April 1, 2026

Council officially reopens Proserpine RV Rest Stop

The Proserpine RV Rest Stop officially reopened on Tuesday 31st March, delivering a timely boost for local tourism and business. Mayor Ry Collins, Deputy Mayor John Finlay and Councillors John Collins and Jan Clifford marked the milestone at a 10am opening.

Located behind St Catherine’s Church on Main Street, the free 48-hour stopover is now welcoming fully self-contained vehicles for the dry season (April to November), reinforcing Proserpine’s role as a key gateway to the Whitsundays.

Mayor Ry Collins said the reopening delivers on Council’s commitment to supporting local business and driving regional tourism.

“This is a great outcome for Proserpine and for the broader Whitsundays,” Mayor Collins said.

“We know this site delivers real economic benefit, bringing travellers into town to support our local shops, cafes and service providers. It’s a simple initiative that encourages visitors to stop, stay a little longer and experience what Proserpine has to offer.”

Division 3 Councillor John Collins said the reopening reflects strong community support and Council’s united backing of the project.

“The community has been clear that this rest stop works, and it’s fantastic to see it officially open again today,” Cr Collins said.

“This is a win for local businesses, tourism operators and the many volunteers who help make Proserpine such a welcoming place.

“It’s about creating opportunities for our town and making sure we continue to capture the benefits of travellers passing through our region.”

Economic modelling indicates the rest stop could inject between $860,000 and $1.7 million annually into the Proserpine economy through visitor spending on local goods and services.

The site will operate seasonally each year, with minor upgrades and improved signage completed ahead of reopening to support a positive visitor experience while managing maintenance requirements during the wet season.

Captions

Mayor Ry Collins, Deputy Mayor John Finlay, Cr John Collins and Cr Jan Clifford at the re-opening

Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi