AUSTRALIANS DESPERATE TO GET BACK TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

More than three quarters (77.5 per cent) of Australians have committed to explore in the great Australian outdoors even after international borders reopen.

The Great Northern Great Outdoors National Survey also revealed half of all respondents were planning to get off the beaten track on a camping or caravanning holiday in 2021.

A quarter of respondents said as a result of COVID-19 they were now getting outdoors more often than usual and nearly 60 per cent said they would like to spend more time outdoors.

Great Northern Great Outdoor National Survey top 10 destinations – Where would you most like to explore the great outdoors in Australia?

1. Cairns/Far North Qld
2. Whitsunday region
3. Sunshine Coast/Noosa region
4. Uluru/Alice Springs, southern Northern Territory
5. Kakadu, Northern Territory
6. Gold Coast region
7. South Australia
8. Central Victoria and High Country
9. Northern New South Wales
10. Outback Queensland

Ian Giles of Great Northern Brewing Co said the survey results showed the tough circumstances of 2020 had inspired Australians to get out and really immerse themselves in the natural beauty Australia has to offer.

“It looks like Aussies are rediscovering their passion for the great outdoors, which is fantastic to see,” Mr Giles said.

“The research shows more than half of Australians in the past year have spent up to $1000 on outdoor recreation equipment such as camping and fishing equipment plus outdoor clothing.

“Australians have a renewed interest in their own backyard and as we learn to live with the occasional lockdown, we hope this translates to a financial lifeline to the many towns, businesses and pubs who have done it tough.

“This is great news for the Australian tourism and hospitality industry which has faced unprecedented challenges in the past 12 months including COVID-19, fires and flood. So many of Australia’s towns rely heavily on tourism and Great Northern wants to help get people back out spending dollars where it’s needed.

“Great Northern Brewing Co has been working to drive tourists back to Australia’s tourism hotspots since international borders closed.

“We have launched a $26 million giveaway of BCF vouchers to inspire people to get out into the great outdoors.

“Three quarters of survey respondents told us they normally participated in some sort of outdoor recreation activity when not in lockdown so we’re confident Australians will use the vouchers to get out and about.”

A third of respondents said they wanted to hike and bushwalk more often.

“Camping or caravanning is a great boost to the place where you pitch your tent but along the way travellers stop to buy fuel, pick up groceries, sightsee, enjoy lunch – it’s all the places along the journey, not just the destination that benefits,” he said.

BCF $10, $20 and $50 vouchers are available with every specially marked cartons of Great Northern Original and Super Crisp while stocks last.