Forget Sydney and Melbourne - this is the 'dull' Aussie capital travellers are flocking to
When people think of visiting Australia, one would expect to see our major cities Sydney and Melbourne high up on the to-do list.
But another Aussie capital is taking centre stage, with Canberra actually emerging as a trending global hotspot for international travel.
According to new Airbnb data, the Australian Capital Territory has seen a huge over 50 per cent increase in searches this year alone compared to 2024.
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The Australian capital has seen over 50 per cent increase in searches this year. Getty Images/iStockphoto
For a city that gets unfairly tagged as "dull," Canberra has become more and more popular among travellers thanks to a surprisingly chaotic, colourful and high-energy side.
Even for Aussies looking to burn off a weekend, celebrate something, or just try something new that doesn't involve walking through another exhibition, Canberra boast plenty of activities you might not have thought about before.
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From go-boats to glow-in-the-dark mini golf, here are a few activities you could try on your next visit:
- GoBoat on Lake Burley Griffin: The most relaxing party you'll ever have on water. No boat licence, no stress. Just round up some mates, bring snacks, and casually cruise around the lake like you're starring in a summer commercial. Bonus points if someone brings a Bluetooth speaker.
- Hijinx Hotel: Not actually a hotel, instead, it's a series of themed challenge rooms that get your whole group solving puzzles, dancing on giant pianos, diving into ball pits and competing for points. Everything is bright, immersive and unapologetically silly.
- Roller Disco Canberra: Strap on some wheels and throw yourself into a neon roller rink straight out of a retro movie. Between the lights, music, and the inevitable wipeouts, it's equal parts hilarious and wholesome.
Canberra is also a popular place to visit during spring and autumn. Getty
The capital has also become somewhat of a hot destination at the changing of the seasons, with both spring and autumn blooms drawing crowds.
Canberra's Floriade Festival is Australia's biggest celebration of spring, featuring over a million flowers in bloom across Canberra's Commonwealth Park.
The display includes themed garden beds, horticultural displays, and entertainment. It usually runs from September to October.
Canberra is also home to some of the most stunning locations in autumn, with several spots around the capital city drenched in orange, red and yellow magic.
A walk, run or cycle around the jewel in Canberra's crown, Lake Burley Griffin, will provide ample opportunity to witness the autumn leaves.
Ballarat in Victoria has also had a search increase of over 50 per cent. Visit Victoria
Elsewhere in the country, Ballarat in Victoria has had a search increase of over 50 per cent, likely given to the global music festival, Spilt Milk being hosted there in December.
Carrara and Mermaid Waters are trending for Queensland, which is also not surprising given their proximity to beautiful beaches and world class golf courses.
In NSW, both Moore Park and Sydney Olympic Park are hotspots right now with events and concerts attracting large crowds.
Top trending domestic destinations on Airbnb:
- Carrara, QLD
- Canberra, ACT
- Ballarat, VIC
- Claremont, WA
- Moore Park, NSW
- Black Rock, VIC
- Woolloongabba, QLD
- Mermaid Waters, QLD
- Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
- Docklands, VIC
