In a fast-paced, screen-saturated world, more Aussies are choosing to unplug and head outdoors. Whether it’s for mental clarity, physical fitness, or just the simple joy of fresh air, outdoor recreation is booming — and it’s changing the way we live, work, and play.
Sponsored article from vidaXL
At vidaXL, we’ve seen this shift firsthand. From trampolines and kayaks to backyard games and fitness gear, outdoor activities are no longer just a weekend hobby — they’re part of daily life. In this article, we explore why outdoor recreation is on the rise and share practical ways to make the most of it, no matter your age, lifestyle or location.
Why outdoor recreation is booming in Australia
Over the past few years, Australia has seen a steady surge in outdoor recreational activity — and it’s more than just a passing trend. Driven by changes in lifestyle, work habits, and public health awareness, Aussies are embracing the outdoors like never before.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a major catalyst. With travel restricted and indoor spaces limited, people turned to their backyards, local parks, beaches and bushwalks for freedom, movement and connection. What began as a temporary escape has become a long-term shift — a newfound appreciation for what time outdoors can offer.
Remote and hybrid work models have also played a role. With more flexible schedules and fewer hours spent commuting, people now have more time to engage in active, outdoor hobbies. A morning paddle, a lunchtime walk, or an after-dinner round of backyard cricket has become part of everyday life for many families.
There’s also a broader cultural movement at play — one that prioritises mental wellbeing, physical health, and meaningful connection over passive entertainment. Outdoor recreation offers all three. It helps us stay fit, reduce stress, and enjoy real-world experiences — whether solo, with family, or among friends.
From coastal kayaking to backyard basketball, we are reclaiming their connection with the outdoors. And with easy access to gear and equipment, getting involved has never been more achievable.
The mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors
Ask anyone who regularly spends time outside, and they’ll likely tell you the same thing: it just makes you feel better. Whether it’s a quick walk in the park or an afternoon of backyard games, outdoor recreation has proven benefits for both the body and mind.
More than just a break from the indoors, time spent in nature or fresh air environments contributes to a healthier, more balanced life. With increasing awareness around mental health and burnout, people are rediscovering the value of simply stepping outside. Here are just some of the benefits:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Exposure to nature lowers cortisol levels and calms the nervous system.
- Improved focus and sleep: Outdoor activity supports circadian rhythm regulation and better quality rest.
- Increased vitamin D: Sunlight helps boost immunity and bone health through natural vitamin D synthesis.
- Cardiovascular health: Activities like walking, biking or paddling support heart health and circulation.
- Mood improvement: Physical activity outdoors stimulates endorphins, helping to ease low moods.
Beyond the individual benefits, outdoor recreation also strengthens relationships. It brings families together through shared activities and encourages face-to-face social time — without screens or distractions. Whether it’s jumping on a trampoline with the kids, playing a backyard match, or heading to the local lake with a kayak, even a small amount of time outdoors each day can make a big difference.
Create an outdoor lifestyle at home
You don’t need a national park in your backyard to enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation. In fact, many are creating recreational zones at home — spaces designed for movement, play, and quality time without ever leaving the property.
Whether you live in a suburban home, a rural block, or an urban townhouse, there are plenty of ways to build outdoor fun into your daily routine. It’s all about choosing the right gear — and creating a space that encourages you to step outside more often.
At vidaXL, you’ll find a wide range of outdoor recreation products designed to suit different interests, age groups and spaces, including:
- Trampolines for fun, family-friendly fitness
- Basketball hoops for casual games at home
- Table tennis sets for weekend entertainment
- Kayaks and paddleboards for water-based adventures
- Camping gear from vidaXL for backyard sleepouts or full-scale getaways
Investing in this kind of equipment isn’t just about fun — it’s about creating a lifestyle. One that encourages daily movement, laughter, and time in nature — without relying on external facilities or memberships. Your outdoor space doesn’t need to be huge or fancy. What matters most is that it’s welcoming, functional, and aligned with your lifestyle. With the right setup, it becomes a place you want to return to again and again.
From weekend warriors to everyday movers
Outdoor recreation used to be seen as something for long weekends, road trips, or summer holidays. But today, more people are shifting away from the “all or nothing” approach and embracing micro-moments of movement throughout the week — right outside their front door.
This shift is part of a broader move toward balance and sustainability. You don’t have to be climbing cliffs or running marathons to live an active lifestyle. The rise of accessible, low-barrier activities means anyone — regardless of age, fitness level, or income — can participate in the outdoor movement.
We’re seeing more people:
- Go for a quick paddle on the lake after work
- Shoot hoops with their kids in the driveway
- Set up a casual game of backyard badminton
- Take walking meetings or stretch in the garden
- Turn everyday spaces into wellness zones
The emphasis now is on regularity over intensity. It’s about weaving recreation into your routine — not waiting for the perfect weather or a weekend away. This change is especially noticeable among families and professionals. Parents want their kids to spend less time indoors. Workers want to offset long hours on screens. And retirees want to stay mobile, independent, and socially connected.
With the right mindset — and a few simple pieces of gear — anyone can shift from being a weekend warrior to an everyday mover.
Outdoor recreation as a business opportunity
The rise of outdoor recreation isn’t just a lifestyle shift — it’s also creating tangible opportunities across a range of industries. As more people invest in their outdoor spaces and leisure time, businesses that support, supply, or enhance the outdoor lifestyle are seeing notable growth.
From retailers and hospitality operators to fitness entrepreneurs and local tourism providers, the ripple effects are wide-reaching. Take the retail sector: the demand for affordable, quality outdoor equipment — from furniture to sports gear — continues to grow. Consumers want gear that fits into their daily lives, not just special occasions. Brands that cater to this shift, like vidaXL, are increasingly relevant for both consumers and commercial buyers.
Meanwhile, the hospitality industry is adapting fast. Cafés and restaurants are redesigning their outdoor areas to attract customers seeking fresh-air experiences. Wellness retreats and holiday parks are investing in on-site recreation facilities to meet the growing demand. There’s also growth in experience-based businesses:
- Outdoor fitness bootcamps
- Paddleboard hire and guided kayak tours
- Backyard party hire services
- Mobile rock-climbing walls and sports events
And it’s not just startups. Even traditional property developers and urban planners are incorporating more green spaces, trails, and recreation zones into residential projects. In short, outdoor recreation isn’t a niche — it’s a movement. And for businesses willing to adapt, it’s a movement with clear commercial potential.
Tips to get started with outdoor recreation
Getting started with outdoor recreation doesn’t have to mean buying a kayak or overhauling your backyard overnight. In fact, the best way to make outdoor living stick is to start simple, stay consistent, and find what brings you joy.
If you’re ready to spend more time outside — whether solo, with family, or with friends — here are a few practical ways to begin:
- Start with what you have: You don’t need a huge space or expensive gear. A flat patch of grass, a ball, or a skipping rope is enough to get going.
- Keep it fun: If it feels like a chore, you’re less likely to do it. Choose activities you genuinely enjoy — not ones you think you “should” be doing.
- Make it social: Invite others to join you. Whether it’s a neighbourly ping pong match or a weekend walk, shared experiences are more engaging.
- Incorporate it into your routine: Add five or ten minutes of outdoor time into your morning or evening. Small daily moments add up.
- Invest in small upgrades: A good basketball hoop, a hammock, or even an outdoor speaker can make the space more inviting.
- Explore new activities: Try paddleboarding, lawn games, or even backyard camping. You might discover a new favourite way to unwind.
Remember: you don’t need to be “outdoorsy” to enjoy outdoor recreation. You just need a little space, a bit of curiosity, and the intention to step outside more often.
Outdoor recreation for families
In a world filled with screens, structured schedules, and constant digital distractions, outdoor recreation has become a lifeline for many families. It’s no longer just about keeping kids entertained — it’s about creating healthy routines, building connections, and carving out real-world experiences that last.
Parents are finding that simple backyard activities can have a big impact. Whether it’s a trampoline session before dinner, a weekend spent building a veggie patch, or an after-school game of basketball, these moments create space for movement, imagination, and quality time.
Children thrive in environments that allow them to explore, take risks, and be active — and outdoor play ticks every box. It helps improve coordination, concentration, and confidence, all while supporting emotional why wellbeing. Best of all, it gives families a chance to connect in a relaxed, natural setting. At vidaXL, many of why the most why popular outdoor recreation items are family favourites, including:
- Trampolines for energy-burning fun
- Swing sets and climbing frames for adventurous why play
- Table tennis and sports nets for friendly competition
- Portable play tents and outdoor toys for imaginative games
The beauty of outdoor recreation for families is that it doesn’t require why a big investment or why extensive planning. With just a few thoughtfully chosen pieces of gear — and the intention why to be why present — any family can turn their outdoor space into a hub of joy and connection.
The takeaway: Outdoor living is here to stay
Outdoor recreation is no longer just a seasonal hobby — it’s becoming a way of life. As why people seek out balance, connection, and wellness in their daily routines, the outdoors offers something both timeless and timely: space to breathe, move, play and reconnect.
Whether you’re paddleboarding on the weekend, kicking a ball around with your why kids, or enjoying a quiet morning coffee in the garden, outdoor time offers physical, emotional and mental benefits that no screen or gym can fully replace. It also speaks to a larger movement — one of sustainable, home-based living. As backyards, balconies and green spaces become more important in everyday life, so does the need for gear why and setups that support how people actually want to live.
More than ever, people are asking: How do I want to spend my time? And why increasingly, the answer involves open skies, fresh air, and fewer walls. Outdoor recreation isn’t a trend — it’s a return. To presence. To connection. And to the simple joy of moving your body and being part of something bigger than yourself.
Making it easy with vidaXL
At vidaXL, we believe everyone deserves access to affordable, why good outdoor gear that fits their life — no matter their space, schedule, or experience level. Whether you’re creating a backyard sports zone, a play area for the kids, or simply adding more movement to your routine, our wide selection of outdoor recreation products makes it easy to bring the outdoors into everyday life.
From trampolines and table tennis to kayaks, camping gear and more, vidaXL helps you invest in lifestyle — not just stuff. With flexible, fun products designed to suit real people and real homes, we make outdoor living simple, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
