After a lifetime of adventures fueling family getaways, couple retreats and great memories the Clayton Bay Riverside Caravan Park has hung up the wheels on their much-loved retro caravan accomodation. The unique sites, located on the banks of the Murray River near Lake Alexandrina, have finally gone into a well-deserved retirement after many years of service to tourists and travellers.
The former retro van site is currently being redeveloped as you read, into four new powered sites which are set to be available to the public this month. Campers and glampers alike will be able to enjoy power and scenic views from the new sites, numbered 28-31.
Although positioned in a prime spot, just one row back from the picturesque waterfront, the sites are located along a dead end road. Due to this accessibility issue, the new sites are specifically created only for tents, camper trailers and small to medium sized motorhomes.
Claire Webber, who owns and manages the caravan park with partner Danny Timmermans, said the 50 year-old caravans have served the park well for nine years.
“It’s a bit sad to see them go but we’re onto bigger and better things.
“They filled a market for people who maybe couldn’t afford or didn’t want to pay for a cabin, but also didn’t want to sleep in a tent. It was a really budget friendly option but because they’re so old they were really showing their age,” Webber said.
Now that two of the three retro vans have been sold, the park no longer offers onsite caravans as an accommodation option. But as one door closes another opens and Clayton Bay Caravan Park are doing just that as fresh, modern cabins are under works.
“The retro vans were quite difficult to maintain and prepare for travellers, and we were also starting to get feedback that the quality wasn’t up to scratch.”
“The direction going forward is we’d like to build five more cabins, with three of them being studio cabins with an open plan space.”
The studio cabins will be an affordable option for campers, much like the retro vans but at a higher quality standard with a queen bed, small kitchenette and even a television included. The park is hoping to balance happy customers with affordability and keeping the standard of the accomodation at a high.
While there may not be a release date for the new cabins, the park are hopeful the accommodation will be ready mid 2026. If you’re wanting to head down on the Christmas break, their usual accommodation is still open for bookings including the Cargo Villa, Bootman’s Cabin and regular camping sites.
Clayton Bay is the perfect place to get away from the city without an endless drive, located just an hour drive from Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula, about 12 kilometres up river from Goolwa.
Stay tuned into the Clayton Bay Caravan Parks facebook, for updates on their new cabin accomodation and more!
Where: Island View Dr, Clayton Bay SA 5256
When: Monday to Sunday, 9am-5.30pm
Contact: (08) 8537 0372
