WITH New Year’s Eve passed, Portland has attracted many people and their caravans to a specific local spot.

As usual, Portland’s Henty Park RV Camping Area has been fairly popular during these holidays, with travellers taking advantage of the 48-hour free camping.

Two friends Barry and Jerry – they were not keen on sharing their surnames with the Portland Observer – had stopped by with their RV this New Years as they continue to travel around Australia.

“I’ve been travelling Australia wide for seven years,” said Barry.

“This town is pretty popular with those on the road.”

“It’s just a beautiful area with cooler weather,” said Jerry.

Jerry said he was grateful for the free camping site in Portland, as other towns don’t provide the same.

The free site allowed them to spend more on the things they need, such as fuel and food.

 “We always spend money in the town,” said Barry.

“The local shops look after us, so we look after them.”

Travellers, Bob and Michelle Montgomery, accommodated themselves at the site to visit and play music at a friend’s farm during New Year’s Eve.

“We do travel around a little bit,” Mrs Montgomery said.

“We’ve arrived here from Queensland, but we’re actually from Bunyip, outside Melbourne.”

Mr Montgomery said he enjoyed the weather and the ability to spend more while on the free camping site.

“The day before we spent $300 on fuel, beer and take away,” he said.

“If you offer free camps to people, they’re going to spend a lot of money.”