We all cherish those wonderful times spent with family, especially with the kids and grandkids. But let’s be honest: sometimes, you crave peace, a chance to unwind without the delightful chaos that little ones bring.
This becomes more true as we age, that yearning for a tranquil escape, a place where we can relax and enjoy the silence, becomes something many of us deeply understand.
The desire for serenity away from bustling, family-centric holiday spots is giving rise to a new trend among Australians. Here, the only sounds are the whispering leaves and the distant laughter of like-minded travellers, creating a true haven of calm.
For years, the Grey Nomads, retirees who traverse Australia’s vast landscapes in their caravans, have been a staple of the caravanning community. However, as more families with young children join the caravan craze, some even adopting the lifestyle full-time, the once-quiet caravan parks have become bustling hubs of activity.
This surge in popularity has made the industry fiercely competitive and sparked a desire for a different camping experience.
It led to Debbie and George, a pair who previously managed a family-oriented caravan park in the Whitsundays for 25 years, opening the adult-only Gum Tree Lodge and Bush Camp in Howard, close to K’gari, which was previously known as Fraser Island.
‘We had lots of facilities for the kids, but we cared for the nomads in the winter when they do that yearly migration,’ Debbie said.
Debbie said she frequently listened to retirees express that they found the extra amenities designed for younger audiences unnecessary.
‘They don’t want the kids running around their sites with their scooters and to hear “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.” They just want something really quiet, safe, and peaceful,’ she explained.
The Gum Tree Lodge and Bush Camp, which opened its gates to self-contained vans and motorhomes in 2020, boasts 50 powered sites and a selection of powered deck sites with picturesque views of the property’s dams.
The amenities are intentionally minimalistic—there are no toilets, grills, or camp kitchens. Instead, the focus is on self-sufficiency and appreciating nature’s quiet beauty.
Initially catering to retirees, the campsite has since broadened its appeal. After receiving inquiries from younger adults seeking a child-free retreat, Debbie and George decided to welcome all adults seeking peace.
‘We were getting inquiries from 30 to 40-year-olds that have got all the necessary stuff—a self-contained van—but they were sort of shy about coming in. But also, we thought it would just change the conversations around the campfire and stuff, which would make it a bit more interesting for all of us,’ she said.
To maintain the campsite’s tranquil ambience, there are a few rules: no one under 18 is allowed, and each site is limited to two people.
‘They have to have a shower and toilet inside their van. We’re also not allowed to take tents or swags. We’re very conscious about creating a really special place for people,’ she said.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the campsite’s ‘relaxing and peaceful’ environment.
Many have become repeat guests, and the buzz has spread, attracting travellers from afar eager to experience this unique getaway.
Adult-only caravan parks are still a rarity in Australia, but they are gaining attention as the demand for varied camping experiences grows.
This shift mirrors a broader trend in travel, with new data revealing an increasing number of Australians seeking child-free flights and holidays.
James Kavanagh, managing director of the Flight Centre Travel Group, noted,’ Travel operators are responding to the interest by launching…experiences across airlines, cruising and touring.’
Have you ever stayed at an adult-only campsite or considered it for your next trip? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
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