Australians have flocked to coastal destinations over the summer break, resulting in a remarkable 130% increase in tourism expenditure at major beach towns, according to recent data from National Australia Bank (NAB). Popular seaside locales across the country have witnessed significant boosts in spending across hotels, restaurants, and local services.
Noosa, a renowned holiday spot on the Sunshine Coast, recorded a 131% rise in accommodation spending, cementing its status as one of Australia’s top summer destinations. The town’s picturesque beaches, vibrant Hastings Street, accessible national parks, and famed surf breaks continue to draw visitors year after year.
Jervis Bay, located three hours south of Sydney, saw the most substantial surge in spending, particularly in its restaurants and bars, with expenditure soaring by 300%. Meanwhile, South Australia’s coastal retreat, Robe, experienced an extraordinary 714% increase in accommodation spending, marking one of the most significant jumps among the 17 hotspots tracked.
In Victoria, Lakes Entrance, a popular beach town in the state’s east, also saw a notable uptick in holiday spending. Over the fortnight starting December 21, hotel, motel, and caravan park revenue surged by 242%. Similarly, service stations in Busselton, Western Australia, experienced a 572% increase, as Australians ventured out for road trips.
Local businesses benefitted from the surge in tourism. Nerida Baker, who runs the sole food and beverage outlet at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, noted that the holiday season, including the busy Schoolies period, saw consistent traffic through to Christmas. “We plan ahead for the busy period by streamlining operations and hiring extra casual staff, particularly those on school and uni holidays,” she said.
Krissie Jones, NAB’s business direct and small business executive, emphasized the importance of the summer season for local economies. “The data highlights the ongoing trend of Australians choosing domestic holidays, reflecting thoughtful spending habits in the face of rising living costs and fluctuations in overseas exchange rates,” she explained.
According to a pre-holiday survey by the Tourism and Transport Forum, three-quarters of Australians planned to stay in their hometowns for New Year’s Eve, while 13% intended to holiday within their own state, and 8% would travel interstate.
Additional popular destinations identified by NAB include Merimbula, Batemans Bay, and Byron Bay in New South Wales; Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads in Queensland; Lorne and Rye in Victoria; and Margaret River in Western Australia. Tasmania’s Swansea and St Helens, along with South Australia’s Kingscote and Victor Harbor, also made the list of high-traffic tourism areas.
The data underscores the ongoing strength of domestic tourism, with Australians opting for local adventures during the summer season to manage economic pressures and enjoy the beauty of their own coastlines.
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