As more and more Queenslanders adopt the van-life, an increasing number of female travellers are packing up and heading off on solo adventures.
Over the past three years, solo travellers have accounted for one third of Queensland’s travel economy with a total of 89,824 overnight trips equating to a total of 300,000 nights.
With a 257% increase in google searches around solo female travel it is no surprise Facebook groups like Women Caravanning, Travelling Solo Australia and Rolling Solo Facebook groups have experienced a significant increase in members.
Jason Plant, Caravanning Queensland Trade CEO notes that there’s been a surge in the number of solo female travellers who have taken the leap to hit the road and explore everything Australia has to offer in recent years.
“With caravanning and camping continuing to be the preferred holiday option across Australia it is great to see more solo female travellers exploring their own backyard.
“This is a trend we don’t see slowing down as there are so many great places to explore without even leaving Queensland.
“For those who have been considering a solo adventure but may be slightly nervous there are plenty of great caravan parks scattered throughout Queensland, where travellers can test their first solo adventure and feel safe,” Mr Plant adds.
Supporting this trend, is Lynne Williams-Wynne a fearless female who started her solo journey six weeks ago after modifying her four-sleeper family camper into a double before hitting road.
“Now my children are grown I thought it was the perfect time to have my own adventure and decided to hit the road and travel until I either run out of money or have had enough.
“It has been such an adventure; my solar panels allow me to park anywhere for up to four days giving me the freedom to go white water rafting, fish every day and attend festivals.
“My friends ask me if I am scared to travel alone, but I am super careful making sure I always reverse the RV in incase I need to leave quickly, among other safety precautions.
“I also put a pair of size 10 male boots outside the door each night and never leave anything on the passenger seat, so it looks like I am travelling with a companion,” added Lynne.
Geoff Illich, Brisbane Holiday Village Resort Manager has seen a 15 per cent increase in solo female travellers this year who choose to stay in holiday parks for safety.
“Some solo female travellers are working on the road whilst others are ticking items off their bucket list.
“We are starting to consider how to best cater for our solo female travellers, as they are quite independent,” Mr Illich added.
Expert advice at the 2023 Gold Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo
The growing trend of fearless females is positive news for the upcoming Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo which will offer something for all levels of explorers, from road trip novices to experienced nomads, solo or group travellers.
Set to be bigger and better than ever, the 2023 event will roll into Heritage Bank Stadium from Friday, March 10 to Sunday, March 12, and will offer a one-stop-shop of the latest and greatest recreational vehicles, accessories, and modifications on offer, alongside educational seminars and daily demonstrations.
More than 125 exhibitors will be on hand to showcase the largest range of recreational vehicles on the Gold Coast, from caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes to tent trailers, campervans, tow vehicles and more, while sharing their expertise with anyone looking to learn more about the increasingly popular lifestyle. Popular sessions also include a weights and towing masterclass designed to educate travellers on all things towing and road safety.
With Queensland continuing to lead the charge with the highest number of registered recreational vehicles across the country (beating Victoria and New South Wales), the event is expected to be a sell out, so anyone interested in attending is urged to snap up their tickets as soon as possible.
Caravanning Queensland’s 2023 Gold Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo will be setting up camp from Friday, March 10 to Sunday, March 12 at Heritage Bank Stadium. Gates open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Friday and Saturday, and from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday.