The Top 10 International Travel Destinations and Where You Can Find them in Australia
Australians love to travel. Specially to experience overseas cultures, grab a bargain shopping and to enjoy fine delicacies.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2019, 11.2 million Aussies travelled on overseas trips. Of those, 12% of them (1.44 million) were to New Zealand, closely followed by Indonesia (Bali is not a country guys!).
Now we can get excited about experiencing our own backyard. From early July, most states will be open for overnight short stays.
Below are the top international destinations Aussies travelled last year and where you can find a similar experience within our own wonderful country.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2019, 11.2 million Aussies travelled on overseas trips. Of those, 12% of them (1.44 million) were to New Zealand, closely followed by Indonesia (Bali is not a country guys!).
Now we can get excited about experiencing our own backyard. From early July, most states will be open for overnight short stays.
Below are the top international destinations Aussies travelled last year and where you can find a similar experience within our own wonderful country.
1. New Zealand
If you love New Zealand, there are probably a million reasons you could write down as to why you love to return time and again to our trans-Tasman cousins. The Maori culture with an earth hangi dinner and show, spectacular erupting geysers, green rolling hills and crystal clear creeks.
But in the next few months, New Zealand ski fields really take prime position.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIA OPTION:
In NSW, Thredbo and Perisher are tipped for great snowfalls this year, and Mt Buller, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, or Mt Baw Baw for families are some great alternatives for a great snow trip this year.
But in the next few months, New Zealand ski fields really take prime position.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIA OPTION:
In NSW, Thredbo and Perisher are tipped for great snowfalls this year, and Mt Buller, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, or Mt Baw Baw for families are some great alternatives for a great snow trip this year.
Echo Beach, Tallebudgera, Gold Coast
2. Indonesia
We’re going to take a gamble here and assume that most of these Aussie travellers visited Bali for at least some of their trip! Shopping, dining and surfing are right up there with top things to do for Aussies in Bali and the best place to get all three in Australia would have to be Queensland’s Gold Coast.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
With over 57 kilometres of white sandy beaches, you’ll need the best insiders tips on the Best Beach Hideouts on the Gold Coast to plan your next adventure. The Gold Coast also offers some of the best surf breaks in Australia for those adventuring through the waves.
The unmissable mecca of shopping, Pacific Fair would have to be one of the most stunning shopping centres in Australia after its $670 million refurbishment a few years ago. With a free shopping shuttle, three kids play areas, a Concierge service, a Visitors Lounge and the central Resort section for delectable dining, who could resist?
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
With over 57 kilometres of white sandy beaches, you’ll need the best insiders tips on the Best Beach Hideouts on the Gold Coast to plan your next adventure. The Gold Coast also offers some of the best surf breaks in Australia for those adventuring through the waves.
The unmissable mecca of shopping, Pacific Fair would have to be one of the most stunning shopping centres in Australia after its $670 million refurbishment a few years ago. With a free shopping shuttle, three kids play areas, a Concierge service, a Visitors Lounge and the central Resort section for delectable dining, who could resist?
Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Australia
3. USA
9.8 million kilometres of cities, national parks, coastlines and theme parks makes the USA the must travel destination of almost 1.1 million Aussies last year. With a land mass close to the size of Australia, we’ve broken down the top USA travel experiences and where you can find them in Australia.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTIONS:
Theme Park Entertainment.
An estimate 16 million people visit Disneyland every year. For your share of movie magic, water slides, kids entertainment and magical rides, you can’t beat the Gold Coast’s offering of them parks with the largest, Dreamworld , followed by Sea World, Movie World, Wet’nWild, Top Golf and Paradise Country, all within a short light rail trip from Surfers Paradise.
Stunning Harbours
From the East Coast’s largest harbour of New York, to the West Coast’s San Francisco Bay, the USA is not short of beautiful harbour experiences. However, even with the icons of the Statue of Liberty and San Francisco Bridge as competition, Sydney’s Harbour is hard to beat world wide. With the historic Rocks offering a walk through the history of time, the Sydney Opera House showcasing it’s architectural brilliance from every angle and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb offering, Sydney offers all the highlights into one spectacular location,
Shoppers Paradise
From Hawaii’s famous factory outlets to Hollywood’s luxurious Rodeo Drive, there’s a shopping experience for all budgets in the USA. For the same experience, but without the fluctuating Australian dollar to contend with, Melbourne offers has not on the largest shopping centre in Australia with Chadstone Shopping Centre (locally known as Chaddy – make sure to ask your Uber driver!), but also some of the best outlet shopping with DFO Outlets along South Wharf and for brand names, Little Collins Street between Exhibition and Elizabeth Streets
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTIONS:
Theme Park Entertainment.
An estimate 16 million people visit Disneyland every year. For your share of movie magic, water slides, kids entertainment and magical rides, you can’t beat the Gold Coast’s offering of them parks with the largest, Dreamworld , followed by Sea World, Movie World, Wet’nWild, Top Golf and Paradise Country, all within a short light rail trip from Surfers Paradise.
Stunning Harbours
From the East Coast’s largest harbour of New York, to the West Coast’s San Francisco Bay, the USA is not short of beautiful harbour experiences. However, even with the icons of the Statue of Liberty and San Francisco Bridge as competition, Sydney’s Harbour is hard to beat world wide. With the historic Rocks offering a walk through the history of time, the Sydney Opera House showcasing it’s architectural brilliance from every angle and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb offering, Sydney offers all the highlights into one spectacular location,
Shoppers Paradise
From Hawaii’s famous factory outlets to Hollywood’s luxurious Rodeo Drive, there’s a shopping experience for all budgets in the USA. For the same experience, but without the fluctuating Australian dollar to contend with, Melbourne offers has not on the largest shopping centre in Australia with Chadstone Shopping Centre (locally known as Chaddy – make sure to ask your Uber driver!), but also some of the best outlet shopping with DFO Outlets along South Wharf and for brand names, Little Collins Street between Exhibition and Elizabeth Streets
The Duke of Clarence Pub, Sydney
4. United Kingdom
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a good English pub’s hearty menu offering and an ale.
As direct descendants of the first settlers, Australia offers a pub in every town and competition if fierce for the top post.
The new Duke of Clarence, an 18th century inspired masterpiece has recently opened in the heart of Sydney CBD at 152 Clarence Street and has Australian Traveller naming it as Australia’s best English pub.
And what’s more UK than a Friday night curry or Sunday Roast? Both on their amazing menu surrounded by interiors inspired by London Pubs and offering true British eats.
As direct descendants of the first settlers, Australia offers a pub in every town and competition if fierce for the top post.
The new Duke of Clarence, an 18th century inspired masterpiece has recently opened in the heart of Sydney CBD at 152 Clarence Street and has Australian Traveller naming it as Australia’s best English pub.
And what’s more UK than a Friday night curry or Sunday Roast? Both on their amazing menu surrounded by interiors inspired by London Pubs and offering true British eats.
China Town, Fortitude Valley, QLD
5. China
With China potentially off the cards for travel in the near future of Australians, we’re lucky to have an amazing recreation of at least some of the best Chinese food experiences in most major cities.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
Travel to Haymarket for Sydney’s vibrant Chinatown offering fine dining restaurants, quick takeaways, buzzing Asian grocers and thriving stalls.
Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall is located on the outskirts of the city in the colourful Fortitude Valley precinct. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s a hive of activity with traditional Chinese Gates complete with 320 kg of stone guard-lions to welcome you.
Melbourne’s Chinatown is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western word. Located on Little Bourke Street in the city, you’ll find some of the world’s best Chinese restaurants outside of China right here!
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
Travel to Haymarket for Sydney’s vibrant Chinatown offering fine dining restaurants, quick takeaways, buzzing Asian grocers and thriving stalls.
Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall is located on the outskirts of the city in the colourful Fortitude Valley precinct. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s a hive of activity with traditional Chinese Gates complete with 320 kg of stone guard-lions to welcome you.
Melbourne’s Chinatown is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western word. Located on Little Bourke Street in the city, you’ll find some of the world’s best Chinese restaurants outside of China right here!
Hill Inlet, The Whitsunday Islands, QLD
6. Thailand
With an 10% increase in tourists from Australia visiting Japan last year, Japan has had the strongest growth in Aussie travellers than any other country. It’s unique culture, temperate climate and friendly people have made it to our bucket list of places to travel.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
With world class experiences spread across a choice of 74 pristine pieces of paradise, the Whitsunday Islands, in the hear of the Great Barrier Reef offers a diverse offering for divers, families, honeymooners or just a weekend getaway where you can swim, snorkel, sail and relax away your next trip.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
With world class experiences spread across a choice of 74 pristine pieces of paradise, the Whitsunday Islands, in the hear of the Great Barrier Reef offers a diverse offering for divers, families, honeymooners or just a weekend getaway where you can swim, snorkel, sail and relax away your next trip.
Cowra's Japanese Garden, Cowra, NSW
7. Japan
With an 10% increase in tourists from Australia visiting Japan last year, Japan has had the strongest growth in Aussie travellers than any other country. Its unique culture, temperate climate and friendly people have made it to our bucket list of places to travel.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
For an authentic taste of Japanese culture, history, gardens and tea you can’t go past Cowra’s Japanese Gardens, located about 4 hours west of Sydney.
Guided tours and talks promote the large collection of Japanese crafts, demonstrations and workshops are conducted by renowned traditional experts or you can try a traditional tea ceremony, or partake in the multiple ceremonies such as the Sakura Matsuri Family Day.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
For an authentic taste of Japanese culture, history, gardens and tea you can’t go past Cowra’s Japanese Gardens, located about 4 hours west of Sydney.
Guided tours and talks promote the large collection of Japanese crafts, demonstrations and workshops are conducted by renowned traditional experts or you can try a traditional tea ceremony, or partake in the multiple ceremonies such as the Sakura Matsuri Family Day.
Gaia Retreat, Byron Bay, NSW
8. India
India can be inspiring and refreshing for the soul, with many people going to learn yoga, meditate or spend time at an ashram.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN DESTINATION:
For some fresh air, inspiring yoga and great food, NSW’s Byron Bay offers a great alternative to India with the award winning world’s best day spa at Gaia Retreat.
We also recommend Bombay to Byron, right in the heart of town on Jonson Street, voted by TripAdvisor as Byron’s #1 Indian Restaurant to top off your experience.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN DESTINATION:
For some fresh air, inspiring yoga and great food, NSW’s Byron Bay offers a great alternative to India with the award winning world’s best day spa at Gaia Retreat.
We also recommend Bombay to Byron, right in the heart of town on Jonson Street, voted by TripAdvisor as Byron’s #1 Indian Restaurant to top off your experience.
Melbourne Zoo, Victoria
9. Singapore
If the incredible airport doesn’t wow you, Singapore’s shopping, dining and world-class Singapore Zoo are surely some of the most memorable attractions when visiting.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
Don’t despair, we have very own dining mecca, with Melbourne hosting critically acclaimed restaurants such as Attica, Flower Drum and Vue de Monde. And fortunately, they’ll all located just a short trip from some of the best shopping precincts as welL.
And with not one, but three world class zoo’s at Melbourne Zoo, it’s sister property Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Australian centred Healesville Sanctuary . Even Singapore can’t find you a cuteness overload with the endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum!
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
Don’t despair, we have very own dining mecca, with Melbourne hosting critically acclaimed restaurants such as Attica, Flower Drum and Vue de Monde. And fortunately, they’ll all located just a short trip from some of the best shopping precincts as welL.
And with not one, but three world class zoo’s at Melbourne Zoo, it’s sister property Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Australian centred Healesville Sanctuary . Even Singapore can’t find you a cuteness overload with the endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum!
Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland
10. Fiji
.Ahh Fiji! That’s what most travellers say as they sink their toes into white sand beaches, laying back with a cocktail in hand to peruse aqua waters while the kids are kept happy by the Kids Club!
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
Enveloped by rainforest, fringed by reef and fringed by the red outback dirt, Tropical North Queensland offers Fiji feels and more for the traveller needing a well earned "flop and drop" holiday, or for the more adventurous.
Iconic resorts and untouched beaches unite at the village of Port Douglas, known for sophisticated dining and barefoot luxe vibe. The Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge are also easily accessible for some adventure time right driving from here.
Palm Cove, the epitome of barefoot glamour with luxury hotels along palm fringed beaches, offer a choice of classy restaurants with THE most magical sunset views.
For a little more action, Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and blends laid back lifestyle with buzzing multicultural energy. Make sure to take a dip in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon, hit the morning markets or sip on a cocktail in one of the city’s ultra hip bars.
ALTERNATIVE AUSTRALIAN OPTION:
Enveloped by rainforest, fringed by reef and fringed by the red outback dirt, Tropical North Queensland offers Fiji feels and more for the traveller needing a well earned "flop and drop" holiday, or for the more adventurous.
Iconic resorts and untouched beaches unite at the village of Port Douglas, known for sophisticated dining and barefoot luxe vibe. The Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge are also easily accessible for some adventure time right driving from here.
Palm Cove, the epitome of barefoot glamour with luxury hotels along palm fringed beaches, offer a choice of classy restaurants with THE most magical sunset views.
For a little more action, Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and blends laid back lifestyle with buzzing multicultural energy. Make sure to take a dip in the sparkling Esplanade Lagoon, hit the morning markets or sip on a cocktail in one of the city’s ultra hip bars.
So there you have it! Our top ten international destinations are certainly loved by Australian travellers. However, as borders open up for travel in the next few months, there are some great options to have the same experience closer to home!