Sunshine vibes

Aussies are looking to Queensland more than anywhere else in the country for their spring holiday break, as the four-week holiday season kicks off 16 September.

Photography by Tourism Queensland

24 September 2024

Tourism and Events Queensland figures report a seasonal record for the state, surpassing 18 percent intention in 2023 and 2019, and are consistent with levels of intent ahead of this year’s winter holiday period, showing Queensland continues to be the country’s holiday haven.

The new data comes as families are set to begin holidays across the state, with Queensland’s school holidays beginning this weekend and New South Wales concluding four weeks later on Sunday 13 October.

The Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast are the most popular regions for spring holidaymakers, whilst Southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Country, Outback Queensland and Townsville North Queensland have seen interest rise significantly compared to prior years.

Whilst the school holiday period will boost family travel, more Australians intend to visit the state as a couple, travel with friends and relatives or take solo trips.

Toowoomba is currently in full bloom with the Carnival of Flowers.

The city of Toowoomba, just an hour and a half west of Brisbane is full of cultural experiences and vibrant street life.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers runs until 7 October.

The event is dog-friendly.

Australians intend to visit the state as a couple, travel with friends and relatives as well as taking solo trips.

Sunshine Coast is on top of the list for its beaches, festivals and lifestyle.

Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast is one of many hidden gems.

Six in 10 visitors intend to spend $1,000 whilst in the state, with visiting the beach, eating out, nature and wildlife activities and catching up with friends and relatives the most appealing activities for tourists to Queensland across the next six months.

The most popular mode of holiday transport is by road, with 57 per ent of visitors intending to travel across Queensland by car. It follows North West Queensland’s ‘Too Great to Wait’ campaign launched in August, that encourages the 50+ drive market to consider the region, stay longer and do more.

Tourism Minister Michael Healy said, “Tourism is set to bloom this spring holiday break for operators across Queensland.

“Figures show record numbers of tourists plan to visit the Sunshine State over the September school holidays.

“From Cairns Amateurs to Coolangatta Gold, we have a packed events calendar to rival any destination globally.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan stated, “There’s no better time to visit Queensland than this spring and our latest research shows Aussies agree – we’re the most-desired destination around the country this holiday period.

“Across the coming four-week school holiday period not only do we see our parks, outback and rainforests in bloom and the whales finishing off their annual migration, we have 23 events supported by TEQ, everything from the Redcliffe Kitefest to Rumble on the Reef and Texas Country Music Festival, there is truly something for everyone.”

“Our focus now will be ensuring that this surge in interest translates into bookings with our tourism operators across the state, which is why there’s currently almost 500 deals on Queensland.com that travellers can snap up, with more great deals to be released in coming days that travellers can’t say no to.

“As we look to deliver on the industry’s ambitious goals for more than doubling overnight expenditure to $44 billion by 2032, delivering the best possible holiday for visitors to our state will be central to everything we do.”

queensland.com

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