Based on recent travel booking and search trends, here are the destinations dominating Australian travel in 2026, from powder days in Hokkaido to safaris in Sri Lanka, with something for every kind of holidaymaker.
1. Japan – Value, Culture and Powder Snow
Japan continues to be one of Australia’s fastest-growing international destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. A weaker Yen has made everything from ramen to resort stays feel like better value than ever, and the country offers a rare combination of beach, city and culture in a single trip.
Whether it’s winter skiing in Hokkaido, wandering the neon streets of Tokyo and Osaka, or eating your way through a food-first itinerary, Japan is shaping up as one of the standout picks of the year.
2. Vietnam – Luxury Without the Price Tag
Vietnam is fast becoming one of the biggest rising destinations for Australians in 2026, and it’s easy to understand the appeal. Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Da Nang are drawing travellers in with luxury resorts at prices that are hard to find elsewhere.
Add in genuinely beautiful beaches and a growing number of direct flights from Australia, and Vietnam is fast becoming a go-to for travelers who want a premium holiday without a premium bill.
3. Bali, Indonesia – The Year-Round Favourite
Bali remains one of the biggest destinations for Australians, and for good reason. It’s equally popular with digital nomads, families, couples and anyone chasing a wellness retreat or a surf trip, which means there’s a version of Bali for almost every kind of traveller.
It’s a genuine PassportCard favorite too, largely because Australians don’t just visit Bali in summer, they travel there all year round.
4. Fiji – The Easy Tropical Escape
Fiji continues to be a favorite for families, honeymooners and anyone after a relaxed beach holiday. It’s a short flight from most Australian capitals, which makes it one of the easiest tropical escapes on this list.
Consistently ranked among Australians most-loved destinations, Fiji delivers exactly what it promises: warm water, white sand and very little stress.
5. Greece – Still the Mediterranean Dream
Greece is still booming after a record run for European tourism, with Santorini, Mykonos and Crete continuing to draw the crowds.
For travellers chasing whitewashed villages, island-hopping and long lunches by the water, Greece remains hard to beat.
6. Italy – Always in Season
Italy is a perennial summer favourite, and 2026 is no exception. The Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia and Lake Como keep pulling Australian travelers back for the food, the beaches and a level of luxury that’s tough to replicate elsewhere.
It’s less a trend and more a tradition at this point, Italy just keeps delivering.
7. New Zealand – Adventure Right Next Door
New Zealand remains one of the fastest-growing destinations for Australian travellers, with year-on-year visitor growth outpacing most other top destinations. The drawcard is everything from hiking and adventure sports to luxury lodges around Queenstown and Milford Sound.
It’s proof that you don’t need a long-haul flight to have a genuinely epic holiday.
8. Malaysia – Big on Value
Malaysia is quietly becoming one of the region’s best value destinations, combining beaches, food and shopping across Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang.
For travellers wanting more holiday for their dollar, Malaysia is well worth a look.
9. Croatia – The Quieter Mediterranean
Croatia is growing rapidly among Australians looking for a Mediterranean holiday without the crowds of Italy or Greece. Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar offer that same coastal charm with a little more breathing room.
If you’ve done Santorini and want something that still feels a bit undiscovered, this is where to look next.
10. Sri Lanka – The Emerging All-Rounder
Sri Lanka has become one of the biggest emerging destinations for Australian travellers, and it’s easy to see the drawcard. Safari experiences, beaches, surfing and sweeping tea plantations all sit within a few hours of each other.
Add in luxury stays at genuinely reasonable prices, and Sri Lanka is shaping up as one of 2026’s best-value adventures.
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