A collective effort is required to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of all caravanners — both new and experienced — into the future.
Caravanning has always been about lifestyle — the freedom of the open road, spending preAcious time with friends and family, and the joy of exploring some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations. And with more Australians than ever choosing to caravan, our industry continues to work harder than ever to create amazing memories.
Over the past season, we’ve seen unprecedented demand for caravan parks and road travel, showing just how deeply Australians love this way of exploring. To keep up with this growing appetite, the industry is delivering real solutions: upgrading park facilities for comfort and accessibility, championing sustainability to protect our natural treasures for the future, and improving road safety for a smoother, safer journey. Every initiative has a common purpose — responding to the needs and expectations of modern travellers, and ensuring the experience continues to deliver a thirst for further travel.
Strain on caravan park facilities is always one of the most visible outcomes of our busy season, with it seeming everyone wants to go to the same locations at the same time. As bookings climb, many parks reached full capacity, underscoring an urgent need for upgrades that can accommodate more visitors while also improving quality and accessibility. Programs like the Caravan Parks Infrastructure Grant Program have already proven their value — delivering a renewed focus on similar initiatives will ensure Australia’s caravan destinations remain world-class for many years to come.
Our industry is already making plans as to how we can collectively work towards accommodating the needs of all our travellers — new and experienced. This means more inclusive features such as wheelchair-accessible facilities, family-friendly spaces and pet-friendly options that reflect the realities of modern travel. By investing in these upgrades, the industry is not just meeting the demand — it’s raising the bar for what caravanning can offer for more Australians to enjoy.
With 89 per cent of caravan trips taking place in rural and remote areas, the sector plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth. Each caravan that rolls into a small town brings with it new customers for local cafes, pubs, shops and attractions. Take the town of Charleville in Queensland’s outback, for example. Once a quiet stop on the way to somewhere else, it’s now a thriving hub for caravanners drawn to its unique blend of history, stargazing opportunities and warm community vibe. Similar stories can be found across the country, from the wheatbelt towns of Western Australia to the rugged highlands of Tasmania.
As I reflect on another bustling season, I’m reminded that progress is a collective effort. We rely on government support to bolster critical upgrades, on local businesses to welcome travellers with open arms, on caravan owners to prioritise safety, and park operators to deliver exceptional experiences.
Caravanning has always been about togetherness. When you roll into a caravan park, you immediately sense that friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s that sense of community that sets our industry apart and keeps families coming back year after year. The path to sustainable growth and enduring success is clear: we must continue investing in the experience, the environment, and the people who make caravanning the treasured pastime it is.
A footnote: Caravanners have always been generous and willing to lend a hand. While the industry is very conscious of the impacts of climate change, with the locations which Australian caravanners want to go being often in places which bear the brunt of natural disasters. Take Victoria’s Grampians for example, with the devastating bushfires it experienced over Christmas. My simple ask — next time you are contemplating a quick getaway or a longer road trip, try and incorporate a visit to some of these communities which have been most impacted. They will be most grateful for the assistance.
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