Regional Aussies Go Big on Travel

Regional Australians are proving to be some of the nation’s most committed and adventurous travellers, according to new research from ACM. The study found that nearly three-quarters (74%) of regional residents have taken a holiday in the past 12 months, with more than a third already booking and paying for their next trip.

Far from being held back by distance or airport access, regional travellers are embracing both international and domestic getaways, often at a higher spend and for longer durations. Among those planning holidays, 23% are looking at trips lasting more than 22 nights, with 29% of these budgeting over $25,000.

International travel dominates the agenda, with 68% of recent bookers heading overseas. Domestic trips remain popular too, though they’re often more spur-of-the-moment. The research also points to a growing appetite for journey-based travel such as guided group tours, rail experiences, and cruising — holidays that are less about ticking boxes and more about immersive experiences.

Airport proximity isn’t slowing anyone down, either. Almost 70% of respondents live within two hours of an international airport, and over 90% within reach of a domestic one. Interestingly, those who live further away from airports are more likely to take longer trips.

Cruising continues to gain traction in regional areas, with 21% of respondents interested in cruising holidays. Ocean cruising is most popular, though river and expedition cruises are also making inroads.

The findings coincide with the print expansion of ACM’s Explore travel liftout, which now appears in 28 regional markets and is included in the publisher’s wider weekend lifestyle bundle.

Collette’s Managing Director Karen Deveson said the regional market has shown strong engagement with small group travel, noting that regional Australians are “inspired to try new ways of travel and explore new destinations.”

According to ACM Research and Insights Director Laura Allen, the study confirms that regional Australians are highly active and willing to invest in meaningful travel experiences — making them an important audience for the wider tourism industry.

Source: ACM Explore Travel Survey, May 2025.