Originally published: Airbnb Newsroom, 14 October 2026
Key Takeaways
- Searches for domestic destinations are growing this spring, led by Gen Z travellers searching for trips within Australia
- Rural escapes remain in demand, with Northern Grampians (VIC) and Goulburn (NSW) the fastest-growing rural destinations by searches
- Family travellers are increasingly looking beyond the capitals, with Berri Barmera (SA) and Nannup (WA) trending by searches
As spring settles in, Airbnb has revealed the accommodation types and destinations Australians are searching for closer to home. New data from Airbnb shows domestic travel is trending up across rural getaways, Gen Z adventurers and family holidays for spring1.
And as the end of year rush approaches, it’s the perfect time for people to reset and take some much needed time with loved ones with research uncovering that almost 80% of travellers believe holidays are a chance to spend uninterrupted time together with a partner, family or friends2. Feeling like you’ve truly escaped the daily grind is simpler than you might think, with 47% of working Australians reporting that a short two-to-three-hour drive is enough to switch off3, making local getaways just as effective for rest and relaxation as stints abroad.
New Airbnb research has also found that simple, nostalgic holidays are what Australians are craving with over 70% of respondents agreeing that the best holidays are the simplest ones and that nature, quiet and a local feel are what bring those nostalgic memories back4. In addition nearly two in three Australians say being close to nature, whether a beach, a river or a walking trail, is the most important thing in a destination for evoking happy childhood memories.
When choosing somewhere new, Australians say small coastal towns, fewer crowds and local bakeries, fish and chip shops, pubs and small businesses are the things that make it feel like the holidays they loved growing up5.
Australians are also prepared to work for that feeling with almost half saying they would drive further or travel outside peak season to recapture it6.
1 Gen Z travellers for Q2 2026 search growth compares Sep 1-Nov 30, 2026 check-ins to Q2 2025 search Sep 2-Dec 1, 2025 check-ins.
2  All figures are from research we conducted with Pureprofile in September 2026. The total sample size was 1002 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 03rd – 13th September 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighed and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
3 Figures are from YouGov. The total sample size was 1030 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8th – 11th January 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighed and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
4, 5 & 6 Figures are from research we conducted with Pureprofile in September 2026. The total sample size was 1002 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 03rd – 13th September 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighed and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
