Move over glamping, caviar camping is now driving Millenials outdoors

Millennials are overtaking grey nomads in the race to the campgrounds and caravan parks around the country, according to new research from Tourism Australia. Recent data from the national body reveals Millennials now account for 37 per cent of caravan and camping adventures, compared to grey nomads with 24 per cent.

The data also shows that Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) typically spend around two to three nights around the campfire and under the stars, accounting for an estimated 5.3 million trips and over 20 million nights in 2022.

It's a trend being driven by 'caviar camping' among other factors, according to Emily Willoughby, Park Manager at Queensland's Esk Caravan Park.

“General accessibility to camping and various forms of unique camping accommodations, along with increased access to Wi-Fi and mobile service,” she cited among reasons for a boost in the younger camping demographic.

“People who may not have been interested in camping before are now finding alternative and interesting new ways to camp. Campfire cooking in particular has come a long way since the days of tinned beans and mystery meat,” Willoughby said.

"Millennials are accustomed to luxury so it is no surprise this is carried on into their camping and caravanning trips holidays, where they will prioritise a decadent meal at an ideal location by the campfire."

Gold Coast couple Nick Bailey and Jessica Hannagan are two 'caviar campers' who like to create culinary delights in the middle of nowhere.

Hannagan said an ideal weekend getaway includes knocking up a tasty meal of coalfire roasted pork in a picturesque location and sipping on their signature ‘Hard Lemonade’ cocktail around the campfire.

“We both work hard so when we go on holiday, we want to make it special and spoil ourselves. Just because we are camping doesn’t mean we have to slum it," she said.

Willoughby said Esk Caravan Park is also catering to the growing number of 'caviar campers'.

“We upgraded our facilities in the last couple of years and now have a recognised commercial kitchen with two gas ovens and cooktops, two built-in barbeques, one free-standing and two gas pizza ovens," she said.

“The pizza ovens are a favourite which sit outside next to our social dining area which seats 80 people on rustic dining tables.

“We also host a monthly gourmet barbeque where an award-winning chef cooks produce from Brisbane Valley Protein, giving guests a unique paddock-to-plate culinary experience, and to date, every event has been sold out,” she said.

The CEO of Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland, Jason Plant, said he's not surprised that Millennials are upping their game when it comes to cooking and camping in style.

“These days caravans and caravan parks are equipped with fully functional kitchens and modern appliances to accommodate the increasing foodie trend," he said.

“But you will also see so many Millennials getting creative and sharing recipes they have produced at campfires on social media."

Plant said a good place to start for budding 'caviar campers' is the 2023 Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan and Outdoor Sale which runs October 26-29 at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

With around 120 exhibitors, he said the show will offer plenty of inspiration as well as a number of camp cooking-related products and accessories for sale.

There will also be a variety of RVs on display with indoor or outdoor kitchens (or both), plus examples of the increasing number of upmarket off-grid vans fitted with domestic appliances like air fryers, coffee machines and ice makers, powered by big lithium battery systems.

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