Published on Thursday, 5 December 2024 at 8:39:57 AM
Visitors to the Town of Port Hedland RV overflow camping area injected $3.46 million into the Hedland economy in 2024, survey data shows.
That is a 22.8% increase on the $2.82 million spent during the peak tourist season from July to October in 2023.
The data shows 4661 vehicles stayed at the overflow area in 2024, which was a 25.3% increase on the previous tourist season.
Mayor Peter Carter said the figures showed the importance of the RV overflow area in McGregor Street, Port Hedland, which was accessible to self-contained RV and caravan travellers.
“Hedland is so much more than just a place to stop for fuel on your way somewhere else,” he said.
“The figures show the RV overflow is an important facility and the economic benefits it provides for local businesses are huge.”
The RV overflow area was created to ensure Hedland benefited from visitation over the peak tourist season when existing caravan parks were full.
The Town received 646 survey responses from visitors who stayed at the facility, with figures showing:
- The average length of stay was 2.5 nights;
- The average spend per day was $320 (5.5% increase);
- 78% of guests were aged over 55;
- 64% said the free camping facility influenced their decision to stop in Hedland; and
- Most visitors were from Queensland (23%), WA (22%), New South Wales (19%) and Victoria (18%).
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