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Julie and Wayne May made a homecoming of sorts in 2018, when they made the move back from Perth to a slice of paradise nestled by the bank of the Blackwood River in Nannup.
The shift marked a return to the South West region after two decades in the city.
"We’re originally from Busselton, but we’d been in Perth for about 20 years,” explained Julie.
“Coming back to a place like Nannup, there’s so much freedom… it’s just a beautiful place to live.”
Julie and Wayne were looking for a business that they could work in together in their new home, and the solution presented itself in the Nannup Caravan Park – an old fashioned, pet friendly camping ground in the heart of South West WA. They purchased the business and set about making it their own.
Turning to the SBDC in uncertain times
Shortly after taking over the Nannup Caravan Park, an unprecedented global health crisis was declared, throwing their new business venture into uncertainty.
No small business should have to face the kind of challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brought – not least one that is focused on welcoming and connecting with holidaymakers.
While some small businesses were able to innovate and find a new direction to survive the pandemic, many still needed support – particularly those that were impacted by travel and gathering size restrictions.
Julie described how the SBDC’s advice helped the family business navigate this turbulent period.
“The Small Business Development Corporation helped us when we were going through COVID-19. They led us through the problems we may experience and what to expect,” Julie said.
Nannup Caravan Park was one of many small businesses that was contacted by the SBDC about the available support accessible to them, how they could get in touch if needed, and how to prepare for any difficulties ahead. Some businesses were also eligible for Government support.
“We received a grant to help us through the COVID period,” said Julie.
When the tourism sector got back on its feet, Nannup Caravan Park was able to continue offering a respite from everyday life in their tranquil, nature based surroundings.
Evolution of a destination
In Julie and Wayne’s seven years of ownership, the Caravan park has evolved and flourished. Not content with the status quo, the owners have put their own stamp on the destination.
“We started off with only two one-bedroom cabins and a two-bedroom cabin,” Julie said.
“Since then, we’ve put in four new tiny homes, with another being built as we speak.”
With Nannup rapidly becoming a premier bicycle tourism hub due to new developments like the Tank 7 MTB Park, Ngoolark Jump Park and the established Munda Biddi Trail and Old Timberline Trail, the May’s have ensured their produce is attracting a new market of guests.
“We’ve added 12 glamping tents and domes, which have become very popular with bike riders.” said Julie.
This year Julie and Wayne are proud to be offering diverse accommodation during the Gravel 7 (G7) Festival of Cycling and UCI Gravel World Championships – both taking place in October 2026.
Running a rural enterprise
The success of Julie and Wayne’s business has not come without struggles along the way.
“Some of the challenges we have as running a small business in Nannup, or in rural areas in general, is first of all getting people to know we’re here.”
“This has changed a lot since we’ve been doing the bike trails and we have become very busy - to the extent where Nannup weekends have become very full on!”
Julie lists meeting lovely people and being a part of the Nannup community as some of her favourite things about running the business.
If you are planning a visit to Nannup for either an active or relaxing getaway, the pet friendly Nannup Caravan Park is worth putting on your travel list.
More information
- Find out more about buying a business
- Learn how to manage risks in your business and access our free risk management resources
- Discover available business grants
- Access business advisory services in your region
- Read more WA small business stories
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