The Backpackers Are Back!

A familiar site has returned to the streets of Airlie Beach recently; young travellers with big smiles and backpacks have been trickling into our region, eager to explore and experience our Whitsunday way of life.

Heather Hewitt and Lucy Ball, 19-year-old travellers from Cheshire in the UK, were in Airlie Beach last week and, although they only stayed for two days, the pair said they would definitely be back.

Having arrived in Sydney, they spent time travelling up the coast and met loads of other backpackers along the way.

“We nearly didn’t come to Australia because we thought it wasn’t possible but then the rules changed so we could,” said Heather.

“COVID made us want to travel more after not being able to go anywhere for such a long time and we are so glad we came here; everyone is so friendly.”

Peter Upton, who has operated Backpackers By The Bay for the past 27 years, said that for the last two years they have only seen South American backpackers travel, many of whom decided to stay through the pandemic.

“The Europeans, Americans and Canadians all went home,” said Peter.

“It’s great to see them back again now!”

Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures said that her charter boat company was also seeing a return of the backpackers.

Having adapted their tours to suit any domestic market, they are now thinking of re-launching their overnight backpacker vessel later this year.

Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton said that as international borders have opened The Whitsundays has seen the backpacker market re-emerge.

“Numbers are relatively low at this stage, but we expect this market to grow over the coming months, providing a gap in our job market,” he said.

“We look forward to working holiday makers experiencing our beautiful region.”

‍

Image: Backpackers Lucy Ball and Heather Hewitt

‍