DENIS Hughson has enjoyed summer camping holidays by Lady Bay for 40 years - only a few blocks from his home.
Even his 11 grandchildren are now following the distinctly Warrnambool tradition for local families to move within earshot of the ocean for a few weeks and mingle with the tourists.
Hundreds of Warrnambool and district residents enjoy the chance to soak up sun and surf, while still being only a short distance away from the pets, garden or work commitments.
They have developed life-long friendships with other holidaymakers and usually stake out the same camping sites every year.
A Standard survey yesterday of a few campers at Shipwreck Bay Caravan Park revealed why they think it's a gem of an asset that should be preserved for future generations, although it could do with some improvements.
"Our nine kids all grew up with summer holidays by the beach and now they are coming with their children," Mr Hughson said.
"It's great being able to sit around and relax with family and friends by the beach."
His only negative comment was the $300 weekly site fee.
Teenage school friends Jessi Templeton, Sarah Wormald and Ebony Stacey said it was great being so close to the beach and in a relaxed, friendly environment.
However, they suggested a games room and teenage entertainment area would be beneficial, along with cleaner toilets and more showers.
Another Warrnambool teenager, Rebecca O'Grady, appreciated the park because "everyone you know is here".
Her suggestions were for soap and a hand drier in the women's toilet block, a one-hour extension to the 11pm music curfew and a water swimming lagoon at Lake Pertobe.
Jack Karssemeyer, of Ballarat, has travelled to the Warrnambool park for 20 years.
"It's a fantastic park, although some sites are a bit small," he said.
"The only problem is the doof, doof music from the cars going past outside."
Another Warrnambool resident Jim Guinan said he was able to rent his house out while holidaying at the park.
"It's a great asset for Warrnambool," he said.
''Where else would you rather be? It's a local tradition and a chance to catch up with friends."
He suggested a community kitchen and an alcohol-free concert at Lake Pertobe on New Year's Eve.
Camperdown's Peter and Mat Conheady always visited the park for summer holidays as boys and now bring their own families.
Peter's wife Donna is a regular participant in Country Week tennis at the nearby lawn courts complex and appreciates the proximity of their summer village.
"There are so many things for people to do at little or no cost - the beach, the promenade, Lake Pertobe and mini golf all within easy walking distance," she said.
"It's a great place to meet people but the toilet and showers need updating."
Mat cited the lack of recycling rubbish bins as a big shortfall while his wife Sally suggested a fenced swimming pool for families.
Peter said there should be a new camp kitchen and security restrictions on teenagers wandering around late at night with containers of alcohol.
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