25 November 2025: New research has revealed Australians are eager to have more play time – despite our global reputation for being easy-going and outdoorsy.
A national survey* of 1,004 adults representative of the population found that nearly half (45%) of all Aussies say they don’t make enough time for play, fun, or spontaneity, while 58% admit they’ve forgotten how to be playful as they’ve aged. The main barriers include cost of living pressures (56%), household responsibilities (41%), and work commitments (36%).
Yet the benefits are widely recognised – with 7 in 10 Aussies feeling young again when they do something fun as an adult. Half of Aussies say play improves their overall wellbeing and 44% say it improves their moods.
Commissioned by Tourism & Events Moreton Bay, the research explored the region’s historic identity as the playground to Queensland’s capital – testing its relevance to modern lives.
“Moreton Bay has been a playground for generations – from the days when visitors arrived by steamer or Cobb & Co coach to swim, fish, and spend time with their families,” said Luke Edwards, CEO of Tourism & Events Moreton Bay.
“Today, that same sense of freedom and connection still exists. The region offers a genuine antidote to Australia’s play drought, giving people permission to slow down, have fun, and reconnect in simple, meaningful ways.”
Psychologist Dr Rosemary Colston, who wrote a thesis on the effects of adult play on happiness and wellbeing, says encouraging adults to engage in play is an important message.
“Most of us recognise that play is essential for children – it’s how they best learn to move and think, connect and build confidence – but my research shows those benefits don’t disappear in adulthood. Play continues to support our happiness and wellbeing, yet many adults have unintentionally become what I describe as ‘play-deficient’. As responsibilities grow and pressures from work, family and social expectations increase, play is often the first thing squeezed out.
“What we found is that regular play boosts every aspect of wellbeing, from mood and creativity to relationships and resilience. But the biggest barriers are feeling overwhelmed, having too many competing demands, and worrying about how others might judge us. When adults give themselves permission to play – even in small, everyday ways – they experience a genuine lift. That’s why encouraging adults to re-engage with play is more than a nice idea; it’s an important public wellbeing message,” she said.
With the survey and Dr Colston’s study in mind, Edwards said the campaign invites Australians to reflect on the value of play – how it helps people feel younger, closer, and more present.
“A holiday in Moreton Bay reminds us that play doesn’t have to mean big budgets or long holidays. It’s in the joy of sharing an ice cream by a calm beach, hiring a kayak, or taking a jet ski or 4WD adventure. There’s still room for the same carefree moments that families were enjoying here a century ago – just with a modern twist.”
This summer, Moreton Bay’s tourism operators are encouraging locals and visitors alike to ‘rediscover play’ – reminding Australians that play doesn’t require long breaks or far-flung destinations.
*Survey conducted by Pureprofile of 1,004 Australian adults nationally representative of the population in October 2025
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For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
