Chamber welcomes Council’s decision to reopen Proserpine RV Rest Stop

Whitsunday Regional Council today voted unanimously to reopen the popular Proserpine RV Rest Stop, signalling strong support for tourism growth and local business in the heart of Proserpine.

Located behind St Catherine’s Church on Main Street Proserpine, the free 48-hour stopover will reopen for the dry season (April to October each year) for fully self-contained vehicles, bringing a significant boost to the town’s visitor economy.

Thank you to the Chamber’s Proserpine Sub-Committee and businesses that shared their view in our Proserpine Business Impact & Tourism Opportunities Report and supported our advocacy efforts.

Our report gathered insight from local businesses to understand the impacts of the Council’s closure of the Proserpine RV Park closure in 2023 and the Whitsunday Gold Visitor Information Centre closure in 2025, and explore opportunities to boost visitation and economic activity in Proserpine.

What the report told us

• When the RV Park first opened in 2019, more than half of businesses noticed an immediate uplift, with some reporting up to a 10% increase in sales.
• 68% of businesses reported a decline in customer traffic or sales after the RV Park closure in 2023, with 42% describing the drop as significant.
• 85% strongly believe reinstating a free (or similar) RV Park in Proserpine would benefit both their business and the wider economy.
• 70% say a centrally located Visitor Information Centre – ideally in the main street, or in or near an RV stop – would encourage more tourists to stop and explore Proserpine.

What Chamber will continue to do

The Whitsundays Chamber welcomes the Council’s decision and will now:

1. Engage with Whitsunday Regional Council to advocate for reinstating traveller-friendly facilities, including RV and caravan parks visitor information services.
2. Explore opportunities and partnerships to fund a Whitsundays Chamber-led Historical Town Trail initiative that integrates business, industry, and arts and culture precincts.
3. Launch a Whitsundays Chamber-led Business Activation Strategy to align Proserpine with regional tourism priorities and major events, and elevate appeal through improved retail standards, coordinated marketing, and precinct revitalisation initiatives.