A collection of caravan parks has recorded fewer visitors over a 12-month period, citing an industry-wide “softening” and rain as contributing factors.
Noosa Council released its annual report on visitation numbers, financial outcomes and operational activities at the Noosa Holiday Parks from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
The parks include Boreen Point Campground, Noosa North Shore Campground and Noosa River Holiday Park.
There were 59,670 visitors across the parks in the 2024-25 financial year, reflecting a 7.7 per cent decrease in visitors from the year before.
The numbers were also lower than in 2022-23, which welcomed 61,211 guests to the parks.
Despite fewer visitors, the parks recorded $4.62 million in revenue and generated an operational surplus of $1.142 million. Forward bookings for 2025-26 are currently exceeding $2.86 million, the report states.
The report was presented to councillors at a Services and Organisation Committee meeting on August 12.
It noted that the decline in visitor numbers reflected a “softening” in industry-wide occupancy.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
“Industry occupancy rates across Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast region, trended downward through financial year 2024-25,” the report states.
“This trend has been largely driven by broader economic conditions and reduced discretionary spending.
“A significant downturn was recorded in March 2025 due to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and extended periods of wet weather.
“While the Noosa Holiday Parks program experienced a modest year-on-year reduction in visitation and total revenue, overall results remain positive given the market context.”
According to the report, there were 4961 less visitors last year, with the Boreen Point Campground seeing the biggest decline of 1805 guests.
There were 1739 fewer visitors to the Noosa North Shore Campground and 918 fewer at the Noosa River Holiday Park.
In terms of nights sold, Noosa River saw 42,765 nights booked, compared to 22,410 at Noosa North Shore and 14,142 at Boreen Point.
Currently, the Noosa Holiday Parks have 294 sites available to guests per night.
Boreen Point Campground recorded $690,000 in revenue, Noosa North Shore Campground $1.31 million, and the Noosa River Holiday Park led the way with $2.62 million.
“Revenue was 0.6 per cent lower than the previous financial year, reflecting broader declines in occupancy across the caravanning and camping sectors regionally and statewide,” the report says.
“Overall, the revenue result is considered strong in the context of current economic conditions.”
According to the report, the operational surplus will contribute to the council’s general rate revenue.
Escape Parks operates the three locations under long-term management contracts, with the company overseeing bookings, guest services, maintenance marketing and revenue optimisation.
Noosa Council has outlined it will develop a strategic plan for the Noosa Holiday Parks by June 2026.
“The Plan will integrate regenerative tourism principles in alignment with Council’s emerging Destination Management Plan and strengthen financial management, sustainable reinvestment, renewal and program growth,” the report states.
“It will also explore opportunities for improved environmental sustainability and innovation across the Noosa Holiday Park program.”
