Summer-loving Aussies are fuelling a boon for local businesses, with an 80 per cent spending surge in key tourism hotspots.

The summer spending spike is estimated to be worth an extra $84 million to local economies, according to new NAB analysis.

Restaurants and retail saw the biggest overall spending increases as Australians took the opportunity to hit the road, head away for a holiday, and dine out in recent weeks.

Two NSW destinations featured in the top 10: Jervis Bay and Bateman's Bay.

The top holiday hotspots were identified by analysing a sample of almost 500,000 merchant terminal transactions in the popular beach towns in the fortnight when millions of Aussies visited compared to a normal two-week period.

Among the NSW highlights were:

  • Accommodation in Jervis Bay (+376 per cent)
  • Accommodation in Merimbula (+465 per cent)
  • Restaurants and bars in Bateman's Bay (+209 per cent)
  • Restaurants and bars in Byron Bay (+127 per cent)

NAB Executive, Metro and Specialised Business Julie Rynski said: “Millions of Aussies are in holiday mode and enjoying a well-deserved break. The mass exodus from capital cities to holiday hotspots is crucial for smaller, local economies.

“While visitors enjoy beach days and summer reads, business owners in these areas are often at their busiest as the population of holiday hotspots swell. This peak period contributes to much of their annual turnover as the increases in accommodation, hospitality and service station spending show.

Rynski said the boost in trade meant more shifts for seasonal staff and more orders for suppliers.

“A sweet-toothed surge at candy stores in Batemans Bay, a boat hire boom at Lakes Entrance and a bakery blitz in Jervis Bay are among the quirkier spend trends we’re seeing among customers based on the data,” she said.

“While many people returned to work this week, thousands remain on holidays or preparing to take time off. Business customers tell us they expect to remain busy until after the Australia Day long weekend.”

Jervis Bay Distilling Co Founder and Head Distiller Robert Bartlett said: “Summer is by far our busiest season. Locals and visitors alike flock to the cellar door, and orders from local venues really spike.

“We bring on extra hands and pull together as a team to keep up with demand. There’s such a great energy in town - people are relaxed, happy, and enjoying themselves.

“It’s a buzz to be part of their holiday, and we love helping create those great summer memories.”