Gold coast skyline at sunset

Trending Destinations: Where Aussies Are Booking Holidays To Right Now

17 August 2020
Read Time: 4.2 mins

Covid certainly has put a spanner in the works for our 2020 travel plans but us Aussies are notoriously curious and we’re starting to get itchy feet. Even if it’s for a country escape an hour out of town, or a relaxing coastal weekend. Most of us can’t leave our own state right now, but that doesn’t mean we’re not planning, and booking, holidays for later in the year, and even more commonly, for a great escape in 2021. Here are the holidays your mates around the country are locking in lately. 

hamilton island tourism events queensland Sunset at Hamilton Island. Image: TEQ

Queensland

The borders have closed again to the southern states, but that’s not really bothering Queenslanders, because most are busy chasing sun, surf and sand in the Sunshine State. Here are the top spots Queenslanders are booking for their next holiday:

  1. Whitsunday islands 
  2. Gold Coast
  3. Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
  4. Port Douglas
  5. Bonus out of state option: Uluru and Field of Light

Explore our hot (and sunny) Queensland deals here


Surfing on the Gold Coast tourism event queensland Surfing on the Gold Coast. Image: TEQ

NSW & ACT

The Queensland border closure has put a spoke in the wheel temporarily, but New South Welshmen and Australian Capital Territorians are planning a great escape north for late 2020/2021. Beach breaks and island getaways all around.

  1. Hamilton Island
  2. Daydream Island
  3. Gold Coast
  4. Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
  5. Port Douglas & the Daintree

Explore NSW escapes here


Snorkelling off Port Douglas, QLD. Snorkelling off Port Douglas, QLD. Image: TEQ

Victoria

Well and truly in lockdown, the desire to break free and explore the world is, you could say, quite strong. Again, the dreaming for a flop and drop beach break is shining through.

  1. Gold Coast
  2. Hamilton Island
  3. Daydream Island
  4. Cairns & Reef sailing
  5. Top End escape in the Northern Territory

Browse Victorian escapes for 2021 here!


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Canberra after dusk

South Australia

South Australians are free to travel around their own beautiful state, and many of them are already doing just that. However looking ahead, they’re the most keen of all the states to explore every corner of this sunburnt country.

  1. Hamilton Island
  2. Canberra
  3. Uluru
  4. Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
  5. Hobart

Discover South Australian escapes here!


Wildflowers in Karijini National Park, Western Australia. Wildflowers in Karijini National Park, Western Australia.

Western Australia

It’s certainly not ideal for the rest of the country that the beautiful west coast is currently off limits, but the locals are using this as an opportunity to discover their own backyard. And why wouldn’t you when you’ve got everything from wineries to wild flowers, untouched wilderness and, of course, quokkas?

  1. Coral Coast road trip
  2. Gold Coast
  3. Broome
  4. Rottnest Island
  5. Hamilton Island
  6. Bonus: Exmouth, WA

For more WA deals, click here


Uluru at sunrise. Image: Dani Luck Uluru at sunrise. Image: Dani Luck

Northern Territory

Northern Territorians have luckily fared relatively well through the last few months, with strict border controls but relaxed intrastate travel. They’re also a patriotic bunch, so it’s no surprise that they’re looking at getaways close to home.

  1. Uluru and Field of Light
  2. Darwin
  3. Ettalong Beach, NSW Central Coast

Discover more of the NT on sale here!


Looking over Lord Howe Island, NSW from the Malabar Track.  Looking over Lord Howe Island, NSW from the Malabar Track.

Tasmania

Tasmanians are no doubt dreaming of warmer weather with the snowy winter days they’ve had of late. They’re looking to the Sunshine State, of course, but also Western Australia and the impossibly beautiful Lord Howe Island, NSW, too!

  1. Gold Coast
  2. Cairns
  3. Coral Coast, WA
  4. Port Douglas
  5. Lord Howe Island

For awesome deals to explore your Tassie backyard, click here!


 

 

Vicki Fletcher

Experience Vicki's experience

Head of Content and Social for Flight Centre, Vicki loves road trips down unknown tracks, hiking into mountain ranges, following locals to the best food in town, and spending long afternoons people watching in city squares. She's written for publications across Australia and Europe. Top travel tip: always look up. Follow Vicki on Instagram @vickijanefletcher.