More than 17 million Australians traveled for camping and caravanning holidays last year, noting an increase from the previous year. As winter approached, travelers chose to head north for their holidays.
To celebrate Queensland Day on June 6, over 75,000 unique votes were tallied to identify the state’s top camping destinations according to locals, according to an article by nine.com.au.
Gordon Country in the Goomburra Valley secured the first-place ranking. The pet-friendly private campground is located on a 4,000-acre property about two hours from Brisbane.
The ecotourism property offers tent sites, glamping, cabins, and caravan stays. Activities on the property include four-wheel driving, hiking, and bird watching, with campsites spaced out alongside grazing cattle and donkeys.
Hold It Flats in Yalboroo secured second place in the rankings for camping and four-wheel-drive locations.
The 120-acre property in the Mackay region offers riverside campsites surrounded by bushland, where each site can be provided with a fire pit.
The Mackay region was also identified as a winter destination for travelers seeking value. Skyscanner identified the region as “gaining traction as a savvy alternative for travellers seeking authenticity, value and space to explore”.
Double Island Point in Cooloola rounded out the top three locations. Situated near a national park, the destination features beaches, lagoons, rainforest, and walking trails.
Visitors must obtain a permit from Queensland Parks to park four-wheel-drive vehicles on the beach.
The property also offers grassy beachfront and riverfront sites for tent camping.
For travelers seeking alternative accommodations, the Avani hotel opened in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. Located 100 meters from the beach esplanade, the property features a rooftop pool with ocean views.
For campground owners and operators, this consumer data highlights the long-term viability of diversifying accommodation types and expanding site space to capture regional travel markets.