It’s six years since the Covid crisis threw the grey nomad world into chaos … and the current conflict in the Middle East carries echoes of that time for some.
Just like in the early days of the pandemic when no one really knew what was going to happen, the future direction of the Iran war and its potential to disrupt fuel supplies is completely unpredictable.
Back in 2020, initial sympathy for travellers stranded on the other side of the country quickly evaporated, with some commentators even labelling them selfish for potentially spreading the virus.
Fast forward to 2026, and many grey nomads are now understandably anxious not to be seen as using up diesel that may be needed by farmers and truckies.
Some nomads are wary about travel into the unknown, but others are happy to hit the road. PIC: Dozza
And then there is simply the fear of the unknown.
“If you are not careful, you could get stuck at your destination, and be unable to get back if fuel rationing comes in,” said grey nomad, William Guy. “Just like when they closed the borders when Covid came in.”
But while some say it is best to be cautious and stay home, the message from regional communities and Outback areas is clear … please keep coming.
The Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Central Australia, Danial Rochford, told the GNT that the NT hadn’t seen the fuel supply issues seen elsewhere.
“Clearly, there is going to be a direct impact and tourism operators are nervous, but we are also optimistic,” he said. “We live and die by the support we get from grey nomads and I would ask them still to come and support regional Australia and to see all that Central Australia has to offer … they will get an even warmer welcome than normal.”
Across in WA, a spokesperson for the Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre said that while fuel prices had increased, there had not been a noticeable decline in visitor numbers.
“Fuel remains readily available across the Goldfields region, and visitors can feel confident travelling to Kalgoorlie,” they said. “Although rising costs may be influencing travel decisions more broadly, the Goldfields continues to offer a rewarding and unique experience, and we would certainly encourage grey nomads not to delay their plans.”
Visit Victoria CEO, Brendan McClements, had a similar message, and is urging visitors to plan well … and to book ahead as much as possible.
“Driving visitation across Victoria and supporting our visitor economy remain key priorities,” he said. “Particularly as we back major and regional events and bring to life targeted marketing campaigns that promote Victoria domestically and internationally.”
Due to the fuel situation. Victoria is currently offering free public transport throughout the state until April 30.
Mr McClements said there were many ‘fantastic destinations such as Bendigo, Ballarat, Castlemaine, Geelong and Warrnambool offering great attractions, cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the station’.
In NSW, a Government spokesperson also said people were encouraged to continue with their travel plans. “We know people are concerned,” they said. “But the NSW Government is keeping a close eye on the situation, especially in regional areas, and are asking people to plan ahead for their travels, use the FuelCheck app, and only buy the fuel they need.”
But Darcy Byrne, the Mayor of Inner West Council and the president of Local Government NSW, acknowledged there had been an impact.
“There’s no denying that we are living in troubling times and local economies are starting to feel the brunt of fuel insecurity,” he said. “We’re all hearing reports of trips and holidays being cancelled due to these concerns.”
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We usually travel to QLD in mid May to visit family. We stay at one caravan park for approx 5 weeks, take 2 weeks to get up and two weeks to get back, usually choosing a slightly different route each time. Currently considering delaying our trip as the uncertainty around supply, particularly in regional areas is a worry. With current pricing it would add around $1000.00 to our diesel costs, but it is more supply that is the concern.
We have only just started to be full time nomads and the one thing we have noticed is the large amount of free camps that have a limit of just one night stay, WHY? If councils want to encourage more people to visit their Shire wouldn’t it be more supportive for the local community to let visitors stay more than the allotted “one night stay”. That way they would learn more of the immediate area and spend more money to support the locals?
After driving to our destination we would love to stay at least another day exploring, other than turning up mid afternoon, setting up, cooking our evening meal then resting from travelling before we drive away the next day to our next port of call.