New research by the Tourism and Transport Forum (TFF) shows NSW will be the most popular destination for Australian travellers this spring.
TTF said Australians are looking for holidays that are affordable, accessible and flexible, with 55 per cent of planning a local trip. One in five (20 per cent) plan to head interstate, while 35 per cent will holiday in their own state or territory.
The nationally representative survey conducted by Pureprofile between 19 and 22 September 2025 found NSW was the most popular state for domestic travellers (29 per cent), with Sydney the most popular city (13 per cent). The most popular destination in regional NSW was the South Coast.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said: “Aussies have pinpointed cost as the single biggest barrier for planning a holiday. However, despite the pinch, most Australians are still booking trips this spring. If they have spare change, it will be put towards travel.”
Among respondents, 25-34-year-olds were the most avid travellers, with 76 per cent planning to set off on holidays between 15 September and 31 October. This was followed closely by 75 per cent of 18-24-year-olds and 73 per cent of 35-44-year-olds.
When it comes to holiday budgets, 41 per cent of those planning a spring holiday intend to spend less than $2000 on their entire trip. Meanwhile 36 per cent are looking to spend between $2001 - $5000. The biggest spenders are 18-24-year-olds, with 30 per cent budgeting more than $5001.
Australians are also increasingly taking their pet on holiday with them (19 per cent), while 41 per cent plan to leave them with a loved one or pet-sitter and nine per cent plan to use specialty accommodation.
“Aussies are saying the more the merrier, with one in five taking their pet on their springtime adventures,” Ms Osmond said.
“This is expected to rise, with 22 per cent of Australians saying they would take a pet on a plane. Operators like Virgin, who have just introduced this service, can anticipate high demand.”
