As reports of caravan park cancellations continue to mount, grey nomads and other travellers are being urged to still keep travelling in the regions over the upcoming holiday period.
The calls come as the war in the Middle East rumbles on, and the knock-on effect on fuel prices and potential fuel shortages has shaken tourism confidence.
In Western Australia, which has also had to deal with the impact of Cyclone Narelle, tourism chief, Evan Hall, said the tourism sector certainly welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent decision over fuel excise.
“The Australian Government’s announcement to halve the fuel excise for three months will provide much appreciated cost relief for Western Australians undertaking their regional road trips these April school holidays,” the Tourism Council WA CEO said.
Petrol station price boards are changing ... and the only way is up! PIC: Cizza
“April is a peak tourism season for much of regional WA, generating $140 million and 810 tourism-funded jobs in local regional economies.”
Mr Hall said visitors should still head north, including to Geraldton, Kalbarri and beyond to Onslow, Karratha, Broome and Kununurra.
“Geraldton and Kalbarri are open for business, and the Exmouth cleanup and recovery has begun for the April peak tourism season,” Mr Hall said. “When visitors stay away it only compounds the economic damage of the cyclone.”
The Tourism Council WA said it had surveyed more than 50 visitor centres and local tourism associations regarding fuel availability. While there are a handful of service stations with fuel shortages or limits, most tourism towns are reporting they have multiple service stations with fuel.
“Major tourist destinations and road trip routes for the coming season are reporting fuel is available … we understand fuel is available for those travelling into Western Australia from the Northern Territory through Kununurra, or South Australia via the Eyre Highway,” Mr Hall said. “We support the State Government’s continual prioritisation of fuel distribution to regional WA, including roadhouses and single-service-station towns.”
He said it was recommended that travellers stay in touch with their accommodation providers or local visitor centre for the latest updates on fuel and roads.
In Queensland, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) insists the state remains open, accessible and ready to welcome visitors.
“There are no travel restrictions in place, and fuel supply continues to be actively monitored,” said the organisation’s CEO, Natassia Wheeler. “What we are seeing, however, is a shift in travel behaviour, with more short breaks, drive holidays and destinations closer to home … for many operators, this presents a real opportunity to capture changing demand.”
Ms Wheeler said the message to potential tourists was clear: ‘travel with confidence, plan ahead and support local’.
“Fuel prices are front of mind for our industry, particularly as we approach the critical Easter travel period,” she said. “QTIC has been actively advocating to the Federal Government to ensure reliable fuel supply for regional travel.”
Ms Wheeler said QTIC was listening closely to what businesses are experiencing on the ground and progressing constructive discussions with all levels of government on practical responses.
“This work is ongoing, and we expect to put forward a formal set of recommendations shortly,” she said. “These will focus on targeted, deliverable measures, including travel incentives, domestic tourism offsets and cost-of-living support that benefits both consumers and industry.”
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Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win a Cobb Grill Gas+, the ultimate portable barbecue option for those who live life on the road.
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We are 2000kms from home and had planned to be away for 8 months this year.
We left home before any war was announced and we are just slowing down a lot and visiting small country towns in the hope this is sorted soon. Wed planned Plenty Highway, Gibb river road and WA this year but now not so sure
Just read that the yanks are complaining because their fuel has gone to $4 a gallon or approx $1 a litre. Feel sorry for them.
I agree with Barry above. The yanks are causing all these fuel problems here & all over the world and we are paying for it. My 3 month trip to Qld from WA looks in doubt with pre paid caravan parks keeping my money. I should send the bill to Trump.!
If you are not careful, you could get stuck at your destination, and unable to get back if fuel rationing comes in. Just like when they closed the borders when covid came in.
We are travelling up the WA coast and a long way from home in NSW. I read on many FB pages and news articles that the communities along the Coral Coast and Ningaloo Coast desperately need tourists to continue coming. Our budget is blown with the fuel costs and today we stopped at Monkey Mia and Denham for breakfast and dinner. In both places we were charged 10% surcharge on public holidays. If you want me to spend money at your establishment show some consideration and stop these surcharges