Australians continue to embrace the caravanning lifestyle in 2025, but the way people travel is evolving. Rather than committing to long, extended holidays, a growing number of travellers are opting for shorter, more frequent caravan getaways, reflecting broader shifts in lifestyle, affordability, and domestic travel habits. Indeed, short caravan getaways in 2025 are becoming the norm for many people.
Industry data confirms that caravanning and camping remain one of Australia’s most popular forms of domestic travel. However, economic conditions and changing consumer priorities are influencing how often people travel, how far they go, and how they use their caravans for short caravan getaways in the coming year. More specifically, short caravan getaways in 2025 are shaping travel habits significantly.
Shorter Trips Align With Modern Work and Family Life
New consumer data released in the Caravan Industry Consumer Trends Report – March 2025 confirms that shorter trips are no longer a marginal preference — they are now the most common planned trip length, particularly for those considering short caravan getaways in 2025.
According to the report, 32% of respondents plan caravan or camping trips of just one to three nights, making short stays the single most popular option. Trips of four to seven nights also remain common, while longer holidays of eight nights or more now account for a much smaller share of planned travel.
This data supports broader domestic tourism trends, and even policy changes designed to protect long-term caravan park residents reflect how caravanning is evolving as both a travel and lifestyle choice. The Caravan Industry Association’s sentiment data shows that Australians increasingly favour frequent short breaks over a single long annual holiday.
Planned Length of Next Caravan or Camping Trip (2025)
Short caravan and camping trips dominate planned travel in 2025, with one-to-three-night stays now the most common choice. Source: Caravan Industry Consumer Trends Report – March 2025.
Cost-of-Living Pressures Are Reshaping How Australians Travel
The same report shows Australians are adapting their travel habits rather than cancelling trips altogether. Instead of travelling less, many are choosing shorter stays, closer destinations and off-peak travel periods to manage costs.
More than half of respondents said they are now more likely to:
- Travel for shorter periods
- Travel closer to home
- Choose budget-friendly caravan parks
- Look for deals and discounts
These behaviours help explain why short caravan getaways have become more appealing. Shorter trips reduce fuel costs, campsite fees and time away from work, while still allowing people to enjoy regular breaks. This trend highlights the significance of short caravan getaways in 2025 for many Australians looking for affordable and enjoyable travel options.
Travel Demand Remains Strong in 2025
Importantly, shorter trips do not reflect declining interest in caravanning. The March 2025 report shows 88% of respondents plan to caravan or camp in the next 12 months, one of the strongest travel-intent readings recorded.
This indicates that Australians still value caravan and camping holidays highly, but are choosing to spread travel across multiple shorter trips rather than a single extended journey.
Value perception also remains a key driver. More than three-quarters of respondents consider caravan and camping holidays to offer better value than other holiday types, reinforcing why caravanning continues to perform strongly despite economic pressure.
Changing Caravan Usage and Buying Behaviour
As travel patterns evolve, so too does how caravans are being used. Shorter trips place greater emphasis on convenience, ease of towing and quick setup, rather than features designed primarily for long-term touring.
Industry feedback suggests growing interest in:
- Compact and mid-size caravans
- Lighter, easier-to-tow models
- Layouts that suit weekend and short-stay use
- Off-grid capability for flexible, spontaneous trips
Rather than replacing long trips entirely, many Australians are now using their caravans for a mix of short getaways throughout the year, with longer holidays reserved for major breaks.
What This Means for Travellers in 2025
For caravan owners, the message is clear: caravanning no longer needs to revolve around long holidays. Short trips offer a practical, affordable way to enjoy the lifestyle more often, with less planning and lower overall cost.
With strong travel intent, a clear shift toward short stays and continued demand for regional destinations, short caravan getaways are set to remain a defining feature of Australian travel in 2025.
Data note
The consumer insights referenced in this article are drawn from the Caravan Industry Consumer Trends Report – March 2025, which surveyed Australian caravan and camping consumers about their planned travel behaviour for the year ahead.
