China visa-free travel explodes, plus your chance to win the ultimate Aussie rail journey

Four things Explore is loving this week.

Shanghai, China.

By Sarah Falson

Updated October 6, 2025, first published October 5, 2025

Travel to China has boomed since the introduction of visa-free short stays for Aussies, and Expedia has placed the country in its top-10 trending international destinations for the remainder of 2025. Accommodation demand has shot up between September 2025 and February 2026 in Shanghai (up 150 per cent), Shenzhen (130 per cent), Beijing (110 per cent) and Guangzhou (55 per cent) compared to last year. Intrepid's China bookings are also up 156 per cent year-on-year in 2025 and now sit 31 per cent above the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Walk this way

Two new walking tracks showcase sandstone cliff lines and colourful landscapes in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area near Lithgow, NSW. The six-kilometre family-friendly Broad Swamp Loop Walk displays Broad Swamp, eucalypts and wattles. The 17.5km Broad Swamp to Birds Rock track includes previously inaccessible and remote creeks and gorges, along with clifftop views. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Carne View Lookout.

Runcations on the rise

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"Runcations" are gaining popularity as Aussies prioritise running and hiking during their holiday, with more holiday park guests "planning their holidays around feeling good", according to Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker. Skyscanner data shows 50 per cent of 25-34-year-olds are looking to explore a new place by running or cycling this year, while Fitness app Strava recorded a 59 per cent increase in running club participation globally in 2024.

Win the ultimate rail adventure

Here's your chance to win the kind of journey travellers dream about. In this exclusive Explore competition, one lucky reader and their guest will board the legendary Indian Pacific for three nights from Sydney to Perth, complete with Gold Twin cabin, gourmet dining and off-train experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna. The adventure continues with a six-day Outback Spirit small-group tour through Margaret River and Rottnest Island in WA, travelling in style. Valued at up to $20,010, the prize includes domestic flights. Enter at giveaways.exploretravel.com.au

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.