Camping, backyard cricket to fill Christmas holiday activities 2024 amid cost of living crunch

Staycations, backyard cricket matches, and budget-friendly camping trips are set to define the Christmas break for Victorians as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact spending habits.

With cost of living costs biting the average Victorian family bank account, holidaying locally is higher than normal for families this year. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Staycations, backyard cricket matches, budget-friendly camping trips, and quick day outings are set to define the Christmas celebrations for Victorians this year, as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to impact spending habits.

Victorian experts and tourism operators say families and couples are leaning towards more affordable, low-key summer activities, favouring cheap backyard-style experiences over expensive interstate holidays.

Dr Elspeth Frew, an Associate Professor in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at La Trobe Business School, said there would be a significant shift in how people approach their holidays this year.

This trend starkly contrasts the pre-pandemic era when many individuals travelled abroad in large numbers.

“Instead of a vacation, people are going to have a staycation, which means just staying around their own house and doing activities,” she says.

Backyard cricket matches, budget-friendly camping trips, and quick day outings are set to define the Christmas celebrations for Victorians this year. Picture: Mark Stewart

“These staycations and day trips, I would say, are definitely on the increase this year, and people just heading off for one or two nights.”

She highlights that camping and caravanning will also be an option for many, and for those stuck at home, an old-fashioned overnight camp in the backyard or game of cricket “is always good”.

It comes as recent data has confirmed how travel choices are being shaped by financial constraints this season across Australia.

A survey from the Tourism & Transport Forum, conducted by insights firm Pure Profile, revealed a clear trend of Aussies changing their Christmas habits.

One in four respondents said travel was essential during the Christmas season.

However, about 44 per cent of those surveyed reported that cost-of-living pressures have influenced their travel decisions regarding visiting friends and family.

This suggests that many will seek ways to enjoy their holiday break without breaking the bank.

In response to tight finances, the Victorian Government launched a free camping initiative in November, which has seen strong uptake.

Naoise (6), Loki (3) and Tilly (6) camp in the backyard. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Running from December 1 to June 30, 2025, nearly 100,000 nights at free camping spots have already been booked, a 115 per cent increase in campsite reservations with Parks Victoria since the initiative’s announcement.

Victorians were also the main people taking up the offer with 84.8 per cent of booking from Victorian postcodes.

Among the most sought-after camping destinations are Wilsons Promontory and Lake Eildon, which have filled up quickly.

However, there remains availability at several campgrounds, including Devil Cove, Boreang, Buandik, Mueller Inlet, and Jerusalem Creek.

While 131 campgrounds require advance booking, there’s also over 1,000 free camping areas managed by Parks Victoria are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Despite this trend towards local holidays and staycations, Victorian tourism operators remain optimistic about the season’s prospects.

But some locations are seeing changes this year.

Julie Montgomery, who runs Murray River House Boats, noted that customers are waiting longer to make bookings this year and are typically opting for smaller family groups instead of large multi-family gatherings.