Australian caravan and camping travel reached its highest level on record in 2025, with domestic travelers taking 17.3 million overnight trips and spending $12.6 billion, according to official figures from Tourism Research Australia.
The data signals a structural shift in how Australians vacation, with the sector now accounting for nearly one in every seven domestic overnight trips.
The 17.3 million trips represented a 14% increase over the prior year, generating 57.9 million nights away from home.
A fleet of nearly 938,000 registered caravans and campervans supports the demand. Commercial caravan parks and campgrounds captured the bulk of the activity, handling 67% of all trips, 70% of nights, and 75% of visitor spending.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s 2026 State of the Industry Report showed commercial holiday parks generated a record $3.3 billion in revenue in 2025, up 6.3% from the previous year.
The figures underscore the role of professionally operated parks as critical infrastructure for the road-trip market, not just budget accommodation alternatives.
Regional economies are the primary beneficiaries. Government research found that 87% of caravan and camping visitor nights were spent in regional areas, with local businesses capturing $8.6 billion of the total $12.6 billion in spending.
Fuel providers, cafes, supermarkets, adventure operators, and farm attractions all benefit from the steady flow of road travelers passing through, according to an article by Nomad.
New South Wales remains the country’s leading caravan and camping destination, drawing millions of visitors to its North Coast, South Coast, and Murray regions.
The NSW Government’s visitor economy strategy targets $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035 through regional development and improved facilities.
International visitors are also contributing, with 86,000 caravan and camping travelers from abroad spending more than 801,500 nights in NSW alone in 2025. The United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand are the strongest source markets.
The demographics of the road traveler are shifting. While retired couples on extended trips remain important, the sector increasingly draws full-time employed professionals, younger families, and higher-income households seeking flexible, value-driven vacations that blend outdoor recreation with remote work capabilities.
To meet rising expectations, holiday parks across Australia are replacing basic campsites with premium facilities including high-quality cabins, glamping tents, resort-style pools, children’s play zones, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The upgrades are attracting travelers who previously chose conventional hotels, blending outdoor freedom with modern comforts.
The record-setting numbers validate heavy investment in premium accommodations and infrastructure.
With 87% of spending flowing to regional communities and the camper demographic broadening beyond retirees, operators who upgrade facilities and cater to younger, higher-income travelers are positioned to capture a growing share of a market that shows no signs of slowing.