As the weather cools, Aussies are chasing the sun, heading up to the Sunshine State and with more travelling internationally
New research from the Tourism & Transport Forum has found 25-44s to be the most prolific travellers this Autumn, with 83% planning a trip between 15 March – 15 May; markedly higher than the national average of 71%.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said, “We’re seeing Millennials set the pace when it comes to prioritising travel this Autumn. Australians in the 25-44 age bracket are not only the most prolific travellers but are also eager to explore international destinations.”
Since Autumn last year, Australians are valuing overseas travel more, with 14% headed abroad. This is compared to 8% in a similar timeframe in 2024[1]. Almost one in five (18%) of 25-44s will be heading on an international trip.
This research has found that while Autumn will see Aussies venture overseas, they will be less inclined to travel within their own state (35%, versus 41% in 2024). Meanwhile, similar to last year, 22% will holiday interstate.
Ms Osmond said, “Aussies are ready to get out and explore beyond their own backyard again. However, this willingness to travel overseas is not completely indicative of the nation feeling less impacted by the cost of living, but more about our ability to sniff out a good travel deal.”
As the weather cools, Australians will also be chasing the heat with their travel plans. In addition to more international trips, the top three regional areas for travel are in sunny Queensland; the Gold Coast (8%); the Sunshine Coast (4%); Cairns, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef or surrounds (3%).
Ms Osmond said, “In great news for Queensland, visitors have not been put off by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The warmth offered by the Sunshine State continues to be a drawcard for travellers around Australia, with many seeking out regional hotspots as the weather begins to cool.”
TTF’s research has seen New Zealand come in as the top international destination for Autumn, knocking Europe out of the top spot from last year. 14% of overseas travellers plan to jump over to our NZ neighbour, while 13% are still intended on Europe. Meanwhile, 12% are headed to Japan, 9% to Thailand, and 8% to Indonesia.
The nationally representative survey of 1,509 Australians, was conducted by Pure Profile between the 10th and 14th of March, and asked Australians about their Autumn travel plans, finding:
- 71% of the nation is planning a getaway between 15 March – 15 May. 35% will holiday within their own state or territory. 22% will holiday interstate, and 14% will head overseas.
- 21% of QLD international travellers plan to make the quicker jump over to New Zealand. Meanwhile, Europe is most popular with NSW residents at 15%.18% of VIC international travellers plan to head to Thailand.
- The most popular state for Australians to visit this month will be NSW (29%), followed by VIC and QLD (both 24%) and WA (8%).
- The most popular city will be Sydney (11%), then Melbourne (10%), Brisbane (5%), and Adelaide (3%).
- The most popular regional areas will be QLD’s Gold Coast (8%) then Sunshine Coast (4%), Cairns, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef or surrounds (3%), NSW’s Central Coast (3%), and VIC’s Mornington Peninsula (3% also).
- The largest number of overseas travellers is 25-34s and 35-44s, at 18% each.
- 25-34s and 35-44s are also the most prolific travellers in general, with 83% of both age groups planning an Autumn trip away.
- 40% of those planning an Autumn holiday plan to spend less than $2,000 on their entire trip, while 37% look to spend between $2,000 – $5,000.
- Women plan to spend less money on their holiday than men, with 48% looking to spend less than $2,000 (versus 32% of men).
- 41% of men plan to spend between $2,001 and $5,000. This is compared to 33% of women.
Quotes to be attributed to Margy:
- “As the temperatures drop, domestic Australian travellers are flocking to regional hot spots like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and Cairns to soak up the remaining warmth. These popular domestic destinations offer the perfect escape for the tail end of summer, giving Aussies the chance to enjoy sunshine and beautiful beaches without leaving the country.”
- “We can see a definitive split in spending habits between men and women in our Autumn data. Women are looking to be as frugal as possible, with most only forking out $2,000 for a trip. Most men, on the other hand, will be spending up to $5,000.”
- “Australia is a nation that prioritises travel, something that isn’t changing anytime soon. Looking to Autumn trips, we’re opting for closer international getaways and hunting travel deals. With a focus on nearby destinations and affordable travel packages, Aussies are making the most of their breaks without overspending.”
ENDS