The surprising state at the top of everyone's summer travel plans
In Australia, we have no shortage of stunning domestic holiday options.
Whether you want a buzzing city break, a relaxing coastal retreat, a camping trip in the mountains or a road trip lasting for months, the country has it all.
Of course, one state almost always comes out on top: Queensland. But this Christmas, we've got our sights set elsewhere.
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Aussies can't get enough of Victoria. Getty
Webjet reports Melbourne is the number one destination for Aussie travellers over the Christmas period.
This is closely followed by Sydney and Brisbane, as travellers fly interstate for holidays and to visit family.
Meanwhile, Big Red Group, ANZ's largest experience marketplace, reports that bookings have skyrocketed by 38 per cent in Victoria.
While NSW - with attractions like Sydney, Byron, and the Hunter Valley - used to consistently reign supreme, Victoria has come in as the second-most popular place after Queensland.
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The Mornington Peninsula isn't far from Melbourne. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Key regions experiencing growth include the Yarra Valley (34 per cent) and Mornington Peninsula (13 per cent).
Recently, Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs won the title of Best Luxury Hot Springs at the 2025 World Luxury Spa Awards, which is certainly drawing visitors to the area.
The Yarra Valley, less than an hour from Melbourne, is a popular spot for Aussies this summer.
In fact, it was crowned the number one trending domestic summer destination for 2026 on Expedia, and has seen an 85 per cent increase in demand compared to last year.
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The Yarra Valley is great in summer. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Of course, Melbourne is also a destination in itself. Earlier this year, the suburb of North Melbourne was named one of the coolest in the world by Time Out.
The charming, inner-city spot was celebrated for its diversity, its welcoming feel, and its great collection of bars, cafes, and eateries.
The publication also tapped the city's Swan Street, in Richmond, as one of the coolest streets in the world by Time Out.
Melbourne also won the Oceania's Leading City Destination for 2025 at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania.
Melbourne's Swan Street is undeniably 'cool'. Visit Victoria
Keen for something more regional? Daylesford was voted Australia's favourite regional town in our exclusive 'Aussie Travel Trends Index' survey last year.
Located in Victoria's spa country, Daylesford is considered a popular weekend getaway destination thanks to its superb food and wine, pretty township, and natural mineral springs.
