As Easter approaches, many Australians are rethinking their plans, not because they want to, but because they have to.
Rising fuel prices, driven by global instability and supply pressures, are placing renewed strain on household budgets.
Behind this spike are global factors largely outside Australia’s control. Ongoing geopolitical tensions have disrupted supply chains and pushed oil prices higher, while Australia’s reliance on imported fuel leaves local prices particularly vulnerable. In some cases, prices have even exceeded $3 per litre, highlighting the severity of current conditions.
To understand what this means for Easter travel, we surveyed 1,008 Australians. The findings show a clear shift in behaviour: people are scaling back, staying closer to home, and prioritising affordability over aspiration.
Rising fuel prices are forcing Australians to rethink Easter plans
The impact is widespread.
1 in 2 Australians say rising fuel prices have affected their Easter plans, signalling how cost pressures are influencing seasonal travel decisions. This reflects broader cost-of-living trends, where fuel, a largely unavoidable expense, is becoming a key factor in household decision-making.
Staying home: a growing trend this Easter?
Among Australians whose plans have been affected by fuel prices, the most common response is simple: stay home.
- 54% have decided to stay home
- 33% are travelling shorter distances or staying closer to home
- 9% have cancelled their trip
- 4% have postponed their plans
As Australians scale back Easter travel, local and low-key plans take priority
Overall, 63% say they are planning to stay home this Easter. Among those who are still travelling, plans are modest and closer to home.
- 15% plan to travel within their state
- 11% are opting for day trips only
- 7% will travel interstate
- 5% are planning overseas travel
This points to a broader recalibration of travel priorities, where affordability and practicality are overtaking aspiration.
A shift towards local, value-driven travel
As fuel prices rise, consumers are becoming more deliberate in their decisions. Our research shows that many are prioritising proximity over distance, opting for shorter, lower-cost experiences, or reconsidering travel altogether. Even with measures aimed at easing fuel costs, relief may take time to reach households, leaving many Australians cautious in their spending.
For brands, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With fewer people travelling far from home, there is a growing need for localised, value-led engagement, from targeting in-state audiences to aligning with shorter, more accessible experiences like day trips.
Easter in 2026 isn’t cancelled, but it is being redefined. As cost-of-living pressures continue to shape behaviour, one thing is clear: when fuel prices rise, travel plans shrink.
The infographic below represents key findings from our research:
Based on a nationally representative Pureprofile survey of 1,008 in Australia, March 2026.
