Caravans arrive in their hundreds for clubs rally

All roads led to Albany for hundreds of caravanners from across the country who have pulled up at Centennial Park this week for the Coromal Windsor 17th National Caravan Clubs Rally.

Caravans, some of which have been on the road for several months, started arriving on Sunday.

A community of strangers is quickly connecting over cups of tea in camp chairs at the sporting precinct-turned-caravan park.

The influx of 400-plus caravans is estimated to inject $1 million into the local economy.

Each visitor is given a rally book which advertises local businesses, services and a bunch of Albany performers who will take to the stage.

The rally, which happens once every three years, has also drawn tourists to the areas surrounding Albany.

Denise Park from the Queensland Caravan Club said she and nine other caravanners from her club had just spent a week at Cheynes Beach.

“We have had 23 caravans from our club come over — most of us left in July and have been on the road since,” she said.

“We stayed at the caravan park at Cheynes Beach and they were the best people. They went above and beyond for us.

“We have been to the Sandalwood Factory and the Whaling Station. There are some beautiful areas here.

“The attractions and the scenery and the camaraderie of all the travellers is fantastic.”

Over the next week the visitors will have access to a range of activities such as disc bowls, crafting, visits to the city’s men’s shed, technology classes, a fishing clinic and lawn bowls.

It is the first time the major national event has been hosted in WA in two decades.

The Albany community is invited to converge on Centennial Park on Friday for a trade expo.