Surprising Queensland town tops the list for family holidays
Spring has well and truly sprung, and Aussies are celebrating with holidays in the warmer weather.
Airbnb has revealed the most-searched destinations for spring, with a few interesting locations in the top spots.
Though Queensland is always a top domestic destination, this year, some new places have caught the eye of Australian travellers.
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The Sunshine Coast remains a popular spot for Aussie family holidays. Getty
Queensland is especially appealing for family holidays right now: new research from Virgin Australia reveals that 97 per cent of parents of kids under 18 at home would consider travelling to a destination in Queensland right now.
And the data from Airbnb backs that up.
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Three Queensland destinations are in the top trending spots for Aussie domestic holidays this spring.
While the Sunshine Coast is an expected inclusion, the other two are more under-the-radar: Maleny and Sandstone Point.
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Maleny is a beautiful spot in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Maleny is a small rural town surrounded by rolling green hills with views of the Glasshouse Mountains, an hour and a half north of Brisbane.
The quaint hinterland town is a popular spot for those wanting a laid-back holiday away from the crowds on the coast.
Sandstone Point is just across the bridge from Bribie Island. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Meanwhile, Sandstone Point is a coastal area found about halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. With a handful of accommodation options, beaches and hikes, plus great bars and restaurants, it's the perfect blend of relaxation and plenty of things to do.
Queensland's Sunshine Coast is also home to the Airbnb listing that was awarded Best Design Home at the company's 2025 Host Awards.
Banksia House, on Caloundra's headland, is a striking coastal retreat with a magnesium pool, bocce court, two fireplaces, and outdoor baths and showers; all set among lush gardens.
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Caloundra is a popular spot for family holidays. Getty
Two spots in South Australia are trending among Airbnb searches for spring.
The first is McLaren Vale, a lush wine region just 30km south of Adelaide. It's a popular spot for weekends away, and is a true wine lover and foodie's paradise. The region has over 550 vineyards and over 90 cellar doors with incredible culinary offerings.
McLaren Vale is a wine lover's and foodie's paradise. Isaac Forman
Langhorne Creek is also getting a lot of attention on Airbnb - a small town of just 400 people on the Fleurieu Peninsula, about an hour from Adelaide.
It's one of Australia's most awarded red wine regions, and the area oozes country charm. It's also a short drive from pristine beaches that make South Australia famous.
Langhorne Creek is a quiet area near the coast. Robyn Follett
In NSW, the coastal towns of Pambula and Mollymook are both among the most-searched regions.
Clothiers Creek, in northeastern NSW, also made the list. Located just inland, between Byron and the Gold Coast, it's a quiet and peaceful place for a family holiday.
More and more people are seeking out alternatives to busy travel spots, and Clothiers Creek perfectly fits the bill.
Esperance has breathtaking beaches. Tourism Western Australia
Esperance in WA rounds out the list of trending spots. Located in the south of the state, it's a beautiful region whose beaches often rank among the best in the world.
Nearby Cape Le Grand National Park is home to the famous Lucky Bay, where kangaroos hop across the white sand at sunrise.
