New research reveals Sunshine Coast preferred destination for honeymooners
As the van-life trend continues to boom, new research has found an increasing number of Australian newlyweds are choosing to
take their honeymoons in Queensland over Bali or Fiji¹.
Among the top romantic destinations, the Sunshine Coast² stands out as a favoured honeymoon location. Boasting pristine beaches along the coastline to secluded rainforest hideaways around the Glass House Mountains. This idyllic location offers an array of tranquil, peaceful, and romantic hideaways catering to every preference.
Brisbane newlyweds James and Georgia Bulmer are just one Aussie couple who purchased a caravan in preparation of an extended honeymoon adventure with their two children Isabella and Ocean, and their first destination was the Sunshine Coast.
Georgia said travelling full-time had always been a dream for the couple and they decided their honeymoon was a perfect excuse to pack up and hit the road with no end date.
“One of the first stops on our honeymoon was a riverbank site at Yandina Caravan Park. The spot absolutely surprised us as we camped on a completely private part of the park by the river surrounded by lush, green rainforest trees.
“We were 10 minutes down the road from Wappa Falls where James and the girls had a great day playing in the freshwater swimming holes.
According to Geoff Illich, Resort Manager of Brisbane Holiday Village, James and Georgia are not Australia’s only honeymoon adventurers.
“Bookings from young couples arriving straight from their wedding reception has escalated, with more newlyweds choosing to
holiday in Queensland.
“We have seen a 300 per cent increase in younger travellers aged 20 to 26 years old at our park in the last six months.
“Many are foregoing the big wedding and the home deposit, instead choosing an extended road tripping holiday some before
their wedding and some after their wedding,” Geoff concludes.
Jason Plant, CEO of Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland welcomes the trend and says it’s exciting to see younger people considering recreational vehicles for their holidays.
“The caravan lifestyle is no longer just for grey nomads, the industry has continued to boom post-Covid, and this has resulted in new trends constantly emerging and people of all life-stages taking up the ‘cara-fan’ lifestyle,” Mr Plant said.
Last year the country experienced the highest production in RVs since Cyclone Tracy and a 19% increase in planned caravan and RV holidays with the industry sector coining this year the golden era of caravanning.
“This is also great news for our Queensland parks who have experienced a steady increase in bookings across popular bucket list destinations.
“We are truly spoilt for choice and destination with some of the best road trips in Queensland. From the Gold Coast Hinterland, Great Beach Drive, Cairns to Cooktown or Cairns to Cape York and so many road trips, where you can stay at beautiful beaches along the way,” he adds.
Plan your honeymoon with expert advice at the 2023 Sunshine Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo
Sunshine Coast residents considering joining the ‘cara-fan’ lifestyle or taking a ‘cara-moon’ are encouraged to visit the 2023 Sunshine Cost Caravan and Outdoor Expo at the Nambour Showgrounds to get a sense of what living or holidaying on the road is all about.
With over 90 exhibitors to explore, the Expo will be displaying the latest products and gadgets on offer, alongside all things outdoors for those seeking to opt into the RV or caravan lifestyle.
Jason Plant said the expo is great for Sunshine Coast residents to see all the current options available in one convenient
location, speak with experts and find the best deal to suits your needs and lifestyle.
The expo will make a great day out for the whole family with popular daily demonstrations including the Walkabout Working Dogs herding sheep, Bush Cook Ranger Nick sharing his campfire recipes and the popular Weight and Towing Masterclasses.
Gates will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday. With plenty of parking available onsite, there is no excuse not to head on down to the Nambour Showgrounds.
Gates will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday.
With plenty of parking available onsite, there’s no excuse for locals not to head on down to the Nambour Showgrounds for a fun-filled, family day out at Caravanning Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo!
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit Caravanning Queensland’s website.
