Our recent travel data shows Australian travellers are more than ready for the Pacific bubble to burst open.
Over the past month, we've seen a 370% spike in engagement on French Polynesia, Fiji and the Cook Islands destination content—clear evidence that Aussies are dreaming of tropical escapes just beyond our borders. As travel corridors begin to open, all eyes are on the Pacific.
Back in February and early March—before the impacts of COVID-19 were widely felt—Aussie travellers were casting their gaze further afield, with the Balearic Islands, Greek Islands and the French Riviera topping the list for sun-soaked summer destinations. Fast forward a few months, and the focus has shifted closer to home.
Trans-Tasman Temptations
Searches for New Zealand are also tracking upward, with a 30% increase in interest from Australian travellers. But the real story lies on the other side of the Tasman: New Zealanders are showing a 212% increase in interest for Australian holidays. When the bubble opens, it’s going to be a two-way stampede.
Domestic Travel Takes the Spotlight
With international borders still largely shut, Australians have turned their attention inward—and the appetite for domestic travel has exploded. Our platform recorded a 298% rise in engagement for destinations within Australia, as travellers look to swap city life for the serenity of nature.
Urban escapes have taken a backseat, with just 5% of users considering a city break—down from 25% pre-pandemic. Instead, wide open spaces and remote getaways are the clear winners. 86% of Australian users are planning road trips and outdoor adventures, with national parks, coastal hideaways and Indigenous cultural sites the most popular.
Top 10 Most Popular Domestic Destinations on Vacaay:
- Injidup Natural Spa, WA
- Cape Le Grand National Park, WA
- Great Barrier Reef, QLD
- East Arnhem Land, NT
- Uluru, NT
- Margaret River, WA
- Jervis Bay, NSW
- The Kangaroo Sanctuary, NT
- Corroboree Billabong, NT
- Clamshell Falls, QLD
As borders begin to reopen and travel resumes, Aussies are making their preferences clear: they’re chasing sunshine, open skies and meaningful experiences—whether that’s a coral reef in Queensland or a remote island in the South Pacific.
At Vacaay, we’ll be tracking the trends and keeping a close eye on what’s next. But one thing’s certain—Australian travellers are ready.
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