How to make the most out of your El Nino summer

While Aussies are gearing up for a summer of heat, one group is expected to cash in on this year’s heatwave.

While eager Aussies are gearing up for their first post-La Nina summer in three years, tourism experts are urging people to plan their holidays around the hot weather.

Australia hasn’t had an El Nino since the summer of 2015-16, though the country experienced similar conditions during the neutral Enso phase of 2019-20.

El Nino and La Nina are both extreme phases of the Enso cycle, with the neutral phase occurring in between the two events.

Tourism and experience operators are expecting a surge in demand for outdoor activities this summer. Picture: Via NCA NewsWire

The summer of 2019-20 ushered in a horrific bushfire season, with climate scientists now fearful the massive vegetation growth that occurred over the triple La Nina has put much of the country at risk of devastating fires once more.

Regardless, the tourism industry is now eagerly anticipating the drier and warmer conditions to push a surge in nature-focused holidays.

Bookings for outdoor activities in Australia’s last dry summer of 2019-20 grew by 47 per cent on average, according to Big Red Group chief executive David Anderson.

In the summer of 2019-20, cruises, water activities and outdoor experiences enjoyed a 47 per cent increase in bookings on average. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

After a rare triple La Nina, this summer will bring the first El Nino event since 2016. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Outdoor experiences such as water sports and hot air ballooning enjoyed substantial growth in every state and territory except for NSW, which was hit the hardest by the bushfires.

“It doesn’t take a genius to recognise when the weather’s warmer people love getting outdoors,” Mr Anderson said.

Many tourism operators, the majority of which employ five staff or less, have endured the “many horsemen of the apocalypse” over recent years, suffering through Covid, fires and floods, he said.

Mr Anderson said he was hopeful the “intensely hot” weather expected this year could push demand for activities that avoid the hottest parts of the day.

“If I was out trying to do things I would look for activities in the early morning and late afternoon and take advantage of those cooler conditions,” he said.

“Amazing nature tours, early morning kayaking, there are lots of things that are nicer to do in the early morning or at dusk as opposed to in the middle of the day.

“Notwithstanding any active threats to safety, I’d be out there exploring and taking advantage of the fine weather, experiencing and enjoying life.”

Aussies are being urged to consider outdoor activities suitable for dawn and dusk to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

While cost of living pressures are pushing more Aussies to delay trips abroad, at home more of us are willing to spend more on lavish experiences.

“We’re finding Baby Boomers and Gen X want to spend, with demand for activities costing more than $500 up 22 per cent from last year,” Mr Anderson said.

“Experiences are still part of the lipstick economy, and while people may not be prepared to splurge on an overseas trip they still want to get out and do something with their family.”

For Aussies on a tighter budget, cheaper activities such as visiting wildlife sanctuaries, sandboarding and river cruises remain popular options for under $100.

Mr Anderson said the upcoming summer holiday presented an opportunity for Aussies to reconnect with the great outdoors and support small businesses.

“We 100 per cent encourage people to get out there with an empty Esky and spend some money in regional areas,” he said.

“The small businesses of Australia are this country’s backbone.”