Former Sweat exec launches caravan park booking platform after $600,000 pre-Seed raise

The former head of product at Kayla Itsines’ fitness app Sweat has launched his own startup, raising $600,000 in pre-Seed funding for a booking site for caravan parks and campgrounds.

ParkBooker.com is the brainchild of Josh Volk and will go live later this week. The round was backed by Singapore fund Rising Tide Investment, Turo Australia MD Tim Rossanis, 1Form and Fillr founder Chad Stephens and angel investor Yaniv Bernstein.

With cost of living pressures sending Australia on cheaper holidays, caravan and camping trips are at peak levels in Australia worth more than $14 billion. But until hotels, which have been serviced by the likes of Wotif, Expedia and Booking.com, there’s no central way to book a site in a holiday park

Volk said ParkBooker aims to establish itself as a leading player in the sector, to appeal to travellers looking for a destination while also allowing park operators to better connect with their customers.

“Holiday parks are a cornerstone of Australian travel, but they’ve been underserved by existing online platforms,” he said.

“ParkBooker is here to address this gap with a solution designed to meet the specific needs of park operators and holidaymakers alike. We’re thrilled to have the support of such a strong group of investors who recognise the potential in this untapped category.”

The platform, will launch with detailed park content and streamlined booking option.

Among its fans is Queensland Holiday Parks Association CEO Michelle Weston, who says the holiday park sector offers Australians affordability, community, and nostalgia.

“Holiday parks remain a popular choice for families seeking value for money getaways and continue to cater strongly to the grey nomad market. This summer has been a standout season, and ParkBooker is well-positioned to help the sector build on this momentum,” he said.

“It offers an opportunity to showcase the holiday park options available to a wider range of customers, making it easier for potential guests to find and book their next getaway.”