This is very much ‘go time’ for warmth-seeking grey nomads and it’s no surprise where most of the large numbers of caravans and motorhomes wending their way northward are heading … at least in the Northern Territory.
According to a new report from the Territory’s Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture, 45% of visitors stay a while in the Greater Darwin area, 31% of visitors travel to the Katherine and Daly regions, and 25% spend time around Alice Spring and the Macdonnell Ranges.
It is no surprise either that grey nomads are leading the tourist charge with 39% of driving tourists aged 50 or over, and about 25% aged under 30.
Drawing on results from Tourism Research Australia’s International and National Visitor Survey, which was conducted over three years, the report shows on average three out of 10 people driving the NT’s wide open roads are from interstate.
German travellers topped the list of those from overseas, followed closely by people from France and the UK.
The Katherine Times newspaper spoke to New South Wales-based grey nomads Glen McInnes and Graeme Fullarton who have visited Katherine almost 15 times, calling it their ‘standard winter gig’ as they head to their ultimate destination of Broome in Western Australia.
“It is a terminal and a cross roads, so you have to pass through, but we love Katherine,” Mr McInnes said. “It is a great stopover to get the shopping done, re-fuel and look at some of the artwork.”
Towing a large caravan, the pair say they spend about $1500 on fuel on their way to Broome and, unlike many others, they say Darwin isn’t necessarily that high on their ‘want to stop’ list.
“For people in other parts of Australia, Darwin seems to be a bucket list item, it is great for fishing and there are some good restaurants,” Mr McInnes said. “Most people find Katherine by accident … but once they get here, I think they see there is so much to do, and it is all very close, and that is a very good reason to come back.”
• If you could only spend time in one NT area this year, would it be around Katherine, Darwin or Alice Springs? Comment below.
Darwin, definitely. But I always insist on a few days at Mataranka for some hot springs soaking time.