More than 7000 people are in caravans and tents at Port Macquarie and are enjoying a seaside holiday in perfect summer weather.

Notable features are the orderly behaviour of the crowds; nothing but a few minor accidents; increasing numbers of family groups; and a decline in the numbers of teenagers.

Fine, calm and sunny weather has made it an outstanding Christmas – New Year holiday period. All camping centres report having contented, happy crowds and an absence of complaints. 

Fishing has been rewarding, and apart from the annoying and disappointing annual appearance of weed at Flynns Beach, surfing conditions have been favourable. There are slightly more than 800 units and over 4000 people at the Caracamp inside the southern breakwall.

A total of 23 acres of flat, level land is occupied by the campers, stretching from Hay Street, near the Royal Hotel, almost to the Town Beach. Mr Lawler, manager, said yesterday, that extra amenities added during the year had made camping conditions more congenial.

An extra toilet block with eight more toilets and another laundry, plus additional power points, and a take-away food bar were all popular additions.

Flynns Beach Caravan Park has over 800 people in 200 units, mostly caravans. The proprietor, Mr R. H. Worsley said the maximum crowd was just a little larger than last year.

“We have a number of quiet, happy family groups and they are all enjoying themselves immensely,” he said. Another five hundred people are in camps nearby – at Willows Caravan Park and the Flynn Street Caratel.

Out at Hibbard, both Mrs Hargraves and Mr Bill Breed report capacity crowds. Mrs Hargraves has close to 300 people in 70 vans and camps at Hargraves Caravan Park. Bookings are heavier this year than last and the park has a capacity booking until mid-January.

Mrs Hargraves said a noticeable feature was the larger number of boats carried by the campers. Next door, at Hastings River Caravan Park, Mr Breed has over 1000 people beneath the trees on the river bank in 150 vans and 90 tents. People who came for one week are now staying for three weeks, he said.

Letter to the Editor

Sir. I was interested in your report of the 23rd December, 1968, issue of the Port Macquarie News regarding an application of the Tourist Authority and Chamber of Commerce for provision of a new tourist centre. As a regular visitor to your picturesque town, I consider the present situation of the tourist centre ideal, as it is essential it be placed near the Post Office.

If at some time a new site is sought, then the site near the children’s playground, near the CWA hall would be most suitable. Not all tourists to your town have their own transport, as Mr Ross Turnham, a spokesman for the Tourist Authority pointed out, and that rules the cemetery site as unsuitable. Many visitors over the years have remarked to me the excellent and convenient area comprising the tourist centre, rest rooms, and close proximity to a pleasant sea breeze.

Harold F. Batterham. JP