Australia’s Biggest Caravan And Camping Boom Drives New South Wales Tourism Growth With Record Visitor Numbers

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Australia’s biggest caravan and camping boom is fueling New South Wales tourism growth. New South Wales is now Australia’s preferred choice of domestic caravan and camping holiday with new research revealing it attracted more than a million domestic visitors during what has been a record-breaking year for the state’s visitor economy.

According to Tourism Research Australia data, 5.5 million domestic caravan and camping visitors travelled to New South Wales in 2025. The figure represents more than one-third of Australia’s total domestic caravan and camping market, confirming the state’s leading role in one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism segments.

The performance came as Australia recorded its biggest-ever year for domestic caravan and camping travel. Nationally, travellers completed 17.3 million overnight caravan and camping trips during 2025, marking a 14% increase compared with the previous year. Spending generated by these travellers reached $12.6 billion, exceeding the pre-pandemic level of $10.2 billion and demonstrating the sector’s growing contribution to the national tourism economy.

The latest industry figures also show the expanding financial strength of the caravan park sector. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s 2026 State of the Industry Report revealed that caravan parks generated a record $3.3 billion in revenue during 2025. This represented annual growth of 6.3%, adding approximately $207 million compared with the previous year.

Regional Destinations Drive Caravan and Camping Growth Across NSW

Caravan and camping tourism continues to deliver significant benefits beyond major cities, supporting regional communities and encouraging visitors to explore diverse destinations across New South Wales.

Domestic caravan and camping travellers spent 18.2 million nights across the state in 2025. The North Coast remained the most popular destination, accounting for 26% of all visits. Known for its coastal landscapes, national parks and outdoor experiences, the region continued to attract travellers looking for scenic and relaxed holiday environments.

The South Coast ranked as the second most visited region, capturing 17% of caravan and camping trips. The Murray and Hunter regions each attracted 10% of visitors, while Sydney accounted for 8% of travel demand.

The strong regional performance highlights the role of caravan and camping holidays in spreading tourism activity across the state. Unlike traditional city-based travel, these experiences encourage visitors to stay longer, explore smaller communities and contribute directly to local economies.

Caravan and Camping Tourism Attracts New Generation of Travellers

The latest data also challenges traditional perceptions of caravan and camping travellers. The sector is increasingly attracting younger professionals, families and higher-income visitors rather than being viewed only as a holiday choice for retirees.

In New South Wales, 43% of domestic caravan and camping visitors were employed full-time. The largest visitor group reported annual household incomes between $100,000 and $149,999, showing that the sector appeals to financially capable travellers seeking comfortable and flexible holiday options.

Changing traveller preferences have played a major role in the sector’s expansion. Many Australians are increasingly seeking experiences that combine outdoor recreation, independence and access to regional destinations. Caravan and camping holidays provide opportunities for travellers to control their schedules while exploring beaches, national parks, rural areas and local attractions.

Demand remained strong throughout 2025, with the December quarter recording the highest level of interest. During this period, 29% of travellers expressed interest in caravan and camping holidays. The March quarter followed closely, with 26% showing interest in this style of travel.

International Visitors Increasing Interest in NSW Caravan Experiences

While domestic travellers remain the foundation of the sector, international demand for caravan and camping experiences in New South Wales also recorded strong growth.

International caravan and camping visitation increased by 10.4% during 2025, reaching 86,000 visitors. These travellers generated more than 801,500 nights across the state, representing a 24.3% increase compared with the previous year.

The United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand emerged as the leading international source markets. Overseas visitors showed strong interest in regional destinations, particularly the North Coast, Hunter region and South Coast.

The rise in international caravan and camping travel reflects broader global interest in outdoor tourism and authentic destination experiences. Travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional attractions and seeking opportunities to connect with nature, regional communities and unique landscapes.

Government and Industry Support Strengthens Future Tourism Growth

The continued expansion of caravan and camping tourism supports the objectives of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims to increase annual visitor expenditure across the state to $91 billion by 2035.

To support this ambition, the New South Wales Government has worked with industry partners to strengthen demand for holiday parks and regional travel. The fifth annual Feel More. Live More marketing campaign generated an estimated $31.2 million in bookings for the state’s 400 holiday parks.

The campaign demonstrated the resilience of caravan and camping tourism, maintaining strong traveller interest even during a period affected by fuel supply challenges.

The sector’s achievements were also recognised during the 2026 CCIA NSW Awards of Excellence, which celebrated leading holiday parks across New South Wales. BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park received the NSW Holiday Park of the Year award for properties with fewer than 100 sites. Discovery Holiday Parks Forster and Tathra Beach Eco Camp jointly received the award for parks with more than 100 sites.

Caravan and Camping Sector Becomes Key Driver of NSW Visitor Economy

The continued success of caravan and camping tourism reflects a major shift in how Australians and international visitors experience destinations. Flexible travel options, increased interest in regional exploration and demand for outdoor experiences are helping the sector reach new levels of popularity.

For New South Wales, caravan and camping tourism represents more than a holiday trend. It is a major contributor to regional economic development, supporting accommodation providers, local businesses and communities across the state.

Australia’s largest caravan and camping boom is fueling surging popularity of New South Wales as a tourist destination, with a record number of visitors set to benefit the state’s regional communities and the wider economy.

New South Wales is poised to benefit from the boom in caravaning and camping with record visitations, an increase in international visitors and significant investment in the development of Holiday Parks.

New South Wales is set to reap the rewards of Australia’s largest caravan and camping boom, with a record number of visitors set to enjoy the state’s regions and boost the local economy.