US joins Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, UAE and Fiji as the Top Destinations Australians Prefer for Short Hauls, Long Hauls and Iconic Travel Experiences Abroad

Published on December 21, 2025

US joins Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, UAE and Fiji as the top destinations Australians prefer, reflecting a balance of convenience, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Australians favour nearby Asia Pacific countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Fiji and New Zealand for short haul trips due to their proximity, accessible flights, affordability, and combination of beaches, nature and cultural attractions, making them ideal for quick getaways. At the same time, long haul destinations such as the US, Japan and UAE attract travellers seeking iconic landmarks, world-class cities, shopping, entertainment and immersive cultural experiences that justify longer journeys. This mix of short and long haul options ensures Australians can satisfy both their desire for easy, relaxing escapes and their appetite for unique, memorable adventures abroad, which is why these nine countries consistently dominate Australian travel patterns.

Australians have built a strong reputation as committed international travellers, often willing to cross vast distances in pursuit of new experiences. Despite living in a country celebrated for its beaches, wilderness and vibrant urban centres, many Australians feel an enduring pull to explore what exists beyond their shores. Surrounded by ocean and far from many major population centres, international travel has become less of a barrier and more of a defining feature of the Australian travel mindset.

For a large portion of the population, overseas trips are woven into everyday life rather than reserved for rare occasions. Travel is shaped by a mix of personal curiosity, long standing cultural openness and strong air connections linking Australia to Asia, the Pacific and beyond. Whether travelling for holidays, work commitments, study or personal reasons, Australians continue to record millions of international departures, revealing clear patterns in how and where they choose to travel.

A close examination of overseas travel records from the past five years offers a revealing snapshot of these habits. The data highlights not only the countries Australians visit most frequently, but also the characteristics that make certain destinations consistently attractive. Accessibility emerges as a major factor, with direct flights, reliable infrastructure and straightforward entry processes playing an important role in destination choice.

Geography remains influential. Nearby countries continue to dominate Australian travel plans, offering shorter travel times and the flexibility to plan both brief getaways and extended stays. These destinations often feel familiar while still providing a sense of escape, making them especially popular among repeat visitors. At the same time, Australians show a strong willingness to travel long distances when a destination offers iconic experiences, global cities or unique cultural appeal that justify the time and cost involved.

The data also points to an interesting contrast in travel experiences. In certain destinations, Australians arrive in such numbers that they become part of the everyday tourism landscape, welcomed as regular visitors and supported by services that cater directly to their needs. In other parts of the world, Australians remain relatively uncommon, giving travellers a stronger sense of standing out and engaging with places that see fewer visitors from Australia. Both experiences hold appeal, reflecting the diverse motivations that drive Australian travel decisions.

Affordability plays a central role in shaping these trends. Destinations that offer competitive pricing on accommodation, food and activities continue to perform strongly, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. At the same time, safety, cleanliness and efficient transport systems are key considerations, reinforcing the popularity of countries with well developed tourism sectors and stable environments.

Cultural richness further strengthens a destination’s appeal. Countries that offer distinctive traditions, varied cuisine, shopping, festivals and natural attractions consistently attract Australian interest. Many of the most visited destinations succeed by combining cultural depth with modern convenience, allowing travellers to feel both immersed and comfortable throughout their stay.

Based on international travel patterns recorded between 2021 and 2025, the following countries emerged as the most frequently visited overseas destinations for Australians during this period:

Indonesia
Singapore
New Zealand
United Arab Emirates
Fiji
United States
Japan
Thailand
Malaysia
Vietnam

US joins Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, UAE and Fiji as Australians’ top destinations, offering a mix of short haul getaways, long haul adventures, and iconic experiences abroad.

Together, these destinations reflect a blend of regional neighbours, global hubs and established tourism favourites. They illustrate how Australians balance practicality with adventure, choosing places that offer ease of travel while still delivering memorable and enriching experiences abroad.