The North Coast is leading NSW’s caravan and camping boom, with new figures confirming it is the state’s most popular destination for domestic caravan and camping visitors.
The figures come as the Lismore Outdoor Adventure and Home and Lifestyle Expo opens at Lismore Showgrounds, drawing locals and visitors to the region.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed the opening of the expo and said the turnout reflected the popularity of outdoor holidays.
“The cars have been streaming in since this morning, showing just how popular outdoor holidays are in Australia,” said Saffin.
“And the opening of the Lismore Outdoor Adventure and Home and Lifestyle Expo coincides with today’s announcement that NSW is number one for Caravan and Camping Trips.
“I congratulate the organisers for bringing this event to Lismore, as a drawcard for locals and visitors and another boost to the local economy. After the recent success of Primex, this looks set to be another big weekend at the showgrounds.”
According to Tourism Research Australia data, NSW attracted 5.5 million domestic caravan and camping visitors in 2025, with the North Coast the state’s most popular destination, accounting for 26 per cent of visitors.
Domestic caravan and camping visitors spent 18.2 million nights in NSW during the year. After the North Coast, the most popular destinations were the South Coast (17 per cent), Murray (10 per cent), Hunter region (10 per cent) and Sydney (8 per cent).
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the figures showed the strength of the sector across NSW.
“NSW is Australia’s top destination for domestic caravan and camping trips and it’s exciting to see rising numbers of international visitors enjoying the state’s world-class holiday parks.” said Kamper.
“Caravan and camping holidays offer immersive experiences that deepen connections with nature, culture and local communities, encouraging repeat visitation across the state.
“The NSW Government is proud to be investing in marketing campaigns, scenic driving routes, upgraded rest stops and enhanced wayfinding initiatives that encourage longer stays and boost regional visitor economies.”
Across Australia, 2025 was a record year for domestic caravan and camping trips. Domestic travellers took 17.3 million trips, up 14 per cent year on year, with expenditure reaching $12.6 billion, compared with the pre-pandemic level of $10.2 billion.
Almost one in seven domestic overnight trips during the year was a caravan and camping trip.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s 2026 State of Industry Report shows caravan parks generated a record $3.3 billion in revenue in 2025, an increase of 6.3 per cent year on year, or approximately $207 million.
Caravan & Camping Industry Association (NSW) CEO Wayne Lange said the sector was particularly important to regional communities.
“Caravan and camping is at the heart of tourism in NSW and our sector delivers more holiday accommodation across regional areas than any other.” said Lange.
“Caravan and camping visitors support local businesses and connects these visitors with regional communities, creating memorable experiences in every corner of NSW.
“It’s the shared commitment of holiday park operators to continually innovate and deliver exceptional experiences that has made NSW Australia’s leading caravan and camping destination.”
The North Coast was also the most popular NSW region for international caravan and camping visitors in 2025, ahead of the Hunter and South Coast.
International caravan and camping visitation to NSW increased by 10.4 per cent in 2025 to 86,000 visitors, who spent 801,500 nights in the state, up 24.3 per cent year on year. The leading international source markets were the United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand.
The visitor profile also challenges the traditional image of caravan and camping holidays as predominantly a grey nomad pursuit. In 2025, 43 per cent of domestic caravan and camping visitors to NSW were in full-time employment. The largest income cohort, accounting for 30 per cent of visitors, had an average household income of $100,000–$149,999.
Interest in domestic caravan and camping holidays remained strong throughout 2025, peaking at 29 per cent in the December quarter, followed by 26 per cent in the March quarter, 23 per cent in the June quarter and 22 per cent in the September quarter.
The NSW Government recently delivered its fifth annual Feel More. Live More marketing campaign in partnership with the Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW. The campaign generated an estimated $31.21 million in booking revenue for the state’s 400 holiday parks during peak fuel supply challenges.
The results also coincide with the 2026 CCIA NSW Awards of Excellence. North Coast operator BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park was named NSW Holiday Park of the Year in the fewer than 100 sites category.
Discovery Holiday Parks Forster and Tathra Beach Eco Camp were joint NSW Holiday Park of the Year winners in the more than 100 sites category.
The caravan and camping industry is expected to play a role in achieving the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy’s goal of $91 billion in annual visitor economy expenditure by 2035.
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