Aussie caravanners happy to travel anywhere

Where would you like to go on your next caravanning holiday? The Red Centre perhaps, or exploring further north through the NT's Kakadu and Darwin regions.

Or maybe something a bit more challenging, like the Gibb River Road, or a more leisurely wine and brewery tour through West Australia's Margaret River region.

With many Aussies experiencing the best part of a year in lockdown and with little to look forward to, it seems many road trippers are not too fussed about where their next adventure is, as long as it's somewhere new or different.

That's the findings from a recent survey conducted by caravancampingsales, that asked for Aussies’ preferred caravanning destinations for the festive season.

The CCS Christmas Travel Destination survey which was conducted in November and drew 222 respondents, saw Queensland top the list for most-preferred travel destination.

However, the next most popular choice was ‘Anywhere’, followed by Tasmania and the West Australian coastal town of Esperance.

“It's little surprise that ‘Anywhere’ is the immediate response of many frustrated travellers when mulling their next great escape," caravancampingsales' editor Chris Fincham said.

“A good chunk of Australia, including Melbourne residents who have experienced the best part of a year in lockdown, have had little to look forward to recently apart from some backyard camping.

"Luckily, even with state borders shut there are great campsites within an hour of most Australians, and many more options if you travel a bit further afield. For example in June this year, we managed to sneak away from Melbourne for a Victorian High Country winter escape, enjoying some fresh air and local hospitality in Milawa.

For the past two years COVID-19 has put the brakes on the traditional 'southern grey nomad' migration north to warmer climes including the Sunshine State.

“Queenslanders have been among the lucky ones when it comes to lockdowns, with fewer restrictions on accessing the great outdoors in their backyard," he said.

"And what a backyard, with beach driving, coral snorkeling, sport fishing, rainforest walks and warm winter weather among my favourite memories of previous Queensland trips.”

“I know of more than a few southerners who grabbed the opportunity when the borders re-opened to drive all the way from Melbourne to the Tip, via the Old Telegraph Track. Queensland’s Cape York is on the bucket-list of most four-wheel drivers for good reason!”

But if you’re after unspoilt Australia, then Tasmania is the place to go...

"There are many highlights awaiting Tassie tourers, including the magnificent driving roads with little traffic and postcard scenery at every stop. And there’s always somewhere interesting to stop for a tasty bite or some local culture," he said.

While the ferry trip over can add up, Tasmania makes a great location for a caravan touring holiday.

"One of the great attractions are the magnificent driving roads with little traffic and postcard scenery, tasty bites and local culture around almost every corner," he said.

“It’s hard to pick my favourite spot, but the picturesque tiny town of Stanley in the north-west and spectacular backdrop of Cradle Mountain really stand out. Just don’t forget to take a jacket even during the height of summer.”

As for Esperance, it's just one of many coastal delights in the wild West.

“Esperance on WA’s southern coastline is one of the great holiday drives with much to offer nature buffs along the way, from surfy camp spots to colourful wildflowers," Fincham said.

"The tiny town gets busy in peak season, but it’s easy to escape and enjoy nature’s delights – from fishing, hiking and four-wheel driving in national parks to a gentle stroll along pristine white sandy beaches."