Australians are rethinking their Easter travel plans as soaring fuel prices and concerns about supply disrupt what is traditionally one of the busiest periods for domestic tourism. From retirees postponing long-awaited caravan adventures to families cancelling camping trips, the impact of rising costs – driven in part by geopolitical instability – is being felt across the country. The average national petrol price has jumped to around 250 cents per litre, with diesel reaching approximately 300 cents, a significant increase from around 180 cents a litre at the start of March, according to the Guardian.
The surge in prices follows escalating tensions in the Middle East, including reported strikes by the US and Israel in Iran. Beyond the immediate cost, anxieties about potential fuel shortages are adding to the uncertainty, particularly in regional areas reliant on independent distributors. This confluence of factors is forcing many Australians to reassess their holiday budgets and, in some cases, abandon travel plans altogether.
A Road Trip Put on Hold
Jan and Earl Robinson of Charters Towers, Queensland, are among those adjusting their plans. After nearly two decades of caravanning and camping, the couple have decided to postpone their next adventure indefinitely. “We’ve decided 2026 is the year we’re not going anywhere,” Jan Robinson, 71, explained. The cost of filling their Ford Everest 4WD recently increased by 65% in a matter of weeks, making the trip financially prohibitive. “In our opinion, caravanning is a real luxury. We just don’t feel it’s warranted at the moment,” she said, adding she felt sorry for the caravan parks that would miss out on business.
Their decision isn’t solely about the expense. The Robinsons also expressed concern about the availability of diesel on the road and a desire not to deplete supplies needed by farmers and essential service providers. This sentiment reflects a broader awareness of the potential strain on fuel resources, particularly in rural communities.
Tourism Industry Braces for Impact
The Australian Tourism Industry Council (Atic) acknowledges the challenges facing travelers. Erin McLeod, Atic’s chief executive, stated, “We understand the sensitivities.” However, she expressed confidence that “the Easter period particularly will still have appropriate fuel levels for people to be able to continue with their plans.” Atic estimates that 1.3 million additional visitors will take overnight trips to regional Australia in April compared to March, with approximately 86% of those travelers driving – adding an estimated 600,000 cars to the roads.
In a letter to the federal government earlier this week, Atic urged prioritization of fuel distribution to regional drive routes and tourism destinations during the Easter long weekend (April 3-6). The industry is attempting to reassure potential visitors, but the underlying concerns remain.
Beyond Cost: Supply Concerns and Regional Impacts
The issue extends beyond simply higher prices at the pump. Independent fuel distributors, who are crucial for supplying many regional areas, are struggling to secure sufficient supply from the major companies that import the majority of Australia’s petrol and diesel. Reports indicate that hundreds of service stations across the country have experienced shortages of at least one type of fuel.
This situation is prompting some families to alter their plans significantly. Belinda Morgan, a mother of two from Sydney, has cancelled her family’s Easter camping trip to Nelson Bay. “It’s not the cost so much,” she explained. “It feels quite wasteful to be making decisions about going on trips that kind of feel like you could avoid it.” She added her concerns extended to the long-term stability of fuel supplies and a desire to minimize driving.
Adapting to the New Reality
While some are cancelling, others are adapting. Tourism agencies are encouraging travelers to consider fuel-saving options. For example, the agency promoting north-east Victoria is suggesting public transport to popular destinations and emphasizing “walkable” activities once there. Lloyd Tarrant, a father from Melbourne, is proceeding with a road trip to Bawley Point on the New South Wales south coast, but has carefully planned fuel stops along the way, including an extended stay in Canberra to refuel.
Accommodation Australia, representing hotels and motels, reports a “softening of demand” but not a “mass wave” of cancellations. James Goodwin, the organization’s chief executive, noted that bookings remain “reasonably quality, considering the shocks that we are facing at the moment.” He anticipates the Easter period will serve as a crucial test of the tourism sector’s resilience.
Long-Term Concerns and Cancellations
The impact isn’t limited to Easter. Wayne and Martine Eames of Nagambie, Victoria, have already cancelled a planned June trip along the remote Canning Stock Route in Western Australia. “It’s very remote,” Wayne Eames explained. “And that’s our fear. It’s 1,800km and there’s only one fuel stop in the middle, in a community.” The couple recently invested $170,000 in a new 4WD ute and camping setup, now sitting unused.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of Australia’s tourism sector to external shocks and the potential for long-term disruption. The coming weeks will be critical in assessing the full extent of the impact and determining whether the current challenges are a temporary blip or a sign of a more sustained period of volatility in fuel markets. The Australian Institute of Petroleum is scheduled to release its next monthly fuel report on April 15th, which will provide a more detailed analysis of price trends and supply levels.
If you are experiencing financial hardship due to rising fuel costs, resources are available. The Australian Government’s Centrelink website (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/) provides information on available support payments.
Share your Easter travel plans – or changes to them – in the comments below.
