12 Aug 2020
Words Tony Raggatt Townsville Daily Bulletin

Charters Towers Operators Buy Van Park for $2.2m

A husband-and-wife management team at one of North Queensland’s most popular caravan parks has snapped up the freehold for $2.2 million on the back of major infrastructure investment in the region. (Brad Chilton and daughter Eliza pictured above)

Brad and Tanya Chilton have transitioned from lessee/operators to owners of the Dalrymple Tourist Van Park in Charters Towers.

“This is the perfect time to take over the whole operation. We really believe in the future of the town and the region in general as there is a lot of major projects being developed,” Mr Chilton said.

For almost the past six years the Chiltons have turned the park into a self-enclosed getaway which is especially popular during school holidays and the winter months when the grey nomads head north.

ResortBrokers North Queensland specialist Des Fagg, who handled the sale, says the park is well placed to capitalise on an expected bounce-back in the economy.

“The Dalrymple has been operating since 1954 and in the past five years, the Chiltons have made really big improvements and the park is already showing a return on investment of just over 10 per cent,” Mr Fagg said.

“They’re passionate about what they do and they proudly run a park that offers good old fashioned country hospitality with all the features you could ask for.”

The park has 16 cabins with ensuites, 17 standard cabins, four two bedroom units, one relocatable unit, 76 powered and 12 unpowered sites. There’s also a pool, a well-equipped camp kitchen and a jumping pillow.

Mr Chilton says major infrastructure investment planned for the region, particularly the $5.35 billion Hells Gates Dam Project, has the potential to drive revenue for businesses in the area.

“This is a big infrastructure project that underlines the potential of this area and it will definitely drive the economy and we’re happy to be a part of that,” Mr Chilton said.

They plan to continue making improvements to the park.

“We’ve taken the plunge into freehold ownership which not only removes rent from our balance sheet but allows us the opportunity to improve the park even further. It’s a big move and it’s the right move,” Mr Chilton said.