National Fuel Crisis Threatens Viability of Australian School Camp Industry

Outdoor education providers warn of business closures as fuel costs triple, forcing the industry to plead for government priority and rationing protection.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 4:58 AM EDT

Source: 9News

The Financial Strain of Triple-Digit Fuel Hikes

Outdoor education businesses across Australia are reporting a catastrophic increase in operational overheads. Hall's Outdoor Education Managing Director Anthony Hall revealed that his weekly fuel expenditure has skyrocketed from approximately $3,500 to over $10,000. Because many providers operate on contracts pre-set 12 months in advance, they are legally and logistically unable to pass these costs onto schools or parents, forcing them to absorb massive losses in a sector already characterized by thin profit margins.

Industry Leaders Issue Urgent Policy Warning

The Outdoor Council of Australia has issued an open letter to policymakers, highlighting the "booking hesitation" and reduced travel confidence currently paralyzing the sector. Chair Lori Modde noted that schools are increasingly canceling planned camps due to surcharges ranging from 5% to 25% on bus transport. Beyond travel, the industry is bracing for secondary surcharges on gas for amenities and the delivery of bulk food supplies to remote regional and rural camp locations.

The Rationing Concern: A Call for "Essential" Status

With the federal government monitoring fuel reserves closely—Energy Minister Chris Bowen insists supplies will last until May—the outdoor education sector is pleading for official recognition. Industry leaders, including Outdoors Victoria CEO Andrew Knight, are urging state and federal governments to include school transport on priority lists should fuel rationing be enacted. The goal is to ensure that students are not stranded in remote areas or denied access to camps because buses lack the necessary fuel allocations to function.