Travel

Regional Australia offers many popular travel options.

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

ONE positive aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the seismic shift in Australians rediscovering their own country.

A national survey has found NSW is a top 10 dream destination for an outdoor adventure and revealed locals want to spend time exploring their own backyard.

When overseas holidays disappeared literally overnight and cruise ships stopped running, Aussies took to the road in record numbers. Caravan and motorhome manufacturers struggled to meet demand and good second hand caravans were at a premium.

Now a Great Outdoors National Survey by Great Northern brewing has revealed 80% of NSW travellers have committ ed to keep up their camping and caravanning adventures even aft er international borders reopen.

More than half said they would like to spend more time outdoors this year.

When asked where they would travel if they could choose anywhere in Australia, NSW respondents nominated holidaying at home with Northern NSW their top spot followed by Southern NSW and the NSW Central Coast.

Great Northern Great Outdoor National Survey top 10 destinations were: 1. Cairns/Far North Qld. 2. Whitsunday region. 3. Sunshine Coast/Noosa region. 4. Uluru/Alice Spring, southern

Northern Territory. 5. Kakadu Northern Territory. 6. Gold Coast region. 7. South Australia. 8. Central Victoria and High

Country. 9. Northern NSW. 10. Outback Queensland.

Ian Giles of Great Northern Brewing Co said the survey results showed the tough circumstances had inspired Australians to get out and really immerse themselves in the natural beauty Australia had to off er.

“NSW has some great spots to explore – and the local pubs serve great beer,” Mr Giles said.

“Th e Great Northern survey shows Australians have a renewed interest in their own backyard and we hope this will eventually translate to a fi nancial lifeline for towns across NSW.

“We know businesses, pubs and clubs across the state have done it tough so Great Northern Brewing Co has been working to drive tourists back to Australia’s tourism hotspots since international borders closed.

“To get people motivated, we are giving away $26mn worth of BCF vouchers to help fund their passions to get out into the great outdoors.

“Camping or caravanning is a great boost to the place where you pitch your tent but along the way travellers stop to buy fuel, pick up groceries, sightsee, enjoy lunch – it’s all the places along the journey, not just the destination, that benefi ts.”

Th e national survey also revealed NSW respondents were not only keen to get out and about but wanted to squeeze more activity in with a third of locals wanting to go camping and fi shing more oft en.

“Almost 43% of NSW respondents spent between up to $2000 on outdoor equipment, with 22% of that expenditure on camping and fi shing gear,” Mr Giles said.

“Every person we get out and about, whether it’s a local or a visitor, we hope will pour dollars into the local economy.”

FOR the ailing visitor economy to claw back lost ground this Summer, businesses, destinations and governments need to plan now, says NSW Tourism Industry Council.

“Spring is in the air and with a significant increase in vaccination rates across NSW, due to hit the seven-million-mark, this signals to the visitor economy it’s time to plan and get ready to reopen, just before the traditional holiday season,” said NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager Greg Binskin.

“Th e latest consumer sentiment report shows people are busy researching and preparing to take a break during the summer holiday periods.” Mr Binskin said.

“Now is the time for destinations to prepare and get ready to service the pentup demand created by travel restrictions and border closures.

“Destination management is key to success, this will require a collaborative recovery eff ort with State and local governments, tourist associations, small and large business to work together so they don’t miss the opportunities that will be presented.

“Consumers are looking to reconnect with family and friends while dining outdoors, experiencing our natural environment and national parks, take a swim in lakes and rivers, surf at hundreds of east coast beaches or visit the vast array of att ractions dott ed throughout the state.

“With local government playing a major role, will businesses have the fl exibility, policies and planning in place to provide outdoor dining opportunities so cafes and restaurants have the additional space to allow people to physically distance and make patrons feel comfortable? Will Councils work in partnership with event organisers to host major events to att ract visitors back to the regions in a COVID Safe way?

“Will the enabling infrastructure be ready for full operation, the supply chain of goods and services, road works complete, cycling ways ready, directional signage, accommodation refreshed, beaches safe and ready? Most of all will the visitor economy have the staff levels and customer service skills ready to handle the pent-up demand and reach consumer expectations?

“Now is the time to reach out to the local communities and the pending crop of school leavers to get them trained and ready to welcome visitors with local knowledge, warmth and regional hospitality.

The popular Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

“Th e time is now to prepare so the customers’ expectations are exceeded, they will spread the word and build repeat visitation back to regional NSW again and again. Don’t get caught fl at-footed and wait until it’s too late,” Mr Binskin said.

Greg Binskin.