The Easter long weekend, autumn school holidays and the additional Anzac Day public holiday have converged to provide 'super break' opportunities for travel this month, with NSW the most popular destination.
New research from Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has indicated 29 per cent of Australian domestic travellers are planning to visit NSW over the Easter period.
The data also shows holidays remain a top priority for Australians, despite the impacts of fuel prices and global tensions.
When asked what non-essential items they would continue to prioritise, 21 per cent of Australians said travel and holidays were at the top of their list.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said: “Australians have proven their commitment to travel time and time again. We don’t quit; we adapt. Holidays will remain a priority, even if that means trips are shorter, closer to home or more budget-conscious.
"Against a backdrop of uncertainty and economic pressure, we’re placing even greater value on time away and spending it with friends and family, making memories, and seeking new adventures.”
The autumn school holiday period in NSW runs from 2-22 April, while an additional public holiday has been announced on 27 April, following Anzac Day.
Sydney Airport is preparing for a bustling Easter long weekend, with 627,517 domestic and international passengers set to travel through its terminals from 2-6 April.
Destination NSW is supporting a dynamic events calendar throughout April to ensure visitors and locals alike have a memorable month across the state.
The events calendar is expected to generate more than $90 million in visitor expenditure and attract over 190,000 visitors to Sydney and regional NSW.
Events include Sail Port Stephens, Biennale of Sydney, The Lion King, Sydney International Art Series: Ron Mueck and Data Dreams, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - Phantom of the Opera, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Emerging Socceroos Championships, Sydney Comedy Festival, and Women's State of Origin.
The Australian Government announced earlier this week that it will halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel for three months.
The halving of the fuel excise will commence from 1 April and run to 30 June 2026. It will reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3 cents per litre. This will reduce the cost of a 65-litre tank of fuel by nearly $19.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "One of the things that we're determined to do is make sure that we do keep Australia moving as the national fuel security plan says," he said.
"We want that to occur, people should enjoy their Easter, and it's important as well that we keep the economy going. Easter is an important time for tourism destinations, for jobs that rely upon that."
Families seeking cost-effective activities during the Easter long weekend and school holidays can also explore NSW cultural institutions.
Located close to public transport and offering extensive free programs, opportunities range from exploring the library within a library in the State Library’s Shakespeare Room to the Sydney Opera House’s Art on the Steps program and stargazing at Sydney Observatory’s Southern Sky Astrophotography exhibition.
Tourism sector welcomes fuel support measures
The tourism sector has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise.
Ms Osmond said: “This announcement will help reduce prices, taking some of that pressure off household budgets and ensure more people take that family trip at Easter.
“Measures like this will go a long way to supporting the flow of fuel through the supply chain, drive visitation and support regional businesses that depend on tourism dollars.”
Australian Tourism Industry Council CEO Erin McLeod said: “The decision to ease fuel costs will make it easier for families to get on the road these school holidays and continue supporting regional destinations.
"Every trip taken – particularly to a regional destination – directly supports local businesses and the people they employ."
Travellers are being encouraged to plan ahead for the Easter long weekend, check local conditions and download FuelCheck for their journey, particularly when travelling longer distances or through regional areas.
The NSW Government is monitoring fuel distribution and working with industry and the Australian Government to manage localised shortages, particularly in regional communities.
Conditions will continue to be monitored closely over the Easter period, with all levels of government working together to support communities, essential services and the tourism sector.
