Originally published: The Australian Financial Review, 01 April 2026
The phones started ringing midweek. At the Beachcomber Hotel and Resort in Toukley, on NSW’s Central Coast, the Easter long weekend was shaping up as a disappointment until last-minute bookings picked up.
“With everything going on with fuel, it’s been a slow burn. Now we’re having a late surge,” said hotel manager Ken Dobbie.
Occupancy at the property now tracks between 80 and 90 per cent, just shy of a typical Easter sellout. Its sister property, Caves Coastal, in nearby Swansea reported a similar story, buoyed by eleventh-hour decision makers.
Research by data and insights firm Pureprofile shows fuel insecurity has prompted Australians to rethink their Easter travel. Half of just over 1000 people surveyed said their plans were influenced by rising costs at the bowser, and 13 per cent had cancelled or postponed trips. But the headline figure is that 33 per cent said they would be travelling closer to home.
Road tripping during a fuel crisis is complicated. On one hand, Australians are encouraged to conserve petrol. On the other, they are urged to support regional tourism and “enjoy their Easter”, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appealed during the week.
Check out our full Easter infographic blog here >
