With domestic restrictions easing, now’s the perfect time to start planning your next holiday. But if you’re stuck for ideas on where to go, we have some good news—a favourite travel destination for Aussies has just been revealed.

Senior Vice President of Supply for the travel booking platform Agoda, Andrew Smith, recently revealed that the number one favourite domestic destination for Australians in 2023 is Melbourne.

That’s right, the second most populous city in Oz has climbed to number one this year, beating popular cities like Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Melbourne has been named the top domestic destination for Australians in 2023. Credit: Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

For overseas travel, Bali takes the first place as a favourite destination. The Indonesian island had been popular with Aussies due to its warm weather, short flight time and low costs.

Meanwhile, coming in at second place is the Harbour City—Sydney. Closely followed by Brisbane.

The fourth place for Australians travelling domestically goes to none other than Adelaide!

Sydney takes the second spot for the top domestic destination, according to Agoda. Credit: Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock

Fifth place goes to the Gold Coast. With its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere, we’re not surprised that the Gold Coast has been so popular.

As for international travel, Agoda’s research shows that the top five destinations for Aussies this year are all in Southeast Asia.

Bali is closely followed by Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila.

In a statement, Smith said: 'Many factors contribute to the popularity of Southeast Asian cities. These cities represent five bustling metropolises, with rich culture and history, an exquisite culinary scene, and unique nightlife.'

Previously, we reported the Australian beaches included in Enjoy Travel's Annual 50 Best Beaches in the World List. Securing the top five spot was Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach, Hyams Beach in New South Wales in the top ten, and Turquoise Bay near Exmouth in Western Australia was ranked sixteenth. You can read more about that story here.

Key Takeaways

• Australians have a new favourite domestic destination: Melbourne, with Sydney and Brisbane following closely.
  
• For Australians travelling overseas, the number one destination is Bali, Indonesia, followed by Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila.
  
• For Australians travelling overseas, the number one destination is Bali, Indonesia, followed by Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, and Manila.
  
• Australian beaches were featured in Enjoy Travel's Annual 50 Best Beaches in the World List, which includes Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Hyams Beach in New South Wales, and Turquoise Bay near Exmouth in Western Australia.
  

Members, do you have a favourite destination for a domestic holiday? How about international destinations? Share them in the comments below!

 

[Leenie]

Leenie l also love the old church in Ross, the one up the hill that you can go into, it’s quite beautiful. I grew up on a farm in the midlands area. Ross has unfortunately gone backwards as seems to be the way in small towns everywhere. The craft shops have mostly closed but you will always find a lot of tourists there. Tasmania is a beautiful state, I love the rugged mountains but it gets so cold in winter & summer can be a mixed bag, it’s even been known to snow. Hope you come back one day.

Would love to ,forgot to mention Georgetown and the little penguins,Tasmania is really. Worth seeing although Queenstown was a bit desolate and driving down the winding road to g et there was scary.so many memories.

 

[Ezzy]

Nice to visit Perth but nicer to live here. Born & bred 71 years ago.