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Caravan Park Marketing: Simple / Budget Friendly Strategies for Australian Parks
Digitally savvy travellers are constantly searching for their next adventure online, especially if they are on their ‘big lap’ of Australia. Caravan park marketing strategies need to embrace this change more than ever. Just having a great park and word of mouth isn't enough; you need to let people know you're there and why they should choose you over the caravan park down the road.
For many caravan park owners, managers and caretakers, this can seem a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, we're here to break down the best strategies into simple, easy-to-understand steps so you can attract more visitors and fill those empty sites and cabins.
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The Best Strategies for Caravan Park Marketing
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A successful marketing strategy for a caravan park isn't about one single action; it's about a combination of efforts that work together to tell your park's unique story and make it easy for people to book a stay. It’s all about creating a seamless experience, from the moment a potential guest first finds you online, to the time they check out.
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A Strong Social Media Presence
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Building a strong social media presence is a crucial part of any modern caravan park marketing strategy. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are often where people look for travel inspiration and get a feel for a place before they book. Think of your social media pages as your park's friendly online face. You're not just selling a site, you're selling an experience. Don’t believe us? We recently (2025) did a post for a customer that saw over 2,300 likes and over 130 comments, most of which were asking about availability.
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To get the most out of your social media, you need to be consistent. We recommend posting at least once a week. This keeps your audience engaged and reminds them about your amazing park. So what should you post?
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Show off your park: Share photos and videos of your facilities, like the camp kitchen, playground, or stunning views.
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Highlight local attractions: Post about nearby beaches, hiking trails, or local markets. It shows potential guests there's plenty to do in your area.
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Tell a story: Share a fun fact about your park's history or a story about a recent guest's experience. This adds a personal touch and makes your park feel more welcoming.
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Engage with your followers: Reply to comments and messages quickly. This shows you care and builds a loyal community.
A 2023 study by Tourism Research Australia found that social media is a key source of inspiration for travelers planning a holiday. 31% of domestic travellers used social media to get ideas for their trips. That's a huge number of people you could be reaching! You can read more about how to attract more campers with social media on our Social Media Management page.
Good Photography is a Game-Changer
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in caravan park marketing, it's worth a thousand bookings. High-quality photos can make your park stand out from the crowd and instantly capture a potential guest's attention.
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Hiring a professional: If your budget allows, a professional photographer is a fantastic investment. They have the right equipment and know how to capture your park's best features in the most appealing way. The images they produce can be used everywhere – on your website, social media, and in brochures.
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DIY photography: Don't have the funds for a pro? No worries! With a good smartphone, you can take great photos yourself. Here are a few tips:
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Take photos in good natural light, like in the morning or late afternoon.
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Focus on what makes your park special – a beautiful sunset, a campfire, or happy families enjoying the playground.
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Make sure your photos are clear and well-lit. Avoid blurry or dark images.
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Capture a variety of shots – close-ups, wide landscape views, and photos of people enjoying themselves.
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For further inspiration, check out our blog article on our Top Tips for Campground Photography​
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Advertising Options for caravan parks on a Budget
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Advertising doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck.
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Paid Social Media Ads:
You don't need a huge budget for this. You can target a very specific audience on Facebook or Instagram – for example, women aged 45-65 who live in a particular area and are interested in caravans. This ensures your ads are seen by the right people, so you're not wasting money.
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Google Ads
​Google Ads are a powerful tool for getting your caravan park in front of people who are actively looking for a place to stay. When someone types something like "caravan park near [your town]" or "pet-friendly camping [your state]" into Google, your ad can pop up right at the top of the search results. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad and visits your website, which makes it a very cost-effective way to get qualified leads. This is also where having a professional, well-built website really pays off, as it's the destination for all that new traffic.
Regional Radio Advertising
Don't dismiss the power of local radio! In regional Australia, radio is a big part of daily life, especially for people on the road. Advertising on a regional station can be surprisingly inexpensive compared to metro stations, which is great for your budget. You can reach people as they're driving through the area, giving you a chance to influence those last-minute decisions about where to stop for the night. A short, catchy ad with a clear message and your park's name can stick in a traveller's mind.
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Local Billboard Advertising
For capturing those undecided travellers, local billboard advertising is a great option. A billboard on a major highway leading to your town is an excellent way to get your park noticed. It serves as a visual reminder of your park's location, helping you to capture the attention of people who may not have booked anything yet. A good billboard should be simple, with a memorable image, a clear message, and your park's name and logo. The goal is to make a lasting impression on someone who is passing by at 100km/h and looking for a place to stay.
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Building a Good Website
Your website is your online shopfront. It's often the first thing a potential guest sees, and it needs to make a great impression. A good website should be easy to navigate, look great on a mobile phone, and have all the information a person needs to book a stay.
While there are plenty of 'do-it-yourself' website builders out there, for a business like a caravan park, it's best to have a website built by professionals. A professional developer will ensure your site is secure, fast, and optimised for search engines, which means more people will find you when they're looking for a holiday spot. If you're a bit confused about all this, a good marketing agency can help you get started.
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A Good Booking Platform
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Once a person has decided they want to stay with you, the booking process needs to be as smooth as possible. There are heaps of options available with different features and pricing models. Some are simple and straightforward, while others offer more complex features like channel management.
Choosing the right booking platform can be a bit tricky. It’s important to find one that fits your park's needs and your budget. If you’re unsure, it's worth a chat with a marketing professional. Trekabout Marketing offers a free marketing consultation to help you figure out what you need. You can find out more about our Website Development services and our booking platform management services on our website.
A great booking platform, combined with a solid caravan park marketing strategy, means more direct bookings. This is a big win for you, as it means less reliance on third-party booking sites that charge high commissions.
Don't Forget About Branding and Design
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Branding is more than just a logo; it's the feeling people get when they think of your park. Is it a quiet, relaxing getaway? A fun, family-friendly destination? Or an adventure hub? Your branding should reflect what you offer and appeal to your target audience. This is where professional Branding and Design services can be a huge help.
A consistent brand identity – from your logo and colours to the tone of your social media posts – helps you build trust and recognition. It makes your park feel professional and reliable.
Conclusion
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Caravan park marketing is a long-term game, but it's one that can pay off big time. By focusing on a few key areas – a strong social media presence, good photography, a fantastic website, and smart advertising – you can attract more guests and grow your business. If you need a hand with any of the services mentioned here, Trekabout Marketing is here to help. Head over to www.trekabout-marketing.com.au to learn more about how we can help you fill those empty sites and get the most out of your hard work.