RISING interest rates and household budget strain are forcing more holidaying Australian families to take caravan holidays, it has been claimed.

Families now account for up to a quarter of the caravan, camping and touring holiday market.

Research also shows that of all the Queensland families with a caravan, about 42 percent make one trip each year, 36 percent two trips a year and 22 percent three trips or more each year.

Caravanning Queensland chief executive officer Ron Chapman said families were rediscovering the freedom, flexibility and affordability of caravanning, camping and touring holidays.

He said the caravan industry had also responded to the growing needs of the market, with Queensland tourist parks providing dedicated children facilities and programs.

"While many have an image of the grey nomads when they think of caravanning, the fact is families are a large and growing portion of the market," he said.

"Modern and well-equipped tourist parks are offering school holiday programs with free kids' activities, wine tasting, bush poetry and other social gatherings catering to all members of the family.

"Families are realising they can have a fantastic and memorable family holiday without huge accommodation and entertainment expenses."

This year, more than 19,000 new caravans, 2000 motorhomes and 4000 tent trailers are expected to be sold in Australia, continuing the double digit annual growth rate experienced over the past eight years.

There are now more than 334,000 caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers registered in Australia.

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