'Only just snagged a spot': Where everyone is holidaying this Easter long weekend
A tiny house in the middle of nowhere is apparently the place to be this Easter long weekend - particularly if you're a traveller looking to escape the Sydney hustle.
That was me. I had planned to book a mini country getaway to enjoy over the long weekend.
My search parameters were within a radius of about three hours from the city, including areas like the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands.
READ MORE: The six best long weekend road trips from major Aussie cities
Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city is this year's Easter holiday trend. Tiny Away
I was looking for anything - a tiny house, a farm stay, a cabin, cottage, or glamping tent. I searched a host of different accommodation websites, such as Tiny Away, Unyoked, Airbnb, Stayz, and Into The Wild, and came up with zip.
Even when I thought I'd found a place, by the time I sent it to my other half for inspection it was snapped up, virtually right out of my hands.
I soon realised everyone else had the same idea.
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With Easter falling later in the calendar year, it comes as little surprise Aussies are using it to plan a quick regional getaway.
Data shows domestic tourism is set to boom as Australians take an extended break over the upcoming long weekends.
Every tiny house in the area on this website was booked out. Into The Wild Escapes
A recent NRMA survey found a quarter, or 26 per cent of people interviewed, confirmed they were planning to take an extended break between Easter and ANZAC Day.
The survey also revealed 54 per cent of people planned to holiday in their home state.
And crucially, of those travelling domestically, the survey found 77 per cent will be driving. This reinforces the popularity of a road trip holiday among Australians.
Also had little luck finding something on Airbnb. Airbnb
Separately, data from 'Seasonal Experiences Index' - from Big Red Group - found holidaymakers were keen on shorter stays.
Australians recharged with more mini-breaks over Spring/Summer with country getaways in particular surging in popularity by 53 per cent.
Indeed, there has been a significant shift towards embracing the tranquillity and beauty of Australia's rural landscapes.
This farm stay in Bilpin NSW disappeared right in front of my eyes. Airbnb
Airbnb data also revealed a remarkable 65 per cent increase in searches for rural travel as Australians seek solace in nature. This trend is particularly prominent among solo travellers and those aged 60-90 years.
And it's not just happening in NSW.
Here are some of the most sought-after rural destinations based on Airbnb search growth since autumn 2024:
- Moogerah, Queensland
- Rockhampton City, Queensland
- Huskisson, New South Wales
- Tanunda, South Australia
- Devonport, Tasmania
- Ballarat, Victoria
Thankfully, I did manage to snag a spot (only just, after days and days of trawling the internet) and book a city escape this Easter break.
Though, with the popularity of local mini-breaks, I'll definitely book earlier next year.
