General News
27 February, 2026
A’van owners gather at Surfside
WARRNAMBOOL’S Surfside 1 caravan park once again became a hive of activity this past week, when more than 140 A’van owners pulled in for a week of tours and activities.
Traditionally, Surfside comes alive over the peak Christmas/school holiday period but the busy vibe returned this month with the arrival of members of the A’van Club of Australia – all keen to enjoy their annual national gathering.
This year’s national event, which officially began last Sunday and runs through until the end of this weekend, attracted A’van owners from far and wide, with many travelling from South Australia, Sydney, the ACT, Queensland, Tasmania, Bendigo and surrounds.
President of the A’van Club of Australia, Michael Hayward, said Warrnambool was always a popular location when chosen for the annual national conference.
“Warrnambool really is a lovely seaside town that has so much to offer tourists,” Michael said.
“We were last here back in 2014 and we’re thrilled to be back again. The weather has been kind and our members are taking advantage of all that is on offer.”
The club is a national organisation for people who share a common interest through ownership of an A’van.
Currently the club has 894 vans registered, involving around 1473 people from states right across Australia.
The activities of the club are overseen by a national committee, which is also responsible for the planning of annual national “gatherings.”
“Some people travel in couples while others are solo travellers; and our membership ranges in age from their early 50s through to late 80s,” Michael said.
“We have great diversity among our membership; with people coming from a range of backgrounds – many of us are retired while some are still active in their chosen professions; we have everything from doctors and lawyers through to blue collar workers.”
With more than 140 vans parked at Surfside this week, the flow-on effects to the local economy is also a huge boost.
“We believe the club has a significant economic impact on the community in which the national gathering is held,” Michael said.
“Most members tend to stay for at least a week or more, as they will here in Warrnambool.
“They not only spend at the caravan park but also on fuel, food, tourist activities, shopping and much more.
“It has been conservatively estimated that the typical number of vans in attendance contributes at least $250,000 to the local economy during the week of the gathering.”
