News
24 June, 2024
Queensland Tops Winter Holiday Destinations as School Holidays Kick Off
Queensland is set to be the most popular winter holiday destination for Australians, with 21% of travellers intending to visit the state between June and July, according to new research by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).
Queensland is set to be the most popular winter holiday destination for Australians, with 21% of travellers intending to visit the state between June and July, according to new research by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).
New South Wales residents are driving the surge in demand, with 21% planning a Queensland getaway this winter—an 8 percentage point increase from last year. Meanwhile, 17% of Victorians also plan to visit, maintaining 2023 levels. Queenslanders themselves are also showing strong intent to take at least one night away within the state.
Top destinations for interstate visitors include the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Tropical North Queensland & Cairns, and the Whitsundays, with all 13 tourism regions appearing on travel consideration lists nationwide.
Road Trips on the Rise
Queensland’s reputation as a road trip destination remains strong, with 66% of winter holidaymakers expected to travel by car—more than any other mode of transport. This follows last year’s trend, where 7.8 million Queensland visitors opted for self-drive holidays. Nationwide, 23% of Australians plan to take a multi-stop road trip lasting 2–7 nights in the next year, while 8% plan a longer journey.
International Visitors and Bluey Tourism Boom
Queensland’s tourism industry is also set to benefit from an influx of international travellers from North America, the UK, Europe, and North Asia, as June to August marks their peak travel season.
The surge in visitors coincides with TEQ’s largest tourism campaign in a decade, Queensland is Bluey’s World for Real Life, inspired by the globally popular children’s show Bluey. The campaign showcases Queensland’s family-friendly lifestyle, with more than 700 tourism deals now available on Queensland.com for winter travellers.
Major Events Driving Tourism
The state’s packed winter events calendar is expected to further boost visitor numbers. This includes 84 TEQ-supported events, such as the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, the Scenic Rim Winter Harvest Festival, the Gold Coast Marathon, and the State of Origin, which together are forecast to inject $315 million into the Queensland economy.
Tourism Minister Michael Healy highlighted the growing interest in regional areas, such as the Fraser Coast, Southern Great Barrier Reef, and Southern Queensland Country, calling it a win for regional economies.
TEQ CEO Patricia O’Callaghan emphasized the state’s unique winter experiences, from whale migrations to cultural festivals, and the importance of affordable holiday options amid rising cost-of-living pressures. She expects the Bluey campaign and extensive travel deals to help families stretch their budgets while supporting tourism operators, many of whom run small, family-owned businesses.
