We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Australians love to travel. That's indisputable. But there are some places we like to visit more than others.
Before the pandemic, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that from 2018-2019, 11.2 million Australian residents returned to Australia from short-term breaks of 1 year or less.
Due to the pandemic, those numbers look very different now, but we can get an idea of where Australians want to travel from other sources like Agoda which saw a massive increase in searches for some countries following announcements that international travel would return.
Whether you want to join the pack or try somewhere new, here are the top 10 destinations Australians can't get enough of and some nice alternatives if you're seeking a change of pace.
The Land of the Long White Cloud is one of our closest international neighbours. From the east coast of Australia, you can get there in under 4 hours, making it ideal for short trips. Once there, you can tap into untouched landscapes, award-winning wineries and some of the best ski resorts in the world.
Between 2018-2019, New Zealand was the number one destination for Aussies travelling for short breaks.
Australian citizens also have an agreement with New Zealand that allows us to easily visit, live and work, which doesn't hurt either.
Alternative destination: For a landscape similar to New Zealand, you can't go past Iceland. There are rolling plains, waterfalls, glaciers and adventurous activities aplenty.
This one should come as no surprise. In fact, according to the Australian Embassy in Indonesia, Aussies account for a quarter of all visitors to Bali. And why not? The short flight coupled with budget fares, blissful beaches and affordable resort accommodation makes this destination a winner.
Alternative destination: Why not branch out and discover another part of Indonesia? Yogyakarta is quieter and filled with history, and Batam is a hotbed of luxury resorts and nightlife.
Swoon-worthy islands lined in powder-soft sands speckle the Thailand coast. The price tag is just right and whether you're here to dive, relax or party, you can do it all.
According to the ABS, Australians generally spend an average of 12 days in the country, which is a comfortable amount of time to island-hop and even to get to some of the bigger cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Thailand was the number 1 destination Australians were searching for on Agoda and our own Finder data shows that Thailand is a popular destination at the top of the mind for many Aussie travellers.
Alternative destination: They say Myanmar is what Thailand was decades ago, so if you're seeking a less touristy Thailand with a similar feel, this is where it's at.
The Philippines is made up of over 7,500 islands, with just 2,000 inhabited. Across those islands, you'll find everything from pristine beaches and jungle tracks to luxury resorts.
Best visited in April-May or November-December outside of the rainy season, the Philippines was the third most searched for destination on Agoda.
Alternative destination: Once you've had your fill of tasty sisig and adobo look to nearby Thailand or Malaysia for more culinary delights, relaxing beaches and adventure.
The Land of the Rising Sun has been rising (literally) up the popularity ranks year on year. In 2017, it was the tenth most visited destination by Australians, meaning it has gained 3 positions in 2 years. According to the ABS, over the past decade, it has seen a 226.8% increase in Australian visitors.
Alternative destination: If you're keen to avoid the masses, then jump across to the mainland and pay Seoul in South Korea a visit. It has a similar buzzing nightlife of neon signs and drinking dens, and history in spaces with palaces and temples that you can explore on foot.
Visit Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago and more. There are so many unique squares to bite off and savour in the US that it needs more than a single trip. Perhaps that's why Australians visit it so much?
Head to California for that beachy-keen lifestyle coloured with Hollywood glamour, make your way to the Deep South for its culture and flavoursome foods, or visit the north for the high-rise concrete jungles of New York and Chicago.
Alternative destination: We've listed some of the most popular and well-known cities in the USA, but we think it's safe to say that each state has its own unique characteristics. Add Portland to your itinerary for its arts and food culture, Columbus for its architecture and San Antonio for a touch of Mexicana.
Both city and country, the constantly changing destination of Singapore is one you can return to time and time again. From technological and architectural changes to that delectable burst of food that draws from a variety of nations, there's something for everyone.
It's often hailed as one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world, meaning it's a shoo-in for anyone looking to dip their toes into travel.
Alternative destination: Located just north of Singapore, Malaysia shares a very similar culture and food to Singapore, and it might just be making a comeback in popularity, landing number 8 on Agoda's most searched for list.
Comprised of flecks of sun-kissed beaches, crystal clear waters and hammocked palm trees, the island nation of Fiji is a paradise on Earth.
It doesn't discriminate either, with water activities for the adventure seekers, honeymoon suites and adult pools for the romantics, and kid-friendly accommodation for families.
Keep in mind that being an island nation, you'll be paying island prices. On the plus side, budget airline Jetstar does fly to Nadi from Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Darwin and Cairns.
Alternative destination: Pass on the crowds and take your island adventure to another South Pacific beauty. Vanuatu, Samoa and the Cook Islands are all blissful alternatives with similar flight options to Fiji.
India came out of nowhere with a 206.3% trend spike over the past decade. This was the second-most rapid growth on the list, falling just behind Japan. The diversity of this vast nation holds a lot of promise for the Australian adventurer, with food, colour and culture all bound to turn you saucer-eyed.
Also, its low currency rate and relatively affordable fares on airlines such as AirAsia and Scoot make it attractive for travellers searching for something a little more unique.
Alternative destination: Those who have ticked India off their bucket list can do no wrong by turning to Morocco for another burst of food, colour and culture.
Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Big Ben – the UK has more icons than you can poke a stick at, making it the place of bucket lists.
Australia's relationship with the nation doesn't hurt either, with Australian citizens allowed to visit for up to 6 months at a time, making it an ideal base for a larger trip through Europe.
Alternative destination: Make sure you see more than London on your trip. Head north into Scotland to pay a visit to Edinburgh, Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands, or hop across to Ireland for its rolling green hills.
Up to 48% off Australia experiences + an extra 10% off with code
Australia hotels from $169
Up to $200 off worldwide getaways
New South Wales flights from $69 each way
NSW getaways from $229
Up to 30% off Australia hotels + an extra 10% off with code
Extra 10% off worldwide hotels with code
Up to 50% off Australia-wide flights
Up to 50% off domestic flights
$60 off tandem skydives with code
Perth campervan hires from $58 per night
Get 12% off Australia tours and experiences
Get $10 off activities with code
Get $5 off activities with code
Campervan hire from $5/day
$15 off all Australian activities with code
Australia-wide flights from $39 each way with Jetstar
Up to 40% off Sydney hotels
Up to 50% off Qantas flights
Up to 44% off Gold Coast stays
Up to 20% off + $99 deposits on Australia adventures
Up to 20% off worldwide tours
Up to 48% Gold Coast escape with water park entry + flights
New Zealand flights from $310 return
Australia-wide flights from $60 return
Australia stays from $18/night
Flights to NSW from $40 each way
Get 1 day free on 5-day rentals
Up to 50% off: Flights with Jetstar from $46 each way
Up to 25% off Australia holiday escapes with flights
Get up to $50 off jumps with code
Australia flights from $59 each way
Up to 50% off Australia experiences
Third day free on rentals
Up to 37% off Australia getaways
Get 10% off all Tick travel insurance policies
Victoria flights from $40 each way
Up to 48% off holiday packages
Up to 40% off things to do in Australia
Up to 75% off things to do in New Zealand
Travel insurance is an essential expense for anyone planning a trip overseas, though sometimes it can be difficult to find cover if you are over 80 years of age.
Get back to travelling overseas with Flight Centre's Stay and Save offer.
See which overseas destinations have the cheapest flights in January.
Here are all the places you can buy the iPhone 13 in Australia.
These are the 6 best fake AirPods you can buy right now in Australia.
You've got to have plenty of space and a passion for fitness to invest in the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill. If you do, however, you get a robust machine that can make some serious improvements to your fitness.
We’ve compared all the selling information and fees to help you pick the best place to sell your kicks online.
We compared more than 70 beauty face mask brands available in Australia to bring you the best options for every type of skin.
The Razer Blade 14 2021 gives you an astonishing quantity of gaming power in such a small laptop, although like most premium gaming laptops, it's at a price that some may find challenging.
Find out how a Web 3.0 wallet can allow you to access the world of DeFi, plus discover which wallets we recommend.
