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Australians Are Switching Up Their Summer Plans — Here Are the Destinations Surging in Popularity Right Now
Australians are shifting their summer plans inland, trading crowded beaches for vineyards, valleys and still mornings.
Summer is almost here and, according to Expedia’s latest Summer Travel Outlook, Australians are choosing holidays with softer edges this year. Instead of crowd-heavy beaches and back-to-back activities, many travellers are heading inland for cooler air, gentler landscapes and a sense of space that feels increasingly rare.
The surprise frontrunner is Victoria’s Yarra Valley, which has recorded an impressive 85 per cent rise in accommodation demand. It seems the promise of vineyard picnics, twilight tastings, cherry orchards and tiny-home stays has struck a chord with travellers craving a more relaxed kind of summer.
This shift toward the hinterland is happening nationwide. Jindabyne in New South Wales has seen a 65 per cent increase, while New Norfolk in Tasmania is up 50 per cent. Victoria’s spa town Daylesford follows at 45 per cent, with Kangaroo Valley (+35 per cent) and Barossa Valley (+25 per cent) close behind. Each offers its own version of calm: still mornings, beautiful trails, long lunches and open skies.
Expedia travel expert Sarah King notes that these destinations can also be easier on the budget, with potential savings of up to 55 per cent compared to crowded coastal stays. For anyone still yet to lock in holiday plans, there is genuine value — and room to breathe — inland.
That said, the coast is far from forgotten. A handful of under-the-radar beach towns are suddenly in high demand, led by Tweed Heads, which has seen a 55 per cent spike. Kingscliff and Kiama also appear on the list, each offering a slower take on seaside living. According to Expedia, the final week of January is the sweet spot for a last-minute escape, with fewer visitors and accommodation savings of up to 30 per cent.
One thing is obvious: Australians want a summer that feels good from the inside out, whether that’s vineyards, valleys, spa towns or seaside escapes built around sunlight, good food and breathing room.
See Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook here, and for more local travel inspiration, explore our island escape picks across the country, plus the Australian stays that feel blissfully Euro without the long-haul flight.
