Ditch the beach: Australia's hottest inland summer destinations revealed

You don't have to holiday near the beach to have a good time; Australia's hottest regional destinations are inland this summer.

Canberra, Crackenback, Dubbo and the Blue Mountains are shaping up as some of the country's hippest holiday spots, according to Expedia Group's Unpack '27: The Trends in Travel report.

Searches for accommodation on Stayz.com.au from September 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, for travel between June 1, 2026 and May 31, 2027, compared to the corresponding period the previous year, showed holidays in our heartland are growing in popularity.

Nearly 57 per cent of 10,000 travellers surveyed have gone on holidays to non-coastal destinations in the past 12 months, the research in collaboration with OnePoll found.

Regional appeal is largely being driven by a mix of local culture, budget-conscious travel and a growing appetite for quieter, lesser-known spots.

Searches for Canberra in the ACT - popular for its national history, parliamentary landmarks, museum hopping and nearby wine regions - were up 55 per cent on the previous year.

Darren Karshagen, Expedia senior director Australia, says it's "no surprise" Canberra tops the list, as travellers swap beach breaks for culture-rich inland escapes.

"From world-class museums and galleries to acclaimed cool-climate wineries and a vibrant food scene, Canberra packs a remarkable amount into one easy getaway," he says.

Searches for Crackenback in NSW, a destination popular for active holidays such as alpine adventures, skiing and mountain biking, were up 45 per cent on last year.

"In Crackenback, travellers can swap city life for mountain air, spending their days hiking, biking, fishing or in winter hitting the slopes in the heart of the Snowy Mountains," says the travel expert.

Mount Hotham in NSW was up 40 per cent. The location is known for its skiing, snow sports and alpine hiking - but summer delivers a different kind of holiday.

"Whether it's carving up the ski fields in winter or exploring alpine trails in summer on bike, horse or foot, Mount Hotham delivers year-round high-country adventure," Karshagen says.

Searches for accommodation in Dubbo, NSW, were up 20 per cent on the previous period, with safari-style zoo encounters, family adventures and outback experiences proving popular.

"From unforgettable wildlife encounters at the zoo to stargazing and country hospitality, Dubbo offers a distinctly Australian holiday," Karshagen says.

The Blue Mountains in NSW was also up 20 per cent, trending for its bushwalking, scenic lookouts and small town adventures.

Karshagen says the Blue Mountains offers "epic bushwalks, dramatic lookouts, cosy cafes and wellness retreats" all within an easy drive from Sydney.

Other trending heartland destinations included Nannup in WA for its mountain biking and forest trails, SA's Hahndorf for its heritage charm and German-inspired dining, and the Southern Highlands in NSW for its cool-climate wineries and country estates.

Queensland's Tamborine Mountain was also popular for rainforest walks and cellar doors, while Victoria's Yarra Valley was trending for its wine tasting and gourmet dining.

A great holiday doesn't need a beach postcode, says Karshagen.

Holidays homes in the regions stand out for the value they deliver.

"With the flexibility of self-catering and access to amenities such as kitchens, laundry facilities, pools and generous living spaces, they're a popular choice for families and groups seeking comfort, convenience and more space to connect," Karshagen says.

If you do fancy heading to the beach, the Tweed, nestled between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, is emerging as a trending destination with searches up 35 per cent with global travellers on the previous year, the report shows.

The Tweed offers a slower pace of travel, without compromising on experiences, says Karshagen.

"Whether that's unwinding on the coast, exploring the lush hinterland, cruising along the river, or discovering exceptional paddock-to-plate dining, there is something for everyone," he says.

"The Tweed's equally varied accommodation offering, from luxury boutique stays, and hotels, to holiday homes and self-catered apartments, ensure couples, families and groups can find the perfect stay to fit their style and budget."