New data shows almost 3.3 million Australian travellers will visit regional destinations over summer.

Research by SCA iQ for Boomtown found 47 per cent of metropolitan residents plan to head to regional destinations, while 74 per cent of regional Australians will taking a summer break locally, up from 65 per cent last year.

SCA iQ head of strategic insights and effectiveness Jasmine Beech said: “Australians are choosing to holiday in their own backyard and they’re looking for destinations that offer an idyllic Aussie summer experience.”

Around 87 per cent of summer travellers expected to dine out or get takeaway from local restaurants and cafes. Additionally, 62 per cent will shop at local stores, 36 per cent will visit shopping centres and 42 per cent will engage in local experiences.

Boomtown chair Andrew ‘Billy’ Baxter said: “The 2025-26 summer in regional Australia is set to be one for the record books, with unprecedented reach and significant business momentum.

“When people are holidaying in regional areas, they’re also supporting local business, dining out, shopping and seeking new experiences, these are prime moments for brands to engage and convert.”

The Boomtown and SCA iQ Summer Travel study surveyed more than 1600 Australians aged 18–64 in August and September about their summer travel plans.

The media owner members of Boomtown include Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), WIN, Seven, Australian Radio Network (ARN), Australian Community Media (ACM), Nine NBN, 10 Regional, News Corp Australia, and Imparja.