Hootay for 2026! POC: Pexels / Peter Spencer
Happy New Year to all grey nomads!
As always, it’s been a busy year out on the open road and, over the course of 2025, we’ve reported on the good, the bad … and the everything in between.
Underpinning it all though has been the continuing rise in the popularity of this wonderful lifestyle. That, of course, has led to an increasing demand for camping spots which has in turn meant a growing need to book ahead and, often, to higher camping fees, too.
The impact of the ongoing housing crisis has also been seen in many free camps, and the ‘teething troubles’ with national park campsite booking systems has led to a rise in ghost camping. We’ve also seen a number of Australian RV manufacturers go into administration, and some devastating floods and fires.
But it’s certainly not all been bad news.
The future of historic coastal caravan parks like Hervey Bay’s Torquay Caravan Park have been guaranteed, roads have been improved, new rest areas built, and campsites upgraded.
And, of course, a recurrent theme throughout the year has been the continued camaraderie of the road.
Many of the articles we have carried have quoted people who have made friends for life and discovered kindred spirits at Happy Hours across the country.
Over the past year, we have also reported on numerous new gadgets and devices that have helped make travelling easier; and highlighted some of the amazing country towns and areas that make this such a special country to travel in.
For our part, we at the Grey Nomads are delighted to have shared some of the journey with you.
We look forward to joining you on the Big Lap again in 2026!
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
Happy new year let’s have a good one to all our grey nomad families