Entitled travellers and bad influencers test outback hospitality

Tim Meecham, owner of a large sheep station in Western Australia, has grown accustomed to petty complaints from tourists visiting his property. The complaints often concern minor issues such as flies, dirt, poor mobile reception, or sand not being white enough on the beach. However, Meecham is increasingly frustrated by the growing number of tourists who seem overly demanding and entitled.

In the outback, isolated communities and tourist camps rely on goods and services being transported from distant locations, and electricity, water, toilets, and telecommunications can be unreliable. Despite this, modern travelers expect higher standards of comfort. Meecham notes that the 1 percent of tourists who are difficult have grown in number, and that 10 years ago, the same 1 percent would have been significantly less demanding.

At Mount Barnett Roadhouse, located along the Kimberley's Gibb River Road, staff face similar challenges. Co-manager Matt Hawke has observed a marked increase in tourists' expectations and impatience over the past decade. Hawke attributes this to the influence of social media, where travelers often form unrealistic expectations based on online content.

The rise of social media has led to an influx of visitors who rely on pre-packaged travel experiences, rather than embracing the raw, rugged beauty of the outback. Travelers now expect photos and videos of pristine landscapes, and can become irate when reality falls short. Hawke also cites a decline in basic courtesy, with tourists often ignoring local customs such as leaving gates as found, assisting stranded motorists, or even changing their own tires.

Local operators, like Meecham and Hawke, are frustrated by the growing number of tourists who do not adapt to the unique challenges of rural or outback living. While many visitors are amazed by the scenery, a small percentage are not suited for such a holiday experience. Meecham emphasizes that dealing with cranky tourists is preferable to dealing with cranky sheep.