The high cost of flying long-haul to Europe and the Americas, weighed against lower airfares and attractively priced accommodation in Asia, is driving a shift in outbound travel from Australia that is expected to gather momentum in 2026.

“High airfares and cost pressures are likely to be influencing destination choice, with Japan, Vietnam and China drawing stronger interest,” says Dean Long, chief executive of the Australian Travel Industry Association.

Long says outbound travel continues to reflect the preferences of Australian travellers “who are increasingly seeking value, cultural experiences and proximity”.

Outbound travel from Australia continued to surge last year, rising from 11.3 million to 12.4 million trips.

Robust inbound travel

Inbound travel is also heading in a positive direction, helped by partnerships, such as Tourism and Events Queensland’s tie-up with Klook, which targets six key Asian markets: Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the Philippines - and Visit Victoria’s partnership with Trip.com.

For the year ending September 2025, inbound visitor numbers to Australia increased from 8.1 million to 8.6 million, led by travel from China and the UK.

“The results reflect a steady, rather than rapid recovery, but one that is becoming increasingly robust and consistent. Visitors are staying longer and spending more,” said Australian Tourism Export Council managing director Peter Shelley.

What’s new Down Under in 2026

Happitat Adventure Park in Queensland.

Australia is ready to serve up significant fresh travel products this year.

Queensland
The world-first Happitat Adventure Park is landing at Binna Burra Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland. Happitat is billed as the world’s first all-encompassing cliff park, combining ziplines (Australia’s highest), sky bridges, via ferrata (Italian for Iron Path) climbs, rainforest walks and swimming holes.

“In a single day, visitors can experience climbs and activities that would normally require travelling to different destinations,” says park founder Michael Neururer.

Tickets to Happitat are on sale from A$497 (US$333) per person for a full-day experience that includes expert guidance.

Lindeman Island Resort will re-open following a multi-million dollar redevelopment of the former Club Med site, which is being transformed into an eco-luxury resort by The Well Smart Group and La Vie Hotels & Resorts.

New South Wales
Sydney’s Art Gallery of New South Wales is welcoming visitors of all ages to a project constructed from thousands of salvaged objects and materials.

Artist Mike Hewson wants guests to use the artwork as their own – “the key’s under the mat, make yourself at home”. The exhibition is free, and will run until August 2026.

South Australia
Tasting Australia and Journey Beyond is helping travellers to experience South Australia by plane, train and road while showcasing the state’s best eating and drinking experiences.

By train, travellers will hop onboard in Darwin for a three-day journey to enjoy meals prepared by well-known chefs. Stops on the way to Adelaide will include dinner beside the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and a bespoke Bollinger champagne tasting and masterclass.

By road, passengers will explore the wine regions of McLaren Vale, the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, spending time with local food identities on private farms, orchards, kitchens and cellar doors.

By air, Tasting Australia Airlines will travel to the Eyre Peninsula for a full-day seafood-led experience that includes time aboard a historic tuna fishing boat, a visit to Coffin Bay (for oysters) and food prepared by top Australian chefs.