As grey nomads slowly migrate northwards to avoid the worst of winter, the economic benefits are already being felt in communities across the Outback.
And early indications are that the convoys of caravans and motorhomes following the sun are bigger than ever before … and that it’s the inland areas that are said to be reaping the biggest ‘grey nomad dividend’.
In Queensland’s Mount Isa for example, the North West Star newspaper reports higher than usual numbers of grey nomads in the central business district, and the statistics back up this claim.
At Outback at Isa, the town’s major tourism facility which includes its Visitor Information Centre, there had been 8138 tourists by early May, a 25% increase than at the same stage last year … and last year was a seriously bumper year.
In 2016 there were 53, 325 visitors to Outback at Isa, more than double the 25,514 recorded the previous year. In 2014 there were 24,818, in 2013 there were 21,461, and in 2012 there were 25,289.
The Mount Isa Entertainment & Tourism Ventures organisation said there had been a marked increase in the number of visitors from interstate so far this year, particularly from New South Wales and Victoria.Â
Tourism Manager, Kylie Rixon, said the strong numbers at Outback at Mount Isa were part of a far wider trend showing positive results for western Queensland, while figures on the coast seemed to be declining.Â
According to Outback Queensland Tourism Association’s annual figures up to late 2016, there was an increase of 13.6% of visitors to Outback Queensland.
Anecdotal evidence suggest that many grey nomads are increasingly finding the coastal regions ‘too busy’ and ‘too expensive’ and are preferring to spend more time in the more relaxed and more affordable Outback regions.
·        Are you spending more time in inland Outback areas, rather than on the coast? Why? Comment below.
For years I have been visiting inland QLD where you are made welcome and people aren’t waiting to rip you off and abuse you. Coastal caravan parks are the biggest offenders followed by many other businesses.
After complaining about a site price 14years ago at Airlie Beach I was told by the Manager at the time, ” I don’ t give a shit mate , I have them lined up here every day waiting to come in” . Great attitude.
Yep we are about to head inland, Nebo Middlemont, Emerold, Injune Roma, Windora Birdsville Bedorie and Winton. Why because of the cost being charged on the coast, and it is all to rushed. Peace and quite is great
Those coastal places have been overcharging for years and now it’s coming home to roost
The best part of qld.is west of east coast.
Fully agree, we have been getting ripped off for years.Go west young man where the people are friendly the parks welcome you and you will live life at a lot slower pace.Support the bush because regardless of what Turnbull and Shorten try to force down our necks Australia does not just revolve around Sydney and Melbourne.Cheers Stevo.
inland NSW offers far better value than QLD.
Qld shocker roads with no shoulders and little to no rest areas.
Quite right, Neil. Inland NSW has much to offer, plenty of beautiful and interesting sites to visit. Showgrounds offer fair prices for travellers rolling in and facilities are usually well-looked after. Heaps of free camping along the way and generelly good roads. Towns people are friendly and accomodating as well.
I’m currently travelling in outback Qld and am greatly impressed with the welcome in all those little towns on the way North. Let’s hope they don’t get greedy with the extra numbers. I’m expecting to be ripped off when I head east to the coast but have never been there and would like to see it. Once ripped off….never come back. They’d do well to remember that! They also need to remember that Word of Mouth counts for a lot and so do the comments on Wikicamps.
My wife loves the beach, but when we go away, we more often than not go to our favourite spots west of the Great Divide. Like others have said, the pace of life is easier and the people are (nearly always) friendly. But, what we like to do is help our rural communities by spending our dollars where it really helps – in their locally-owned supermarkets, shops and cafes. Better than battling the bustle and lining the pockets of the majors on the coast.
we too have been exploring the outback on our annual migration for winter, as many have said rural people are very friendly but just as important is the caravan park prices.
we dont use free camps so site costs are important on a fixed income, we have travelled the coast but paying $50 per night against $25 in regional areas obviously doubles our nights stay in parks and there is so much to see and do in the country areas.
The costal caravan parks and communities have lost us due to the massive rip offs we have experienced time and time again.
Just back from a few days away in our yacht here in Southern Tassie free camping in one of our favourite semi- remote anchorages, the only yacht there & plenty of fish- if you are well prepared you can have magnificent beach anchorages to yourself here & 15 -16 degree days with sunshine & clear night skies we find sure beat crowded camp spots in warmer parts of Australia in our campervan. Also plenty of quiet spots here in Tassie for our campervan & fire pot in the colder months.
We are currently camped with our large caravan at the Collarenebri Primitive Campground 74 north north of Walgett. Lovely spot, planned to stay only one night but are now staying two. Walked into town for dinner at the local pub, Tattersalls Hotel Motel and the food was superb. Certainly making a note of this place and will come again.
We have seen it all b4. Coastal Parks and towns ripping you off. Go where your dollar is appreciated…we always do. Most country towns are good well away from the coast…you know a good place cos you can feel it. Dont need all the facilities any more as we are independent and self contained.