ALLOWING people to camp at Lake Canobolas would be a big boost to tourism in Orange, according to camping enthusiasts.
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Over the weekend around 20 motorhomes registered with the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Golden West Wanderers branch stayed at the lake after attaining permission from council.
Golden West Wanderer member and Orange resident Pat Tilston says it is an experience more people should be able to enjoy.
“It’s a lovely atmosphere out here,” he said.
“It’s as good a place as any we’ve been to and hope to be back next year.
“I’m surprised just how many people came up to us and asked how we were able to camp out here.”
Mr Tilston said many people who owned motorhomes simply passed through the city as there were no free or cheap overnight options to stay.
“They have no reason to pay $30 to $40 a night for a caravan park when they have everything they need already.”
Orange City Council adopted a plan in November 2006 to allow for the development of accommodation and camping facilities at the lake, pending approval from Cabonne Council.
In the $900,000 plan six tourist cabins, caravan facilities, amenities and an office would be established north of Lake Canobolas near the existing ranger’s office.
An additional $300,000 plan has also been adopted by Orange City Council to establish 23 camping pods in a woodland setting on the western side of Molong Creek.
Council will be using the weekend camping trip by Golden West Wanderers as a trial to view the effects of camping at Lake Canobolas, according to Orange City Council city presentation manager Nigel Hobden.
“This is being used as a trial to see what impacts this has on users at the lake,” he said.
He said council hadn’t pursued the establishment of camping facilities at the lake due to higher priorities needing to be addressed.
The Lake House operator Ben Crawley at Lake Canobolas said camping at the site would be a good idea only if it were closely monitored.
“I’m in support of trying to get more activities out at the lake, but it needs to be controlled,” he said.
“There needs to be a lot of thought put in to it and campers will need to respect the reserve.”
erin.somerville@ruralpress.com
