist season I can remember,” he said.

“However, talking with out caravan park providers, bookings are dropping off dramatically in the next week or so, with plenty of vacancies to cater for our tourists in the later quarter of the year.

Shire rangers will continue to assess the situation but we anticipate our permanent caravan park facilities will have more than enough spaces for tourists arriving in caravans or RVs.”

Mr Tracey said the trial had been a success and was something which could be considered again next year and into the future.