March 25, 2020
Finally got our Landcruiser back Tuesday morning (25th) and having to leave the Bega Showgrounds had arranged a booking for at least 27 days at the Discovery Park at Eden where we had last been before Bega. It was quiet when we were here before but this time, with the majority of travellers finally heeding the advice to go home, it was noticeably empty as the above picture across the central area shows.
When checking in there was no news on how long we might be able to stay after the 27 days so it was a little unsettling if we were going to have to find another park to sit the Covid-19 situation out. While we had been in Bega without a vehicle the Prime Minister had twice asked for “no non-essential travel” and we were trying our best to comply. We would have originally at least gone back into Queensland, although not into Brisbane to increase our exposure risk. Frances especially would love to be closer to all the family but the reality of the Queensland border being placed in quarantine conditions the day after we got the cruiser back it was going to be difficult to attempt. In view of the situation evolving daily, we decided that Eden was as remote as we can get down this coast. At 470km from Sydney, and only 40km from the Victorian border there is no township further South than here.
The good news on our second day was that we were going to be able to stay, as the NSW Government had issued a directive that caravan parks must close to casual travelers but should provide accommodation to all “nomads” who have no place of residence, and for essential workers. As the park here has some permanent residents it has to stay operational. We now have only one amenities block open and all other park facilities closed (Pool, camp kitchen, games room, etc.) We apparently have around 15 residents and less than 20 “campers” (4 caravans, 3 camper trailers and one motorhome) here in a Park which has over 340 sites, cabins and onsite vans….at least we have a beach:
..and so here we sit until this whole crisis is ended; stay safe everyone..we are doing our best here!