As we get deeper into the new year, grey nomads up and down the country are poring over maps, checking seasonal average temperatures, devouring guide books, and excitedly plotting their 2018 Big Lap itineraries.
According to many, the excitement of planning a trip and the glorious anticipation that comes with it is almost as good as the actual adventure itself! One other consideration which is apparently featuring ever more prominently in the ‘when shall we get where’ discussions of travellers is Australia’s burgeoning schedule of events and festivals.
As well as the big-hitting iconic happenings such as the Tamworth Music Festival, the Birdsville Races, and Canberra’s Floriade spectacular, there are a myriad of small agricultural shows and quirky gatherings such as Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta or a number of Celtic Festivals.
And it seems that many grey nomads simply can’t resist the chance to sample a unique slice of Australian life and to interact with locals in a way they wouldn’t normally get to do. With the drought still biting hard in many parts of inland Australia, struggling communities are pulling out all the stops to host events that may attract a few tourist dollars … and lift their own morale at the same time.
Last year, the Outback Tourism snapshot from Tourism Events Queensland showed a strong increase in tourist numbers, with visitor spending in the region growing by 7.1% over the previous year.
Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said the data highlighted the importance of a thriving tourism industry.
“It is clear tourism and events make a valuable economic contribution to the state, but it also makes vital contributions to Queensland’s diverse and unique culture, lifestyle and liveability,” she said. “This data demonstrates the widespread benefits of the industry to Queensland’s unique destinations, the economy and as a strong contributor to the workforce.”
All across the country, small towns are circling dates in their new 2018 calendars and planning fairs, markets, races, art shows, and everything in between, in an effort to lure more visitors.
And whether it be an Opal Festival in Lightning Ridge, a camp oven festival in the Clarence Valley, a camel race in Boulia, a folk festival on Bony Mountain near Warwick, or a national Bilby day at Charleville, grey nomads are responding … and making a difference.
On our way round in 2005 we went to the camel races in Boulia. What a great day. We left the van at the park after the races and went down to Birdsville for a couple of days. Stayed in an onsite at the Birdsville caravan park. saw the best working museum. Memories. Have to go back one day.