The Minns Labor Government continues to cement NSW as Australia’s number one destination for tourism attracting more than one in three domestic caravan and camping visitors.
According to Tourism Research Australia data, NSW was the destination of choice for 5.5 million domestic caravan and camping visitors in 2025.
The year ending December 2025 was the biggest year on record for domestic caravan and camping trips in Australia. Almost one in every seven domestic overnight trips during the period was a caravan and camping trip.
Domestic travellers took 17.3 million caravan and camping trips across Australia in 2025, up 14 per cent year-on-year, with expenditure reaching $12.6 billion, well above pre-pandemic levels of $10.2 billion.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s 2026 State of Industry Report also shows caravan parks generated a record $3.3 billion in revenue in 2025, an increase of 6.3 per cent year-on-year or approximately $207 million.
Domestic caravan and camping visitors stayed 18.2 million nights in NSW during 2025. Their top five destinations were: North Coast (26 per cent), South Coast (17 per cent), The Murray (10 per cent), Hunter region (10 per cent) and Sydney (eight per cent).
Interest in domestic caravan and camping holidays remained strong throughout 2025, peaking at 29 per cent during the December quarter, followed by 26 per cent during the March quarter, 23 per cent in the June quarter and 22 per cent in the September quarter.
Busting the grey nomad stereotype, 43 per cent of domestic caravan and camping visitors to NSW during the period were in full-time employment. They were also high-value travellers, with the largest cohort having an average household income of $100,000-$149,999 (30 per cent).
International caravan and camping visitors to NSW surged by 10.4 per cent in 2025 (86,000 visitors), spending 801,500 nights in the state (up 24.3 per cent year on year). The top three international source markets for caravan and camping visitors were the United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand, with the most popular regions being the North Coast, Hunter and South Coast.
The caravan and camping industry plays a vital role in achieving the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy’s ambitious goal of $91 billion in annual visitor economy expenditure by 2035.
The NSW Government recently delivered its fifth annual Feel More. Live More marketing campaign in partnership with Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW. It drove exceptional outcomes for the state’s 400 holiday parks during peak fuel supply challenges, including an estimated $31.21 million in booking revenue generated during the campaign.
The results coincide with the 2026 CCIA NSW Awards of Excellence revealing the state’s top holiday parks, with winners including:
- BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park – NSW Holiday Park of the Year (Fewer than 100 Sites)
- Discovery Holiday Parks Forster – Joint NSW Holiday Park of the Year (More than 100 Sites)
- Tathra Beach Eco Camp – Joint NSW Holiday Park of the Year (More than 100 Sites)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:
“NSW is Australia’s top destination for domestic caravan and camping trips and it’s exciting to see rising numbers of international visitors enjoying the state’s world-class holiday parks.
“Caravan and camping holidays offer immersive experiences that deepen connections with nature, culture and local communities, encouraging repeat visitation across the state.
“The NSW Government is proud to be investing in marketing campaigns, scenic driving routes, upgraded rest stops and enhanced wayfinding initiatives that encourage longer stays and boost regional visitor economies.”
Quotes attributable to Caravan & Camping Industry Association (NSW) CEO Wayne Lange:
“Caravan and camping is at the heart of tourism in NSW and our sector delivers more holiday accommodation across regional areas than any other.
“Caravan and camping visitors support local businesses and connects these visitors with regional communities, creating memorable experiences in every corner of NSW.
“It’s the shared commitment of holiday park operators to continually innovate and deliver exceptional experiences that has made NSW Australia’s leading caravan and camping destination.”
