The ‘most searched’ holiday destination for Aussies right now - and it’s not Bali
Domestic holidays and trips to Japan and south-east Asia are where Aussie travellers want to go right now.
With spring in full swing, new booking data has revealed the destinations inspiring Aussie who want to get away before the summer. And a long-time favourite has dropped down the latest list.
Japan is the most popular international destination for Aussies right now. iStock
Domestic travel to the cities of Sydney and Melbourne and beachside favourite the Gold Coast are the most searched destinations for spring, according to Booking.com.
Meanwhile, Japan remains the most sought after international spot, usurping traditional Aussie fave, Bali.
Todd Lacey, Regional Manager for Oceania and Korea at the company, said Aussies want to get away, but don’t want to travel too far from home.
“We’re seeing travel choices that reflect a desire for sanctuary closer to home or across the region,” he said.
Seminyak, Bali remains popular, ranking at number 6 on the list. iStock
“We’re seeing a real appetite for our Pacific neighbours alongside a strong preference for domestic exploration.”
He reckons Aussies are looking at their budget amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, but are also trying to avoid overcrowded spots.
“This pivot toward more accessible, familiar and rewarding destinations perfectly captures the holiday spirit Australians are craving,” he added.
Bali still featured highly, specifically the busy resort of Seminyak, ranking number 6 overall, as well as Sanur and Uluwatu.
That was followed in the rankings by UK capital, London. Singapore, as well as Euro favourites, Rome and Paris rounded off the top ten.
Singapore is number eight on the list of the most searched destinations. iStock
The data showing the continual drive for Aussies to go to Japan is backed up by another remarkable milestone.
Australian visitor numbers hit 990,950 in the year to July 2026, just shy of the one million mark.
The amount of Aussies travelling to the nation climbed 8.5 per cent for the year to July, according to the Australian Travel Industry Association.
And although the likes of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto remain popular, another place has also become a hotspot, new figures revealed recently.
There has been a 98 per cent increase in the number of Aussies staying overnight in Setouchi in western Japan.
The area is most well-known for the city of Hiroshima, which many tourists want to visit to see the famous Peace Memorial and learn about the tragic history.
Meanwhile, another Asian nation, Vietnam was the fastest-growing destination for Aussie travellers this year, up almost 16 per cent, ATIA said.
Most searched for destinations for spring
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Gold Coast
- Tokyo, Japan
- Brisbane
- Seminyak, Bali
- London
- Singapore
- Rome
- Paris
- Osaka, Japan
- Perth
- Sanur, Bali
- Uluwatu, Bali
- Kyoto, Japan
