Aussies’ Spring Holiday Plans Revealed Ahead of Bumper Travel Weekend

The national survey of 1500 Australians, conducted by Pure Profile, reveals where Australians are holidaying in September and October over the school holiday period, which starts today in NSW, ACT, SA and TAS. 

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said it was fantastic to see so many Australians taking a much-needed holiday over the coming weeks.

“Australians are clearly keen to travel these school holidays, even as families continue to feel the pinch from rising living costs, with the vast majority taking some sort of break before the end of next month,” Ms Osmond said. 

“It’s wonderful to see so many Australians are planning to explore the natural beauty of their own state at this time of year and support our local tourism operators.” 

The research, which surveyed Australians about their travel plans between 1 – 6 September 2024, found: 

• 71 per cent of Australians are going on a holiday this September or October. This includes 33 per cent of Australians travelling within their own state and 25 per cent interstate. A further 13 per cent will holiday overseas.
• The most popular state for Australians to visit this spring will be NSW, followed by QLD, then VIC and SA.
• The top city will be Sydney, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane.
• Popular regional areas include the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Far North Queensland, NSW Far North Coast, NSW Mid-North Coast and WA’s Margaret River region and surrounds.
• The most sought-after overseas destination this spring is Japan, according to those surveyed, followed by Europe, Indonesia, New Zealand, the USA & UK.
• Two thirds of Australians are going away for seven days or less this spring and 80 per cent plan to spend less than $5000 on their holiday.

“While it’s great to see many families are taking a break these school holidays, the cost-of-living crunch is still hurting, impacting tourism operators and the many thousands of Australians they employ across the country,” Ms Osmond said. 

“It seems financial pressures are influencing travels plans just as much these spring holidays as this time last year, with no sign of relief. We’re seeing many Australians shortening their trip, travelling locally instead of overseas or interstate, or staying with family or friends.” 

“Even though the appetite for travel is strong, these figures show the Australian tourism sector is still feeling the effect of cost-of-living pressures among other challenges, which need to be addressed.” 

“Tourism operators across Australia are still grappling with a skills shortage, a highly competitive global tourism market and seeing fewer international visitors than before the pandemic. While the industry has shown remarkable resilience since Covid, the recovery is not over yet.”