A CAMPER has complained about the cost of family holidays at Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island after fee increases.
The cost of eight powered camping sites have soared to more than $99 a night, with the longtime visitor vowing never to return.
Birkdale man Brett Mitchell said he was shocked that the latest increase meant he could no longer afford to take his family on trips to Cylinder Beach.
Mr Mitchell said he would need to look elsewhere for holidays.
“I went on the website to book. It was (then) $89 a night, making it the most expensive powered camp site in Australia,” he said.
Its totally the wrong way to go about business.
- Brett Mitchell
“That is blatant price gouging. Its totally the wrong way to go about business.”
Eight camping grounds across North Stradbroke Island are operated by Minjerribah Camping, formally Straddie Camping, which is part of Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.
Cylinder Beach is the most expensive of the sites.
The camping area is small and exclusive and the beach was named by Surf Life Saving Queensland as the state’s best in November last year, with operators hoping to cash in on a hoped-for forecast ecotourism boost as sand mining winds down.
QYAC chief executive officer Cameron Costello said Minjerribah Camping’s pricing policy was economically sound, with demand for the prime powered sites at Cylinder Beach driving up prices.
“Recent usage and demand growth, especially at premium venues during peak demand, have justified a price increase at some sites,” he said.
“In other sites, especially during the off-peak periods, it has also led to price decreases.
As for the sites that are capable of attracting a better return, such as the beautiful Cylinder Beach … there is always strong demand and it is getting stronger.”
Powered camping sites at Burleigh Beach Tourist Park, located about 100 metres from 2016’s best beach, are priced from about $72.
South-east Queensland tourism operators also hope for a boost from this year’s Commonwealth Games.
