Forget overseas trips: Australia's camping boom is sending travellers here

Plus, three other things Explore is loving this week.

Camping in NSW. Picture by DNSW

August 22, 2026

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Caravanning and camping are having more than just a moment. According to a recent report by Tourism Research Australia, last year hit an all-time high, with one in every seven domestic travellers taking camping or caravanning holidays. At 17.3 million trips, it's an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year. NSW, led by the North Coast, was the most popular destination in the country, attracting more than a third of the nation's caravan and camping visitors, while Queenslanders hold the record for the highest recreational vehicle ownership. The boom is a boon for regional Australia, with visitor expenditure last year topping $12.5 billion.

Underwater reef sleeps

It may technically be sleeping beneath the stars, but the newly refurbished Reefworld, anchored on Hardy Reef, about two hours from Hamilton Island, is definitively "glamping" rather than camping. A seafood buffet, sunset cocktails and guided snorkels are all included, with overnight guests choosing from four poster beds on the floating pontoon's deck or unique below-water suites with floor-to-ceiling glass framing the reef. The standout moment is surely waking to a private sunrise at one of the world's great natural wonders. cruisewhitsundays.com

An all-female cruise

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AmaWaterways is the latest operator to respond to the growing demand for women-only travel, adding a female-only, seven-night cruise to its 2027 schedule. Hosted by McLaren Vale winemaker Emmanuelle Bekkers, the Colours of Provence Wine Cruise departs Lyon on August 19, 2027, and will sail down the Rhone through southern France. As well as meals and excursions, exclusive experiences onboard include guided wine and gin tastings, a champagne breakfast, and an exclusive Sundeck party. aamawaterways.com/au

Gong time for towns

Australia's most visitor-friendly towns are in the spotlight with six nominated for the title of Top Tourism Town 2026. Devonport in Tasmania, Echuca in Victoria, Kiama in NSW, Kununurra in WA, Stanthorpe in Queensland and Tanunda in South Australia are all state finalists, with the winner announced at Parliament House on September 15. Other categories in the awards include: Small Tourism Town, Tiny Tourism Town plus a gong for Top Tour Guide. toptourismtowns.com.au

Words byNatascha Mirosch

Natascha has been writing about travel and food for more than 25 years. When she’s not travelling, writing about her travels or planning her next trip, she can usually be found in the kitchen, procrastibaking.

My all-time favourite destination is … Argentina. One of my favourite moments was horse riding with a gaucho, the snow-tipped Andes ahead of us and a condor wheeling above us in the bluest sky. Elvio didn’t speak any English, so we didn’t talk at all and the only sound was the ring of our horse’s hooves on shale as we ascended the foothills.

Next on my bucket list is … Georgia (the European country rather than the US State) has been on my hit list for ages and I’ve yet to get to Canada, so either (or both).

My top travel tip is … Always include a destination on your itinerary that doesn’t have “big things” to tick off, a place where you can slow down and interact with locals going about their day. It really gives you a deeper understanding of the destination and people that you won’t get if you just stick to the big tourist spots.