Untamed beauty: A campervan parked in the middle of one of the most beautiful pink-and-blue lakes — Lake MacDonnell, South Australia. Photos: Supplied.
Travel for quinquagenarians is not only possible, it’s become increasingly popular. Such a trend can be attributed to numerous components, with stability and changed circumstances being major factors. Retirement awaits, there are no financial constraints, people are enjoying improved health, their children have moved out, or work schedules have become lighter.
Embracing travel and a desire to explore is made easier with the growing availability of travel resources and options, and ease of access to holiday and tour packages. Plans are easier to organise after a reduction in the number of daily tasks or responsibilities.
The belief that people over 50 do not travel is largely a fallacy. Put aside that misconception, as feeling fabulous at 50-plus means wanderlust-packed golden years beckon!
According to National Seniors, for many of us, navigating our later years means retirement is no longer just about quiet contemplation; it’s a vibrant chapter dedicated to adventure, exploration and making up for lost time. This shift, particularly among Australian seniors, has seen retirement increasingly being shaped into a “grey gap year”, where travel becomes a central pillar of a fulfilling life.
The Grey Gap Year Report 2025, part of the Australian Seniors Research Series, delves into the travel trends and aspirations that matter most to our community. Australian seniors are more engaged in travel than ever before. Based on a survey of more than 1200 Australians aged 50 and over, this report offers a comprehensive overview of the key factors influencing travel decisions and shifting behaviours, priorities and aspirations in 2025.
One of the report’s key findings was that 39 per cent of Australian seniors aged 50 and over had their last “big” holiday in the past year, a significant increase from less than one in five (18 per cent) in 2022.
Recognisable: Wave Rock, WA, is near the Wheatbelt town of Hyden.
In fact, domestic tourism statistics for the December quarter 2025, released by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, show older Australians led the way in longer stays.
In that period, 21 million (71 per cent) of overnight trips were for between one and three nights. They were balanced across age groups, with 30-44-year-olds representing the largest share and accounting for 27 per cent, or 5.7 million trips.
This was followed by 14-29-year-olds and those 60 and over, both accounting for 25 per cent, while 45-59-year-olds made up 23 per cent of short trips.
As trips become longer, older Australians make up a larger share. In the December quarter 2025, 6.5 million overnight trips (22 per cent) were between four and seven nights. For these trips, the share of travellers aged 60 and over increased to 30 per cent (2 million). The trend was most pronounced for trips longer than 15 nights, where half the travellers (who made 366,000 trips) were 60 and over.
Another enlightening insight came from oversixty.com. Almost a third of seniors are already travelling alone, and more are considering it. Asked why, 43 per cent of seniors said “creating travel memories mattered more than leaving behind an inheritance”.
Specialised assistance is on hand for 50-plus Australians through National Seniors Travel. This is aimed at providing solutions for seniors, delivering value to members through a variety of options. Following are three holiday package selections.
Spectacular: Embark on a four-day escorted tour of light, coast and culture during the Sydney Vivid Festival.
On 11 June, join a four-day Vivid Sydney escorted tour to the Sydney Vivid Festival, Australia’s largest festival of light, music, ideas and food, transforming Sydney’s iconic landmarks and waterfront precincts into a vibrant cultural playground.
Vivid Sydney 2026 runs from 22 May to 13 June, featuring 23 days of light installations, music, talks and culinary experiences, with more than 80 per cent of the program free. For the first time, Vivid Sydney will come to life both by night and day, transforming the city through art installations, talks, performances and events that redefine how visitors and locals experience the festival.
South Western Australia Explorer offers the chance to go on a wild landscapes, coastal wonders and timeless stories tour of Western Australia. It leaves on 28 September.
Journey from Perth to Wave Rock, across the goldfields and coastal Esperance, then along the south coast to Albany and the tall-timber country before returning via the Margaret River wine region. Discover wild beaches, national parks, treetop walks, heritage townships and local food and wine.
Explore the Eyre Peninsula, a hidden gem of Australia, on an eight‑day small‑group journey. Trace the coast of South Australia. Marvel at spectacular landscapes and enjoy local produce.
Take in the rugged coastline, pristine bays, character‑filled towns and stunning beaches. Savour Coffin Bay oysters, wander through rare woodlands at Wild Yarnbala and uncover rich maritime history in Whyalla. Departure is on two dates: 10 and 20 October.
