Retired couple Greg and Dianne Osborne are exploring Queensland’s outback, defying a trend among their peers who are increasingly opting for overseas vacations. The Osbornes are dedicated to discovering the beauty of their own country with their camper trailer, despite the rising number of retirees choosing international travel.
“We’ve done some lovely overseas trips in the past, but this is just Australia’s time now,” said Dianne Osborne. This commitment to domestic travel contrasts sharply with the growing preference for international holidays among older Australians.
Tourism operators in Queensland have noticed a significant drop in bookings this year. Robert Russell, property manager at Charlotte Plains near Cunnamulla, highlighted the slow start, according to a report by ABC News.
“It’s probably been a bit slow in terms of bookings so far this year,” he said. The high costs associated with towing caravans and overall economic constraints are major factors influencing this trend. “Travel is a bit of a luxury thing and it’s one of the first things to go when people cut their spending.”
Natural disasters have also played a role. Graham Reid, owner of Charleville Bush Caravan Park, noted that recent flooding and fears of road closures have deterred potential travelers. “Bookings for the caravan park were excellent, then reality hit and it dropped off,” Reid explained.
Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data supports these observations. In the last quarter of 2023, there were 200,000 fewer camping and caravanning trips in Queensland compared to the previous year.
Michelle Weston, CEO of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland, noted that “grey nomads, instead of going caravanning or camping, are actually going overseas.” This shift is reflected in the increased number of international departures for this age group.
Brisbane Airport saw over 500,000 passengers depart for overseas trips during the Easter holidays, a third more than the previous year. TRA reported that 2.3 million Australians aged over 55 went on overseas holidays in 2023, doubling the previous year’s figure.
Outback attractions are feeling the impact. Lloyd Mills, CEO of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, reported a 20% drop in visitor numbers compared to last year.
“The issue is that people just haven’t commenced traveling this way yet,” Mills said, as quoted in the ABC News report.. He remains hopeful for a stronger end to the season, with high bookings for the winter school holidays.
Despite the shift towards international travel among older Australians, the caravan industry is holding steady. Luke Chippendale, general manager of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, noted that the second-hand market has not been flooded with pandemic-era purchases.
The market for new caravans remains strong, with an increasing number of young families opting for camping trips as a more affordable holiday option. “It allows for an entire family holiday, which could include grandma and grandpa if they’re going to come along as well,” Chippendale said.
As for the Osbornes, they are continuing their travels around Queensland’s southwest and plan to return with a larger vehicle to venture further into the outback. “I just think the Australian bush is beautiful,” Greg Osborne said. “We’re exploring further west than we’ve ever been before.”
While the trend for many grey nomads is shifting towards international travel, there are still those like the Osbornes who find adventure and beauty in their own backyard. Their journey serves as a reminder of the unique experiences Australia has to offer, even as global travel becomes more accessible.
