Winter is just around the corner and you know what that means… Yep, it’s time to plan your winter getaway! No doubt thanks to the introduction of many new and improved flight routes in the last year, more and more Aussies are treating themselves to a mid-year break – and not always where you’d think. Here are five of the movers and shakers in Australia and overseas for winter 2018.
Australia
1. Long Island, QLD
Interest up nearly 280%
Long Island – one of Queensland’s famous Whitsunday Islands – is perfect for sun-lovers wanting to escape the winter chill. Only nine kilometres long, it manages to pack in 13 kilometres of bushwalking tracks, along with pristine beaches, coconut palms and lush green island views. From hiking to snorkeling, there’s so much to see and do.
July is a fantastic time to visit the Whitsundays. Not only is the average temperature 28 degrees Celsius, but the predicted average accommodation rate is just $184 per night.
Where to stay: Palm Bay Resort is a stunning Balinese-style property right on the water’s edge. The resort offers villa-style accommodation with the convenience of self-catering, along with a full-service spa, tennis court, and a swimming pool.
2. Torquay, VIC
Interest up over 100%
As the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road, it’s no surprise that interest in Torquay is growing. It’s a great place to visit any time of year, but July is one of the most affordable months, with a predicted average accommodation rate of $193 per night.
Whether you want to relax on the sand with a good book, brave the surf at Bells Beach or stretch your legs on the Surf Coast Walk, Torquay has it all. In town, visit the many cafes, restaurants and shops that dot the Esplanade or pick up some fresh local produce at the Torquay Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday morning.
Where to stay: There are many good accommodation options in town. Wyndham Resort Torquay is one of the top hotels, with sweeping views of the beautiful Zeally Bay Beach. Peppers The Sands Resort is another great choice. It’s perfect for golfers, as it’s located on the Torquay Sands Gold Course.
3. Northern Territory
Interest in Jabiru and Kakadu up over 140%, interest in Uluru up over 40%
Uluru is one of Australia’s most important cultural landscapes, and its significance and beauty continues to resonate with Aussie travellers, with searches on Wotif up 40% compared to last year. Further north, interest in Kakadu and Jabiru is growing at an amazing rate, with over 140% more searches on Wotif compared to last year.
One obvious reason for this growing interest is the introduction of more flights. Virgin Australia is launching direct flights from Brisbane to Alice Springs on 19 June 2018 and Jetstar is introducing direct flights from Brisbane to Uluru in August 2018.
Where to stay: Sails In The Desert is one of Uluru’s best hotel options and perfect for those looking to indulge. In Jabiru, the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a refurbishment that will be revealed later in the year.
4. Perth, WA
Interest up over 95%
Perth is a fantastic holiday destination, so it’s no surprise that more and more Aussies are putting it on their bucket list. From the stunning white-sand beaches to the growing restaurant and bar scene, there’s a lot to enjoy in WA’s laid-back capital.
With an average year-round accommodation rate of $160 per night, Perth also offers great value for travellers – in fact, it’s Australia’s most affordable capital city for a holiday. And with Qantas now offering direct flights to London from Perth, it’s perfect for a stopover on the way to, or from, Europe.
Where to stay: Many exciting new hotels have opened in the last year, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Tribe Perth is Perth’s newest boutique hotel, just outside the city. There’s also The InterContinental Perth City Centre, which opened in October 2017, and The Westin Perth, which opened in April 2018.
5. Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Interest up nearly 95%
As one of only seven fully enclosed valleys in the world, the Kangaroo Valley is home to stunning rainforests, sandstone cliffs, beautiful national parks, and the gorgeous Kangaroo River.
Our research has found that more than half of us (53%) travel to pursue hobbies, with wine being one of our favourite passions. With its award-winning wineries, including the Yarrawa Estate, is it any wonder that the Kangaroo Valley is so popular?
Where to stay: For character and comfort just five minutes out of town, head to The Laurels B&B Kangaroo Valley. There are four room types to choose from, each with direct access to a spacious veranda that overlooks the property’s garden (which includes a vegie patch and a chicken coop).
Overseas
1. Kowloon, Hong Kong
Interest up nearly 250%
With direct flights from Australia to Hong Kong now offered by Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia and Hong Kong Airlines, a trip to Hong Kong has never been easier or more affordable. And Aussie travellers know it, with searches for Kowloon on Wotif up a whopping 250% from last year. With its thriving fashion and arts industry, world-class restaurants and exciting nightlife, Hong Kong is diverse city with broad appeal.
There are even more flights coming. In 2017, Virgin launched direct flights from Melbourne to Hong Kong and in July 2018 it will introduce direct flights from Sydney. Cathay Pacific has also announced plans to increase the capacity of its Australia-Hong Kong flights, which should encourage even more price competition and further reduce airfares. Hong Kong International Airport is also highly acclaimed – in fact, Skytrax rated it as their fifth best airport for 2018. Whatever your reason for visiting, Hong Kong looks set to become more and more accessible.
Where to stay: Kowloon is the mainland of Hong Kong, with many different neighbourhoods. With so many options on where to stay, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Salisbury – YMCA of Hong Kong is a solid option near Victoria Harbour, as is the Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon.
2. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Interest up over 150%
The Gili Islands are fast becoming one of the top Indonesian alternatives to Bali, with 150% more searches on Wotif this year as compared to last. Located just off the coast of Lombok, Gili Trawangan is the biggest and most popular of the three Gili Islands, with a thriving nightlife. It’s a must-visit for snorkellers and scuba divers, who will love the stunning blue water and diverse sealife.
Where to stay: Whether it’s a day trip from Bali or a week-long escape, a getaway to the Gili islands is a must-do. Villa Nero on Gili Trawangan is a top choice for a romantic break. It was designed for couples and is located just minutes from the main strip.
3. Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Interest up over 130%
Vanuatu is ideal for holidaymakers seeking outdoor experiences. From rainforest trekking to coral reef scuba diving, from strolling on black-sand beaches to climbing volcanoes, Tanna Island offers plenty of adventure for intrepid travellers.
No doubt thanks to a visit from Prince Charles in April, interest in this humble island is up over 130% compared to last year. July is also one of the best times to visit, as it’s the middle of the dry season, with fresh south-easterly breezes making for fine, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights.
Where to stay: Tanna Island doesn’t have a huge range of properties, however there are many affordable beachside bungalows available. For resort-style accommodation with western comforts, opt for the Tanna Lodge, just a 20-minute drive from the airport.
4. Canggu, Bali
Interest up over 105%
While Seminyak remains one of Bali’s most popular destinations, it’s the laid-back village of Canggu that’s seeing significant growth this winter, with 105% more searches on Wotif this year. This relaxed stretch of black-sand beaches and villas is just the place for a chilled-out island getaway.
Where to stay: Canggu has a wide range of accommodation options, from modest bungalows to luxurious private villas. Ametis Villas is perfect for an indulgent splurge, while Kalapa Resort and Spa is a more budget-friendly option.
5. Vung Tau, Vietnam
Interest up over 90%
Vung Tau is starting to make a blip on many Aussie’s holiday radars, with 90% more searches on Wotif compared to last year. Less than two hours’ drive south of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is the beach-lined peninsula where city dwellers and holiday-makers alike come to kick back and relax. With Aussies now able to apply for a Vietnamese visa online, the country has never been more accessible.
Interest in other Vietnamese resort towns is also growing, with searches for Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam’s largest island, up nearly 25% from last year. With 70% of the island dedicated to national parks, Phu Quoc’s tropical rainforests, waterfalls, coral reefs, and stunning beach sunsets are some of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets.
Where to stay: The weekends are when Vung Tau comes alive, with both locals and expats making their way into town. Pullman Vung Tau was the first five-star hotel in the region. It has 356 rooms, many with incredible sea views.
Behind the stats
Interest and searches: We calculated interest in regions by comparing Wotif.com accommodation searches from 16 April 2017 to 16 April 2018 for travel dates from 4 July – 18 July 2018 to Wotif.com accommodation searches from 7 April 2016 to 7 April 2017 for travel dates 25 June to 9 July 2017.
Average prices: Price estimates are based on the average daily rate for 3 – 5 star-rated and self-rated accommodation demand on Wotif.com between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 for travel from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 for the described destinations. Prices shown are in Australian dollars, booked on the Australian site and are not necessarily the rates displayed on the site. Rates are subject to accommodation and date selections made.
Our research: The background research referenced in this post came from the Wotif’s Wot’s Your Journey Report. The Leading Edge were engaged by Wotif to conduct research into understanding Australian travellers. The study was conducted across August to September 2017 and consisted of two components; 1. Online Community of 40 Australian travellers, 2. Online Survey completed by a nationally representative sample of 1,036 Australians travellers (who had all travelled and stayed in paid accommodation in the last two years on leisure holidays). The survey was conducted online among members of a permission-based panel, between 23 – 29 August 2017. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Data was weighted to National Representative proportions to reflect the age, gender, and residential location of Australian travellers.
