Camping and caravanning in Australia - statistics & facts
Australia is world-renowned for its natural wonders and vast landscapes, making it a popular destination for travelers from far and wide. Pre-pandemic, Australia recorded over eight million international visitors annually. After experiencing a significant drop throughout the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GDP of the Australian travel and tourism industry is quickly recovering and set to return to pre-pandemic levels in the coming years. While many travelers, both domestic and international, enjoy frequenting big, metropolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne, caravan and camping enthusiasts seeking adventure or time in nature are spoilt for choice in Australia, with stunning coastlines, lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and deserts stretching across the country.
However, not all campers need or like the facilities, amenities, or overcrowdedness often experienced in commercial holiday parks and instead opt for more secluded and immersive options like beach and bush camping. Wilderness experiences are popular among Australian travelers, including activities such as visiting waterfalls and national parks, of which Australia has plenty. While there are restrictions on where people can set up a tent in Australia, there are designated free camping sites nationwide, some offering beach or mountain views.
As travel restrictions were imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing the cancellation of countless international and domestic trips, the ‘Holiday Here This Year’ campaign was launched by the Australian government to encourage people to support the local tourism industry. Although borders have since reopened, Australians continue to enjoy the abundance of diverse travel destinations on offer on home soil.
Camping is evolving
A wide network of camping and caravan parks, also known as holiday parks, operate around Australia, offering visitors a varying range of facilities and amenities. Facilities such as toilets, showers, and barbeques are common, while kitchen facilities, playgrounds, swimming pools, and holiday programs for children are some of the offerings at more established holiday parks, like the well-known BIG4 holiday parks, of which there are over 100 nationwide. Though caravanning and camping are commonly associated with retirees or so-called ‘grey nomads’ and families looking for budget-friendly holiday options, camping and caravanning are enjoyed by many demographics, and holiday parks are adjusting to meet customer needs and demand. For example, ‘glamping’, or glamourous camping, provides consumers with a more luxurious camping experience compared to traditional camping and is now offered in some holiday parks alongside other accommodation alternatives like self-contained cabins and permanent caravans.However, not all campers need or like the facilities, amenities, or overcrowdedness often experienced in commercial holiday parks and instead opt for more secluded and immersive options like beach and bush camping. Wilderness experiences are popular among Australian travelers, including activities such as visiting waterfalls and national parks, of which Australia has plenty. While there are restrictions on where people can set up a tent in Australia, there are designated free camping sites nationwide, some offering beach or mountain views.
As travel restrictions were imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing the cancellation of countless international and domestic trips, the ‘Holiday Here This Year’ campaign was launched by the Australian government to encourage people to support the local tourism industry. Although borders have since reopened, Australians continue to enjoy the abundance of diverse travel destinations on offer on home soil.
