Caravan enthusiasts descend on Great Southern

Nearly 200 A-shaped caravans converged on the Great Southern this week as part of the A’van Club of Australia’s national gathering.

A’vans are a type of folding campervan that continues to grow in popularity throughout Australia.

The national club was established in 1999 and has now grown to more than 2000 members across the country.

As part of the gathering, the club also hosted its annual general meeting at the Albany Entertainment Centre on Tuesday.

Club president Les Lawrenson said the Denmark economy would be boosted by the influx in tourists.

“With around 200 vans attending each national gathering, the club has a significant economic impact on the community in which it is held,” he said “It is conservatively estimated that each van generates at least $1500 expenditure in the local community during the gathering — or $300,000-$450,000 over the week for the whole AGM.

“The main aims of the club are to share ideas of common interest and mutual benefit and to encourage and foster friendship and co-operation amongst people interested in A’van folding caravans.”

The campers have been spread across Ocean Beach Holiday Park and Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park and have spent the week enjoying a variety of local attractions.

Mr Lawrenson said the congregation of campers provided a good opportunity to interact with the local community.

“The gathering allows members from all over the country to meet with like-minded people and to choose to participate in a number of recreational activities,” he said.