Aussie love for the great outdoors hits record high
Camping and caravanning have hit record highs as families lean towards road trips and hidden outdoor destinations over hotels.
While Aussies have always had an affinity with the great outdoors, camping and caravanning have reached record highs.
It’s expected that this adventure holiday will boom these next months as warmer climate and affordability drive demand. Around 67 percent of Australians are planning to travel this spring once school lets out in late September.
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Think fuel prices are killing road trips? Be surprised by the recent Tourism Research Australia data. This year sees a trend in Australians prioritising experiences, as almost one in seven domestic overnight trips in Australia is now a caravan or camping trip. Aussie families are giving the traditional holiday house or hotel trip the cold shoulder, as the freedom of remote travel gives them access to all of the most iconic and hidden natural landscapes that Australia has to offer.
Australian families are embracing freedom and adventure, but are refusing to give up on the comforts of home, spending $13.1b more on domestic caravan and camping trips in 2026 according to the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
Related AccomNews story: State of the Industry 2026 highlights a resilient and adaptable sector
State rivalries continue as NSW is expected to bring in the largest crowds, despite Queenslanders being the largest demographic of RV owners. However, there are some excellent off-grid locations across Australians for spring.
Adventurer, 4WD enthusiast and 4WD content producer Simon Christie’s tips:
- Explore the coastline around Yuraygir and the Clarence Coast between Yamba and Coffs Harbour.
- For one of the prettiest beaches, try Dingo Beach in West Cape Howe National Park, near Bornholm on WA’s south coast.
Popular spots:
- Bristol Point, Jervis Bay (NSW)
- Gooalwah Regional Park, Crescent Head (NSW)
- Bonnie Vale, Royal National Park (NSW)
- Carnarvon Gorge National Park, Carnarvon Park (QLD)
- Wangi Campground, Litchfield National Park, Batchelor (NT)
