Australia
May 14, 2026, SYDNEY – As cooler weather sets in and one in two Aussies plan a domestic winter break*, Expedia has released its top 10 Stay Here Winter destinations, highlighting local getaways that offer strong value, fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace in winter.
Why Are Australians Choosing Domestic Travel This Winter
Aussies are rethinking how and where they travel. Expedia research reveals Aussies leaning into domestic travel, focusing on:
- Value for money (45%)
- Slower, more relaxed travel (34%)
- Shorter, easy-to-plan getaways (25%)
Additional Domestic Travel Insights:
- Top reasons Aussies travel domestically in winter: The top reasons Aussies enjoy travelling locally during winter are fewer crowds (38%), cooler temperatures (37%) and better value on accommodation and flights (30%)
- Demand for warm winter destinations: Aussies are still looking to chase the sun at home with over a quarter (29%) planning a warmer‑weather escape within Australia this winter, ahead of cold‑weather destinations at home (24%)
- How Aussies are travelling domestically: The car is still king for domestic travel, with more than three‑quarters of Aussies (78%) planning road trips over travelling by plane or train.
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Travel in Australia According to Expedia
Expedia is encouraging Aussies to stay here and rediscover local favourites in their quieter season. Expedia accommodation data shows hotspots from Byron Bay to Margaret River can be up to 40% cheaper and significantly less crowded in winter compared to summer, while also offering unique seasonal experiences.
“With the cost of travel front of mind, Aussies aren’t giving up on winter breaks, they’re simply travelling smarter,” said Sarah King, Expedia Travel Expert. “Visiting destinations in their off‑peak season is one of Australia’s best‑kept travel secrets. Staying local can mean lower prices, a slower travel experience and supporting tourism operators during quieter months.”
Expedia’s Top 10 Stay Here Winter Destinations in Australia**
Destinations which can be better value in winter compared to summer, according to Expedia data.
- Byron Bay, NSW – Up to 40% cheaper | 15% quieter, with humpback whale watching and epic winter surf
- Stay Here: Crystalbrook Byron
- Apollo Bay, VIC – Up to 35% cheaper | 90% quieter, delivering misty mornings, rugged scenery and unhurried Great Ocean Road drives
- Stay Here: Captains At The Bay
- Kangaroo Island, SA – Up to 35% cheaper | 50% quieter, ideal for peaceful wildlife encounters and seasonal walking trails
- Stay Here: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge
- Margaret River, WA – Up to 30% cheaper | 25% quieter, featuring fireside winery tastings, winter events and truffle season
- Stay Here: Heritage Trail Lodge Margaret River
- Coffs Harbour, NSW – Up to 30% cheaper | 40% quieter, perfect for hinterland hikes, relaxed beach days and winter sunshine
- Stay Here: Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour
- Launceston, TAS – Up to 25% cheaper | 45% quieter, offering cool‑climate dining, vineyards, nature-based woodfire sauna and cold plunge experiences
- Stay Here: Peppers Silo Launceston
- Sorrento, VIC – Up to 25% cheaper | 55% quieter, pairing Peninsula Hot Springs with uncrowded coastal walks
- Burleigh Heads, QLD – Up to 15% cheaper | 35% quieter, with warm winter weather, fewer lines at the theme parks and calmer beaches
- Stay Here: The Mondrian Gold Coast
- Sydney, NSW – Up to 15% cheaper | 15% quieter, perfect for theatre nights, whale watching, cosy dining, and a more relaxed city pace
- Stay Here: 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia
- Marcoola, QLD – Up to 10% cheaper | 45% quieter, ideal for sunny coastal walks and uncrowded Sunshine Coast surfing.
- Stay Here: Atlantis Marcoola
Winter Travel Deals for Aussie Travellers
To make winter getaways in Australia even easier and more affordable, Expedia is offering last-minute local winter deals, including 15% or more off selected domestic accommodation (subject to availability. Terms apply).
Explore winter travel deals in Australia: expedia.com.au/deals/seasonal
Plus, members can get double One Key cash on eligible Australian domestic stay bookings made through Expedia’s One Key loyalty program until 24 May.
###
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is winter a good time to travel around Australia?
- Yes. Winter can offer better value, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal experiences that aren’t available in peak summer months.
- What are the cheapest places in Australia to travel in winter?
- Popular Aussie destinations like Byron Bay, Apollo Bay, and Kangaroo Island can have accommodation up to 40% cheaper in winter compared to summer.
- Are popular destinations quieter in winter?
- Yes. Locations such as Apollo Bay, Sydney and Byron Bay can be up to 90% quieter for accommodation in winter compared to summer.
- What can I experience in an Australian winter?
- From whale watching in Byron Bay, to truffle season and winery firesides in Margaret River, winter unlocks experiences that are unique to the season and come without compromise.
- Where is warm in Australia during winter?
- Northern NSW and Queensland destinations like Burleigh Heads and Byron Bay offer warmer temperatures and sunshine in winter while being cheaper and quieter on accommodation compared to summer.
- Are there any travel deals for Australia this winter?
- Yes. Expedia Australia is offering winter travel deals on domestic accommodation, with 15% or more off selected stays (subject to availability and terms). Travellers can also earn double OneKeyCash rewards on eligible Australian bookings made through Expedia’s One Key loyalty program until 24 May 2026, helping make winter trips even better value.Explore current offers: expedia.com.au/deals/seasonal
*Third-party research was conducted by market research partner OnePoll in accordance with the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct. The study was conducted online among 1,000 adult respondents across Australia in April 2026.
**About Expedia’s Stay Here Winter Index:
- Affordability: Based on the average daily rates on Expedia.com.au from December to February 2025 to June to August 2025
- Visitation: Based on accommodation bookings on Expedia.com.au from December to February 2025 to June to August 2025
- Seasonal experiences: Destinations with experiences that are unique to, or truly shine during, winter
***Deals on participating properties only. Subject to availability. Please click through to individual deals to confirm prices, availability and applicable terms and conditions for these deals. Visit expedia.com.au/deals/seasonal.
****The One Key Rewards Offer is available to existing members or to new members who have successfully registered during the promotional period. Members who make a new Australian eligible hotel/accommodation rental booking between 00:00 (AEST) 11/05/2026 and 11.59pm AEST 24/05/2026 on Expedia.com.au or the Expedia Australia app will earn double the OneKeyCash on that eligible booking. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia. One Key terms and conditions apply
