Queensland Outdoor Sector Surveys

The quality of the outdoor sector.

This year we are keen to know what you think about the quality of the outdoor sector.

Queensland Outdoor Census

When we are known, counted, and valued, it is easier to connect with participants, build new markets, and influence decisions.

By completing the Queensland Outdoor Census 2023, you have helped broaden and deepen our shared understanding of the scale and range of outdoor providers, promoters, and support organisations in Queensland.

By measuring outdoor organisations, we can value the contributions made. The Queensland Outdoor Census 2023 findings will showcase not just what we do, but where and with how many.

Queensland Outdoor Census 2023 Report

After several months of collating the data, analysing the results and writing the report, we are pleased to present the final report from the Queensland Outdoor Census 2023 and an Infographic that highlights the key findings.

Outdoors Queensland’s tagline is “Live Life Outdoors”.

Living life outdoors in Queensland provides a fun break from work and other responsibilities, offers a fulfilling workplace for life, and allows volunteers to contribute to their communities. Although we recognise outdoor activities as part of our way of life, the scope and scale of the outdoor sector in Queensland (and Australia) has not been well-measured or fully appreciated.

The Queensland Outdoor Census 2023 seeks to identify and build understanding of organisations who comprise the outdoor sector in Queensland. Designed by Donna Little from Way to Be and funded by the Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS), this report summarises insights into the organisational types, participants and activities of outdoor focused organisations operating in Queensland in 2023.

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Outdoor Sector Survey 2016

In early 2016, QORF undertook a survey of its members, to improve our understanding of the sector to assist us to perform as the peak body for outdoor recreation in Queensland.

While the roles and target markets of the respondents differed, there were core commonalities in the overarching messages from their survey responses. While the outdoors is seen as offering great potential for all to enjoy, the outdoor sector remains somewhat limited due to a lack of public profile, aligned fit across a suite of government policy and agendas, an over-reliance on volunteer labour, and an incapacity to prioritise organisational development.

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Queensland Outdoor Sector Survey 2012

This report summarises information collected from a survey compiled by the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Inc. (QORF). The survey aimed to collate data from the outdoor sector in Queensland with the purpose of indicating and quantifying sector trend data and identifying areas in which organisations require further assistance. The survey captured a state wide overview of the outdoor sector and its progression over time, aiding QORF in advocating on future matters specific and relevant to the outdoor sector.

The report includes information on user groups that took part in the survey, how the information was gathered, findings, and conclusions and recommendations based on survey results.

Following on from previous Queensland Sector Surveys in 2006, 2008 and 2010, the Outdoor Sector online survey was

• to make the survey commitment for respondents less onerous and complex;
• to capture key, current issues for investigation; and
• to reduce duplication with other surveys such as the National Camping Surveys (ACA, CVI) and the National Outdoor Sector Survey which aims to capture workforce development data.

The reports:
The Survey Overview – highlights key findings
The Full Report: Organisations
The Full Report: Individuals

Queensland Outdoor Sector Survey 2010

In 2010, 121 representatives of the outdoor sector responded to the Queensland Outdoor Sector Survey. This biennial survey helps us profile the industry, identify areas where organisations need assistance, and provides an indication of trend data.

The report data will be used to aid QORF inform Government on matters specific & relevant to the outdoor industry, & inform QORF regarding the services we supply to the sector.

Excerpt: What’s happening within the Industry?

• Volunteers remain an important component of outdoor activity delivery with more than 40% of organisations having 10 or more volunteers working for their organisation
• Typically, staff stay with an outdoor organisation for between 1 and 5 years
• Camping, Bushwalking, Canoeing and Team Building Activities continue to represent the most popular activities delivered by the outdoor sector
• Education, Events and Training are the most commonly delivered services provided to clients, although outdoor related tourism services are delivered to the largest number of people
• General public (including tourists) and school/ education groups are the sectors largest client groups
• Nearly 83% of organisations provide professional development/ training for their staff
• In 2010 more than 3,500,000 people accessed services from 67 of the outdoor organisations surveyed

The reports:
The Survey Overview – highlights key findings
The Full Report

Queensland Outdoor Sector Survey 2008

In 2008, 155 representatives of the outdoor industry in Queensland responded to QORF’s Queensland Outdoor Industry Survey.

This biannual survey helps us profile the industry, identifying areas where organisations might require further assistance, and providing an indication of trend data.

The report highlights key findings was used to aid QORF inform Government on matters specific & relevant to the outdoor industry, & inform QORF regarding the services we bring to you.

The reports:
The Survey Overview – highlights key findings
The Full Report