Beachfront Caravan Parks Redevelopment

Fraser Coast Regional Council owns four beachfront caravan parks.

These parks have been operating for many years, but their facilities and infrastructure are ageing and require upgrading to better meet the needs of modern travellers.

Council is progressively redeveloping the parks to modernise infrastructure, improve accessibility for larger caravans and enhance the visitor experience.

What's happening?

Council is upgrading its tourist parks, which are located on State Government camping reserves managed by Council.

Where possible, redevelopment works are delivered in stages so visitors can begin using upgraded facilities sooner.

Master Plans:

Completed works:

Scarness Caravan Park

Redevelopment completed in late 2024, with the park now fully reopened to guests. Improvements included new internal roads, underground power, upgraded water and sewerage systems, new toilets, camp kitchens, and a new manager’s office and residence.

Burrum Heads Caravan Park 
The park reopened in 2025 following a staged redevelopment that delivered new infrastructure, larger riverfront sites, upgraded amenities, new camp kitchen, BBQ areas, and a dog-friendly section.

Ongoing works: 

Pialba Caravan Park 
Stage 1 has been completed, opening the western half of the park with larger powered sites, modern amenities block, camp kitchen and communal facilities, barbecue and outdoor recreation area, and dog-friendly accommodation options. 

A new entrance to the caravan park has been constructed off the Esplanade opposite the Hervey Bay Hotel. The former WetSide entrance is now closed to public access and will only operate as an emergency exit. 

Stage 2 works are now underway and programmed for completion in November 2026.

Torquay Caravan Park
Council will proceed with upgrading the park following extensive community consultation in 2025. The project is included in Council’s 10-year capital works program, with funding currently allocated across 2029/30 and 2030/31.

Why

Upgrading the parks will replace ageing infrastructure with modern facilities and layouts that better suit larger caravans and RVs people now use.

Some parks also include dog-friendly areas, allowing more visitors to enjoy a holiday with their pets while maintaining high-quality beachfront facilities.

Key issues being addressed include:

  • Ensure caravan sites do not encroach onto the foreshore.
  • Replace old underground services, infrastructure, and facilities.
  • Reconfigure site layouts to utilise space more effectively and meet guest expectations.
  • Widen narrow roads to improve access and movement within the parks for larger caravans.
  • Address traffic issues, especially along the Esplanade.

The upgrades will create modern beachfront parks that attract visitors, support tourism operators and deliver benefits for the wider Fraser Coast community.

When

Scarness Caravan Park – completed in late 2024
Burrum Heads Caravan Park – completed in 2025
Pialba Caravan Park – Stage 1 completed, Stage 2 currently underway
Torquay Caravan Park – Upgrades planned in Council’s future capital works program

Burrum Heads facilities upgrades

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Burrum Heads Stage I Upgrades - 1

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Burrum Heads Stage I Upgrades - 2

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Burrum Heads Stage I Upgrades 3

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Burrum Heads Stage I Upgrades 4

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Burrum Heads Stage I Upgrades - 5

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Burrum Heads Stage II Upgrades - 1

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Burrum Heads Stage II Upgrades - 2

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Burrum Heads Stage II Upgrades - 3

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Burrum Heads Stage II Upgrades - 4

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Burrum Heads Stage II Upgrades - 5

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Burrum Heads Stage II Upgrades - 6

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Scarness facilities upgrades

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Scarness facilities - 1

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Scarness facilities - 2

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Scarness facilities - 3

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Scarness facilities - 4

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Scarness facilities - 5

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How much will it cost?

  • Scarness Caravan Park – $10.8M
  • Burrum Heads Caravan Park – $11.3M
  • Pialba Caravan Park – $14.2M
  • Torquay Caravan Park – Costs to be determined

Community impact

The upgrades will:

  • Provide modern facilities and larger caravan sites to meet visitor needs.
  • Improve the look and usability of the foreshore.
  • Minimise disruptions by staging work so part of each park remains open during construction.

Legacy guest ballot process

  • Around two months before reopening of each stage, eligible legacy guests are invited to apply for a site through a ballot process.
  • Eligibility is based on a review of three years of booking history prior to the redevelopment.
  • Applications submitted by the due date are entered into a random draw.
  • Sites are allocated to maximise occupancy, but due to fewer total sites, not all applicants may be successful.

Beachfront Caravan Parks

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