Spring has well and truly sprung, and Aussies are taking flight. New data has revealed that more than two-thirds of Australians are planning on taking to the skies (or hitting the road) for a holiday this season, with a major trend towards domestic trips. Wondering where everyone’s heading? Our very own sunny state is the top domestic destination for travelling Aussies this springtime, with Sydney ranking as the most popular city escape for domestic travellers.
According to the latest Tourism and Transport Forum (TFF) survey, 67 per cent of Australians are heading on a holiday between now and the end of October. Of those travellers, 35 per cent are travelling within their own state or territory, one-fifth are heading interstate and just 11 per cent are venturing overseas.
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With its sparkling coastline and endless sunshine, it’s no surprise that Australians are flocking to the East Coast this spring. Our very own state of New South Wales leads as the most popular state for travellers (29 per cent), followed by Queensland (25 per cent) and Victoria (22 per cent). A similar trend emerges for city rankings, with Sydney (13 per cent), Melbourne (ten per cent) and Brisbane (seven per cent) claiming the top three spots.
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Narrowing in on regional hotspots, the Gold Coast (seven per cent) and Sunshine Coast (four per cent) emerged as the most sought-after spots – and it’s easy to see why, with Queensland practically serving up summer all year round. NSW’s South Coast and Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula are other firm favourites among domestic travellers – and they’re some of our personal favourites too.
For our NSW South Coast tips, check out our guide to the Shoalhaven region, our ultimate road trip hit list and our essential guide to oyster spots in the area. Looking for a super-luxe, foodie-focused coastal escape? Book a room overlooking the ocean at Bannisters by the Sea. You’re welcome.
Setting our sights further afield, New Zealand takes the crown as the number one overseas spring destination for Australians, accounting for 14 per cent of trips. It overtook Europe, the top winter getaway spot, which now sits in third place, making up just ten per cent of international trips. Meanwhile, Japan climbs from fourth most popular in winter to second this spring (13 per cent), followed by Thailand, the USA, the UK and Vietnam.
Overall, travel is down four per cent compared with this time last year, when 71 per cent of Australians had plans to get away. Cost is the biggest barrier for almost half of Aussies, with most travellers planning to spend less than $5,000 on their holiday – including 41 per cent who aim to keep the entire trip under $2,000. Other factors holding people back include difficulty getting time off work or study (14 per cent) and family commitments (13 per cent). Can’t get time off? Make the most of your weekends with a camping trip… or just YOLO it, quit your job and book that one-way ticket.
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