What Travellers Are Choosing in 2026
Australian travellers in 2026 aren’t choosing between holiday parks and free camping — they’re choosing both.
As travel habits evolve, more people are blending paid stays with low‑cost or free camps to balance comfort, cost, and flexibility on the road.
This shift reflects a broader trend: travellers want freedom, but they also want access to reliable facilities when they need them.
🏕️ Two Different Styles of Travel
Holiday parks and free camping each offer something unique, and most travellers now switch between them depending on where they are and what they need.
Holiday Parks
- Powered sites
- Amenities and hot showers
- Structured, family‑friendly environments
Free Camping
- Unpowered sites
- Minimal or no facilities
- Often located in remote or nature‑rich areas
Ultimately, the choice often comes down to convenience versus independence.
🏡 Why Holiday Parks Still Matter
Despite the rise of free camping, holiday parks remain a cornerstone of Australia’s touring network — especially for families, long‑term travellers, and anyone who needs dependable services.
Travellers continue to choose holiday parks because they offer:
- Power, water, and clean amenities
- Laundry and dump points
- Safe, well‑maintained environments
- Prime locations near towns and tourist attractions
Along the coast and in popular holiday regions, demand remains high. In peak seasons, booking ahead is still essential.
🌿 Why Free Camping Is Growing
Free and low‑cost camping has surged in popularity, driven by travellers seeking affordability, space, and a closer connection to nature.
Key reasons for the rise include:
- Increasing travel and accommodation costs
- Growth in self‑sufficient caravans and 4WD setups
- More council‑supported and donation‑based camps
- A growing appetite for remote and nature‑based travel
For many, free camping makes longer trips possible without relying solely on paid accommodation.
🚐 What Travellers Are Choosing in 2026
Rather than replacing holiday parks, free camping is becoming part of a mixed travel strategy.
A typical trip now includes:
- Free camps between major destinations
- Holiday parks every few days for power, showers, and laundry
- Routes planned around low‑cost or donation‑based options
This blended approach helps travellers manage costs while still enjoying comfort when they need it.
⚖️ Practical Trade-Offs
Both options come with pros and cons that travellers should consider.
Holiday Parks
- Higher nightly costs
- Limited availability in peak seasons
- Less privacy when parks are full
Free Camping
- No guaranteed facilities
- Requires self‑contained setups
- Time limits or restrictions in some regions
Local council rules vary widely, especially in high‑demand coastal areas.
🧭 What Travellers Should Know Before Choosing
- Not all free camps suit caravans — especially large vans
- Some regions require full self‑containment
- Popular free camps can fill quickly
- Holiday parks may still be needed for power, water refills, and maintenance
Even without fixed bookings, planning ahead is still important.
🌏 The Bigger Picture
Australian travel continues to evolve. Holiday parks remain essential infrastructure, while free camping is becoming a regular part of trip planning for more travellers.
Instead of competing, the two styles now complement each other — supporting longer, more flexible adventures across the country.
As more travellers invest in off‑grid capability, this blended approach is expected to grow even further.
💬 How Was Your Stay?
Have you visited this park or campground?
Share your experience with the Let’sGoAu community — your insights help fellow travellers plan their next getaway.