Queensland is a magnet for Aussie travellers this summer - here's where they're going
Updated . First published
Queensland has always been a popular holiday spot for Aussies. With pristine beaches, great outdoor activities, theme parks, islands, and much more, there's something for everyone.
And it doesn't look like this beloved destination is set to decrease in popularity any time soon.
In fact, the top ten most popular summer spots for travelling Australians this year are all in the Sunshine State, according to Expedia data.
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The Gold Coast dominates this year's summer travel trends. Getty
Beach areas along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast seem to be absolute magnets for domestic tourists this summer.
Expedia search data shows that the ten most popular destinations this summer (excluding capital cities) are all within these two regions of southern Queensland.
Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, in the Gold Coast, are the top two spots, which makes sense. They're right in the heart of the action, on the beach, near the theme parks, and great for budget-conscious travellers.
Southport, Main Beach, and Mermaid Beach - all suburbs of the Gold Coast - round out the top five.
Burleigh Heads, a trendy suburb on the southern end of the Gold Coast, ranked number six.
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Burleigh Heads is a trendy spot. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Maroochydore, at number seven, is the first region listed outside of the Gold Coast. The coastal town is on the Sunshine Coast, and is a popular central area for visitors to the region.
Coolangatta, Noosa, and Caloundra complete the top ten.
Cheapest time to travel during the summer holidays
According to Expedia, the last week of January (between 26 January and 1 February 2026) is the best time to travel domestically.
It's predicted to be 80 per cent less busy, and travellers can save up to 30 per cent on accommodation, compared to the Christmas/New Year's period.
Caloundra is a low-key spot that's stunning during summer. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Best places to visit summer holidays
If you haven't booked your summer holiday travel, looking outside of these popular spots might be key to bagging a bargain.
"The coast will always be classic; however, it's worth looking inland this year, especially for last-minute bookings," said Sarah King, Expedia Travel Expert.
"Destinations such as Jindabyne, NSW and Daylesford, VIC, can potentially offer average daily accommodation rates of up to 55 per cent less than the popular coastal hotspots and often less crowds."
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Inland towns, like Daylesford, offer great alternatives away from the crowds. Supplied
In fact, the Yarra Valley, which is less than an hour inland from Melbourne, is the number one trending domestic summer destination on Expedia, and has seen an 85 per cent increase in demand compared to last year.
Tweed Heads, in northern NSW, has also seen a huge jump in popularity - perhaps from families seeking a coastal escape akin to the Gold Coast without all the crowds.
Another trending spot highlighted by Expedia is Kiama - the coastal enclave south of Sydney which is the perfect spot for a long-weekend getaway.
9Travel expert John Walsh raved about Kiama after a recent stay, calling it "local enough to not feel touristy and touristy enough to accommodate visitors."
Waterfront caravan parks are a great affordable holiday choice, John Walsh says. Supplied/John Walsh
Expedia's most popular domestic summer destinations (excluding capital cities):
- Surfers Paradise, QLD
- Broadbeach, QLD
- Southport, QLD
- Main Beach, QLD
- Mermaid Beach, QLD
- Burleigh Heads, QLD
- Maroochydore, QLD
- Coolangatta, QLD
- Noosa, QLD
- Caloundra, QLD
Expedia's top trending domestic summer destinations:
- Yarra Valley, VIC
- Jindabyne, NSW
- Tweed Heads, NSW
- New Norfolk, TAS
- Daylesford, VIC
- Kingscliff, NSW
- Kangaroo Valley, NSW
- Kiama, NSW
- Mission Beach, QLD
- Barossa Valley, SA
