Outdoor Industry at a Crossroads – Census Highlights Urgent Needs and Big Potential

Outdoors NSW & ACT releases Outdoor Census findings on the Outdoor Industry in NSW and the ACT; data from 2024 & 2025 Outdoor Census Reveals Industry Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Outdoors NSW & ACT has today launched its most comprehensive insight yet into the state of the outdoor industry, unveiling The Outdoor Industry in NSW and the ACT report. Drawing on data compiled from the 2024 and 2025 Outdoor Census, the report provides an analysis of the industry’s workforce, participation, and emerging needs.

These findings capture the voice of owners, managers and directors of the organisations that make up the outdoor industry, which includes school camps, activity providers, education institutions, land managers, and more. It reveals the industry's services, identifies key growth areas, and highlights challenges impacting the growth of the industry.

Key Findings Include:

• Workforce Gaps & Skills Needs: Persistent shortages in qualified outdoor leaders, with growing demand for specialist skills in nature therapy, adventure tourism, outdoor education, and leadership.

• Participation Trends: Increased uptake in nature-based tourism, and nature therapy were evident, however from a small percentage of the industry. Education continues to dominate in numbers with stagnant growth limited by accessibility to staff.

• Accredited Training: The need for accredited trained staff is still a priority for all employers yet the two growth areas (Adventure Tourism and Nature Therapy) are supported by tourism or health qualifications and currently don't overlap.

  
  

Outdoors NSW & ACT CEO, Lori Modde, said the report is both a snapshot of the current landscape and a roadmap for the sector’s future.

“This data tells a powerful story – the outdoor industry is more than recreation; it’s education, tourism, wellbeing, and community connection. But to meet growing demand, we need to increase our awareness as an industry, as a career choice, and invest in our people, as that is what will drive our industry forward.”

The 2024 & 2025 Outdoor Census engaged hundreds of organisations, capturing diverse voices from grassroots clubs to major operators. The findings will inform advocacy, funding priorities, and collaboration with government, education providers, and industry partners.

Download the Report