Van escapes bring joy

Caravanning gives you a sense of freedom and relaxation like no other holiday, according to Barbara and Barrie Richardson of Peninsula Caravan Club. They have been members for more than five years, but have owned caravans for about 14 years. 

So, what do they love about it? “The break away from home, the fellowship, the company of other people and the fact that we’re away,” Mrs Richardson said. Mr Richardson said when they bought their first caravan, someone said ‘if you take it down the end of the street and park it, you’re away from home’. He said it was true. 

Peninsula Caravan Club was formed in 2005 and welcomes caravan, motorhome and camper trailer owners who share an interest in caravanning and making new friends. Rallies are held on the third weekend of each month, February-November. The venues are normally caravan parks and showgrounds within two hours of the Redcliffe peninsula, but there are occasions when the destination is a little further afield. The rally co-ordinator selects and organises the venue, chosen for its beauty and amenities, and members just need to decide to come along. 

Mr and Mrs Richardson said this made it easy to get the caravan off the driveway or out of the carport, and to explore towns off the beaten track.

The club’s rallies run from Wednesday to Tuesday and people join for as long as they are able – some stay for the entire week, others for a weekend. Members go out for dinner on a Friday night during rallies and activities are organised on a Saturday afternoon. There’s also happy hour at 4pm and morning teas for those keen to make their stay a sociable one. Mrs Richardson said owning a caravan gave them freedom to go where they wanted and was better than feeling as though you were in a gilded cage, in an apartment. There’s also the social aspect of caravanning and the willingness of strangers to say hello and engage in conversation at caravan parks and showgrounds.

“It’s a friendly environment and if you like meeting people, caravanning is the way to go. You can also go off the beaten track and see things you can’t see if you’re in a hotel.”

It’s also instant relaxation for the couple – Mr Richardson’s reclining chair helping the cause. You don’t have to live on the Redcliffe Peninsula to be a member of Peninsula Caravan Club.

There is a one-off $15 joining fee and then an annual membership of $50 per RV. The only additional cost is the monthly rally fee. The club usually receives a discount on site fees.

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