A new report by Big Red Group has revealed rising demand for adventure tourism experiences.
The Seasonal Experiences Index: Autumn 2025 report found consumers are increasingly seeking thrills – with 18.5 per cent of experiences booked during the shoulder season falling under the adventure category.
The report analysed booking data from close to 200,000 experiences taken between 1 March and 31 May 2025.
Key findings included strong demand from China, India and the United Kingdom in experiences such as as helicopter flights (+92.9 per cent), canyoning (+71.9 per cent) and sightseeing/cultural tours (+71.9 per cent).
Culinary experiences were also on the rise, with Big Red Group serving up more than 27,000 ‘wine & dine’ experiences in autumn.
The trend toward short-stay getaways continued, surging by 16.3 per cent as back-to-back long weekends enticed Australians to head away and experience the best the nation has to offer.
The report found consumers were increasingly seek quality experiences over quantity – and become more willing to spend, so long as it feels unforgettable.
In NSW, there was a 43.2 per cent uptick in special events and celebration cruises, which Big Red Group said was potentially owed to Vivid Sydney bookings.
There were also major rises in experience bookings in Western Sydney, with Rouse Hill up 157.1 per cent and Penrith up 137.9 per cent.
The Snowy Mountains posted the highest autumn experience booking growth (+230.2 per cent) as the region’s snow season kicked off earlier than expected.
Big Red Group CEO and Co-Founder David Anderson said: “Consumers are showing us that they are seeking experiences that are unforgettable, leading to the prioritisation of high-value activities that enrich or excite.
"They want ‘quality over quantity’ – and they’re willing to spend for it, so long as it feels memorable. This was a key mindset we saw reflected in our booking data which analysed close to 200,000 experiences served across RedBalloon, Adrenaline and Experience Oz in autumn.
“As decision-making becomes more centred around emotionally resonant experiences, the tourism and experiences industry is certainly well poised to benefit from this mindset shift. Couple this with a continued rise in travel consumption and intent and it’s clear the industry is evolving into something even more impactful and exciting.”
