Gold Coasters get savvy with affordable living: Caravanning as a solution amidst economic challenges
The Gold Coast’s largest caravanning event, the Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo, brought to you by Caravanning Queensland, is returning to Heritage Bank Stadium from the 1 – 3 March in 2024!
Amidst the escalating cost of living and rental crisis, caravans are suddenly cool for young Gold Coasters who are wasting no time but to find viable living options to continue living life to the fullest.
With two in five Aussies experiencing ‘extreme’ financial strain¹ due to the rising cost of living and the high prices of rentals², Aussies from the Gold Coast are exploring alternative living options, such as selling up their homes and hitting the road full time, as a strategy to alleviate financial burdens.
The contemporary trend follows continued growth in the caravan and camping visitor economy which saw a record number of overnight and visitor trips in 2022. In a year when Millennials overtook the grey nomads in the race to the campgrounds and caravan parks, resulting in younger travelers now accounting for 37% of caravan and camping adventures compared to grey nomads with 24%³.
Justin and Carissa Morgan are just one Aussie family who decided to sell their home and embark on an Australian adventure of a lifetime.
“Justin and I were getting bogged down in the day to day stuff and work, and missing out on spending time with our children. We had big dreams to one day travel Australia and thought there was no time like the present to sell up our home and hit the road full time to make unforgettable memories.
“We have planned out our entire trip and set off two days ago, and our advice to anyone who is thinking of doing it is to go for it and never look back. You save, sell or plan to pick up work along the way, get a caravan or camper and just go,” Carissa adds.
Highlighting the impact of this trend, Jamie Driver, Director and owner of local retro dealer Goldy Caravans said in the last six months alone they have sold caravans to Gold Coast locals who have opted to sell their house and travel full-time.
“From day one we have sold caravans to Gold Coast locals who are getting creative. Some of our buyers set them up in the backyard for their children to live in so they can save for a house, others rent them out when they are not using them to supplement their income,” Jamie adds.
Jason Plant, CEO of the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland, sees caravans as a beacon of hope in these testing circumstances.
“While the housing and rental markets are daunting, caravans are emerging as a viable solution. They offer affordability, flexibility, and the chance for all generations to get creative and maybe embark on their life long dream of exploring Australia,” Plant comments.
“The Let’s Go Gold Coast Expo is a one stop shop where locals will have the opportunity to talk directly with local suppliers whilst also experiencing first hand the incredible range of caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, tent trailers, campervans and accessories to suit any budget,” Plant adds.
“We’re not just selling caravans; we’re offering a lifestyle that combats the economic pressures many people are facing. This event is an opportunity to explore how caravanning can be a sustainable, enjoyable, and financially viable way of life.
“By turning to caravans, Australians are not only finding a feasible way to navigate financial challenges but also fuelling a sector that’s vital for Queensland’s economy,” Plant adds.
The show will hold more than 125 exhibitors showcasing the largest range of recreational vehicles on the Gold Coast. Popular sessions also include a weights and towing masterclass designed to educate travellers on all things towing and road safety.
The Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo will be held at Heritage Bank Stadium from the 1st to the 3rd of March in 2024, with gates opening at 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Friday to Saturday and 4:00 pm Sunday.
With plenty of onsite parking available, there’s no excuse not to head on down to Heritage Bank Stadium for a fun-filled, family day out at Caravanning Queensland’s Gold Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo.
Tickets are available online $16.00 for adults and $14.00 for concession, with accompanied school-aged children free. For tickets or further information, please visit the Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo website.
¹Finder’s Cost of Living Pressure Gauge, 2024
²CoreLogic Quarterly rental review 2023
³https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/move-over-glamping-caviar-camping-is-now-driving-millenials-143028/
Event Details:
1 - 3 March 2024
Friday – 9am – 5pm
Saturday – 9am – 5pm
Sunday – 9am – 4pm
Heritage Bank Stadium
Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara, QLD 4211
Tickets
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AND SAVE!
ONLINE
- Adults: $16
- Concessions: $14*
- School Aged Children – FREE
AT THE GATE
- Adults: $18
- Concessions: $16*
- School Aged Children – FREE
