Wars are breaking out, entry requirements changing overnight, and a dollar that’s stayed stubbornly weak for years. By most measures, it’s been a tough stretch for international travel.
Yet Australians haven’t slowed down one bit. ABS data shows outbound travel continues to grow strongly, with millions of overseas trips taken annually, proving a bit of global uncertainty barely dents our appetite for a holiday.
It’s a small reminder that when Australians want to travel, they find a way, and Australia’s best tourist attractions are often just the warm-up before the passport comes out.
So where exactly are Australians heading? This guide breaks down the most popular overseas destinations dominating bookings in 2026, along with travel tips to help plan your own trip.
Why Australians Love Travelling Overseas
Australia has a strong travel culture, backed by generous annual leave and regular school holidays that make planning a getaway easier. Add in better flight connectivity across Asia and the Pacific, a growing appetite for cultural experiences, and consistently affordable Asian destinations, and it’s easy to see why heading overseas has become such a regular part of Australian life. These factors combine to keep the most popular overseas destinations firmly on the travel radar every single year.
Most Popular Destinations for Australian Travellers
These destinations have been selected based on popularity, accessibility, value, the experiences on offer, and recent Australian travel trends; from quick weekend escapes to bucket-list adventures.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Why Australians Love It, a short flight, warm beaches, private villas, world-class surfing, and affordable luxury make Bali an easy favourite. It suits everyone from families to honeymooners looking for a relaxed island to escape.
Must Visit Attractions: Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu Temple, Nusa Penida
Best Time: April–October
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 2.5–6.5 hours,
Travel Tip: Book flights early during Australian school holidays, when demand for Bali spikes fastest.
2. Japan
Why It’s Trending Cherry blossom season, world-class ski slopes, incredible food, rich culture, and an excellent transport network all keep pulling Australians back. Japan continues to rise in popularity among Australians thanks to favourable exchange rates, seasonal attractions and expanding flight options.
Must Visit: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji
Best Time: March–May, October–November
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 7–11 hours
3. New Zealand
Adventure travellers love New Zealand for its scenic drives, world-class hiking trails, and the adrenaline-fuelled charm of Queenstown and Milford Sound. It’s perfect for shorter international holidays when you want a big adventure without a long-haul flight.
Must Visit: Queenstown, Milford Sound, Auckland, Rotorua and the South Island
Best Time: December–February for summer activities, or June–August for skiing
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 3–7 hours
Travel Tip: For a shorter holiday, choose a direct flight to Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown or Wellington rather than trying to cover both islands.
4. Thailand
Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai continue to draw Australians in for beautiful beaches, unbeatable street food, lively nightlife, and some of the best value for money anywhere in Asia.
Must Visit: Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai
Best Time: November–February
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 7–10 hours
Travel Tip: Check whether your fare is nonstop or includes a connection, particularly when departing from Brisbane, Adelaide or smaller Australian airports.
5. Vietnam
Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Australians thanks to affordability and improved value for the Australian dollar. Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Da Nang offer incredible scenery and food at a fraction of the cost of other destinations.
Must Visit: Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City
Best Time: March–May and September–November
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 6.5–10 hours
Travel Tip: Choose your arrival airport carefully. Ho Chi Minh City is convenient for southern Vietnam, while Hanoi is better for northern attractions such as Ha Long Bay.
6. Fiji
A go-to for family holidays, Fiji offers relaxed resorts, direct flights from major Australian cities, and some of the best snorkelling in the Pacific, all wrapped up in genuine island hospitality.
Must Visit: Nadi, Denarau Island, the Mamanuca Islands and the Coral Coast
Best Time: May–October
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 3.5–5 hours
Travel Tip: Nadi is Fiji’s main international gateway and is convenient for many popular resorts and island transfers.
7. United States
From the buzz of New York and Los Angeles to the beaches of Hawaii and the grandeur of the national parks, the USA suits Australians planning a longer holiday with plenty of ground to cover, think shopping, road trips, and bucket-list cities.
Must Visit: New York, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Las Vegas and the US national parks
Best Time: Varies by region; spring and autumn are often comfortable for city breaks and road trips
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 10–16 hours
Travel Tip: Allow extra time for immigration, customs and domestic connections if Los Angeles or another US city is only your first stop.
8. Singapore
A favourite stopover destination, Singapore packs in Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios, and one of the best food scenes in the world, all with incredibly easy travel logistics for a short layover or standalone trip.
Must Visit: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island and Universal Studios
Best Time: February–April, although Singapore is suitable for year-round visits
Typical direct flight time from Australia: Around 5–8.5 hours
Travel Tip: Singapore is a convenient stopover, but allow enough time between flights if you need to collect baggage or transfer between separate bookings.
9. Italy
Rome, Venice, Florence and the Amalfi Coast make Italy the perfect European holiday, rich in history, food, and scenery that’s hard to match anywhere else in the world.
Must Visit: Rome, Venice, Florence and the Amalfi Coast
Best Time: April–June and September–October
Typical flight time from Australia: Around 16–24 hours
Travel Tip: Compare total journey time as well as fare price. A slightly more expensive itinerary with one efficient connection may be more comfortable than a cheaper itinerary with a long layover.
Destination | Typical flight time from Australia |
Bali | 2.5–6.5 hours direct |
Japan | 7–11 hours direct |
New Zealand | 3–7 hours direct |
Thailand | 7–10 hours direct |
Vietnam | 6.5–10 hours direct |
Fiji | 3.5–5 hours direct |
United States | 10–16 hours direct, where available |
Singapore | 5–8.5 hours direct |
Italy | Approximately 16–24 hours, usually with a stopover |
How to Choose the Right Destination
The right destination comes down to a few key factors:
Budget: Asia generally offers better value than Europe, especially for flights, food and accommodation.
Holiday Duration: A week suits closer destinations like Bali or New Zealand, two weeks opens up Japan or Thailand comfortably, while longer holidays make destinations like the USA or Italy far more worthwhile.
Travel Style: Families often gravitate toward Bali, Fiji or Singapore, adventure seekers lean toward New Zealand or Vietnam, couples and honeymooners love Bali and Italy, and solo travellers frequently choose Thailand or Japan for their ease of getting around.
Travel Tips Before You Book
- Compare flight prices across multiple airlines before committing
- Book early, especially around school holidays and peak seasons
- Check visa rules for your destination well ahead of time
- Take out travel insurance before you fly
- Stay flexible with your travel dates where possible
- Consider shoulder seasons for better prices and smaller crowds
Australia's Best Tourist Attractions vs Overseas Adventures
Many Australians first explore iconic places in Australia before planning international holidays. Landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and the Great Ocean Road remain some of the most iconic places in Australia, and often set the travel bug in motion long before that first overseas trip.
Once you’ve explored Australia’s best tourist attractions, travelling overseas opens the door to even more unforgettable experiences, different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes that complement everything Australia already has to offer.
Why Book Your Next Holiday with BookMyTrip Australia
Finding the right flight shouldn’t be the hardest part of planning a trip. BookMyTrip compares competitive international airfares across multiple airlines, backed by expert travel advice and an easy, straightforward booking process. With access to flights across all nine of these destinations and more, plus dedicated Australian support along the way, planning your next holiday starts with finding the right fare, and that’s exactly where we come in.
Ready to book? Explore cheap international flights, or jump straight to fares for Bali, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji, Singapore and the USA.
FAQs
Which country do Australians travel to the most?
Indonesia, particularly Bali, continues to rank among the most popular overseas destinations, alongside New Zealand and Japan according to recent Australian travel data.
What are the cheapest overseas destinations from Australia?
Vietnam, Bali, Thailand and Fiji are often considered among the best-value international holidays for Australians.
Which overseas destination is best for families?
Bali, Fiji, Singapore and New Zealand are excellent choices because they offer family-friendly attractions, accommodation and convenient flight connections.
When should Australians book international flights?
Booking around two to four months before departure is generally recommended for better fares, especially during school holiday periods.
What documents do Australians need before travelling overseas?
Australians should have a valid passport, check visa requirements for their destination and consider purchasing travel insurance before departure.
