Andy and his family had planned to spend the Christmas break exploring Tokyo Disneyland but the ongoing cost of living crisis, together with concerns about ongoing job security has prompted Andy and his family to travel closer to home this year.

“After the border closures finished, we were so eager to get back out and travelling again.  Even though the cost of flights and accommodation was much greater than before, we took the kids to New Zealand.  We’d hoped to take them to Disneyland while they’re still young but the steep rise in mortgage, insurance, food – everything, has us looking closer to home.” He said.

Andy’s family is not alone.  The recent Australian Trade and Investment Commission report highlighted a 19% surge in domestic tourism spending, reaching over $142 billion dollars in the 2023 period.  This surge however, included a 28% increase in the cost of accommodation – making travelling in Australia’s big ticket locations cost prohibitive for many families.

The current cost of living crisis has seen a shift from international travel back to more affordable holiday escapes for Australians.    While booking your accommodation for the Christmas break is always a race against time, campgrounds and other “budget” options are selling out much faster than previous years.

A private booking at a “modest” property will set the average family back $3000+ for a week away on the school holidays.  For those facing a cost of living crisis, even modest family breaks aren’t in the budget this year.

Sydney caravan parks and campsites have seen record sales with many of the more popular destinations completely booked out as early as September.  Other popular destinations, including the Port Phillip Bay and Great Ocean Road areas of Victoria, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef coast and Sunshine Coast caravan parks are all facing unprecedented interest.

Looking for Alternatives

“I have two boys under ten, and a single income to support them, and we live in Sydney. I bought a four-berth hybrid caravan during the pandemic, and have managed to take my boys on extended holidays every year.  I feel like this is the only viable way for a family like mine,” said Miriam, a single mum from Sydney.  “Caravan park fees continue to rise too though, so you know, nothing’s getting cheaper right now”, she said.