“This month is normally our quietest month of the year; we haven’t noticed that this year,” the owner of Trelly’s Outdoor in Shepparton said.
He estimates sales are currently 10 per cent higher than they normally would be at this time of year.
It comes as new data has revealed Australians are embracing caravan and camping trips at record levels.
According to data from Tourism Research Australia, one in seven domestic overnight trips in Australia is now a caravan and camping trip.
Two-thirds of Australians are planning to travel during these September school holidays.
This comes despite recent elevated fuel prices, which don’t seem to have dampened appetite for travel.
In the past year, Australians spent more than $13 billion on domestic caravan and camping trips.
Mr Threlfall says many of his customers are embarking on fishing and camping trips around Victoria, as well as northern Australia, Western Australia and parts of Queensland.
He believes the increase is due to people wanting to travel closer to home due to conflicts overseas, as well as the increased cost of living.
He says Victoria’s many unregulated camping areas make camping an attractive option for those on a budget.
Ideal conditions for fishing have contributed as well.
“River conditions are looking bumper for a good fishing season,” he said.
For those wanting to travel more locally, key spots to visit include Lake Eppalock near Bendigo, Lake Nillahcootie near Mansfield and Waranga Basin near Rushworth.
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