General News
6 May, 2026
Fuel costs could hit grey nomads migration north
THEY have travelled north in their thousands each and every year for more than two decades, but with the ever-rising fuel prices due to the conflict with Iran, questions are being asked as to whether the annual migration north of grey nomads will be affected.
With fuel costs higher in rural and regional areas and supply in doubt, it is unknown as to whether Mareeba will see the usual number of grey nomads in the town, but tourism operators around the region did reasonably well at Easter and during the school holidays, due to local travellers.
A snap survey of tourist attractions across the Tablelands and Mareeba Shire areas over Easter confirmed there were cancellations from southern-based travellers, and some accommodation operators noted numbers were slightly down over the school holiday period.
Mareeba Local Tourist Organisation chairperson and Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt remains hopeful the grey nomads will still come in their numbers given the response to the annual Great Wheelbarrow Race set to take off in early May.
“The record 47 teams and individuals and their support groups taking part in next month’s Great Wheelbarrow Race confirms that many people are prepared to travel, even for a fundraising event,” she said.
“Under circumstances relating to fuel costs and cost of living, there still will be a number of grey nomads who will be travelling – they are not going to disappear completely.
“That being the case, they will always be welcomed to Mareeba Shire and its many attractions and events, but currently, you would need a very efficient crystal ball to forecast actual numbers given the uncertain factors that affect travel.”
Cr Wyatt said the LTO had distributed a detailed Pulse survey to all members.
“The survey covers an extensive range of topics so that we can obtain best possible results from the information we receive,” she said.
“Accordingly, we continue to keep our members informed of all aspects of the current fuel costs and supply difficulties and other matters so that our members can adapt to change and achieve the best possible result.”
While it is not yet clear just how big of an impact surging fuel prices will have on travel plans this year, one thing is obvious – the longer the crisis lasts the worst things will get.
Research by the largest holiday group in New South Wales, Reflections Holidays, shows that if the price of fuel tips $3 per litre, Australian travellers will consider changing their plans and almost two thirds said they would instead choose to holiday closer to home.
A survey of almost 9,000 of its members conducted by Reflections in mid-March showed that less than 5% were currently looking to delay their plans due to the current fuel situation.
However, the survey also confirmed that if the fuel price shifts past $3 a litre, 62% said they would change their booking to a destination closer to home or, if road tripping, reduce the number of destinations.
“Grey nomads, instead of going caravanning or camping, are actually going overseas,” Caravan Parks Association of Queensland chief executive Michelle Weston said.
Contact with supporters of Mareeba’s annual Grey Nomads Christmas in July event have emphasised that the annual get-together involves many Far North Queensland members.
