Australian Outbound Travel Trends 2026: Indonesia, Japan, and New Zealand Lead Record Returns

Planning your next international getaway from Australia? With 12.71 million short-term resident returns recorded in 2025–26, the volume of outbound travel has reached an all-time high, but the logistics of these trips are shifting. While Bali remains the primary magnet, a surge in interest toward Japan and New Zealand is diversifying how Australians move across the globe.

The Shift in Australian Outbound Tourism

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a massive post-pandemic rebound. Leisure travel is the primary driver, accounting for approximately three out of every five trips. While traditional favorites like the UK and USA remain relevant, they are struggling to match their pre-pandemic volumes compared to the explosive growth seen in Asian destinations.

Japan has emerged as a powerhouse for Australian travelers, recording 992,550 short-term resident returns in the 2025–26 period. This accounts for roughly 8% of all overseas departures. Meanwhile, Indonesia continues to dominate the market, with a staggering increase from just 93,400 trips in 2021–22 to over 1.77 million in 2025–26.

Route and Volume Comparison (2021–2026)

The following table outlines the trajectory of the most frequented destinations for Australian residents over the last five years.

Destination	2021–22	2022–23	2023–24	2024–25	2025–26	Status
Indonesia	93,400	1,127,180	1,531,190	1,741,370	1,777,270	Peak Growth
New Zealand	195,370	1,196,620	1,309,860	1,409,320	1,489,460	Steady Rise
Japan	—	311,080	702,730	910,640	992,550	Rapid Surge
USA	169,710	609,000	714,300	746,220	679,600	Slow Recovery
UK	129,640	539,650	618,570	635,510	606,080	Stable
Thailand	66,990	422,620	535,250	643,530	624,260	Stable
India	157,500	483,770	515,000	590,560	615,740	Growth

Traveler Logistics Guide

Navigating these top destinations requires different strategic approaches depending on whether you are heading for a short-haul beach break or a long-haul city tour.

Indonesia and Bali

Indonesia remains the top choice, with 1.77 million returns in 2025–26. Leisure travel makes up 86.2% of these trips.

• Optimal Itinerary: For a standard seven-day visit, allocate three nights to the southern hubs (Kuta for surfing or Sanur for quiet beaches), three nights in Ubud for cultural immersion and rice terraces, and one final night near Denpasar for departure.
• Extended Transit: To avoid the crowds, use Bali as a jumping-off point to Komodo National Park or Flores.
• Entry Requirements: Ensure your passport has at least six months validity. Check the latest Indonesian Immigration portal for e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) to skip long queues at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

New Zealand

With 1,489,460 returns in 2025–26, New Zealand is the second most popular choice.

• Route Strategy: A comprehensive 10-day trip should start in Auckland, move through Rotorua (geothermal sites) and Wellington, then cross to the South Island to finish in Queenstown.
• Ground Transport: Car rentals are the gold standard here. For those seeking a shorter break, a four-day Auckland city escape is a viable low-stress alternative.
• Must-Visit Logistics: Plan specific stops for Kaikōura (crayfish) and Milford Sound to maximize the geographical spread.

United States and United Kingdom

These long-haul markets are recovering more slowly. US travel in 2025–26 was only 63% of 2018–19 levels, while the UK sat at 90.8%.

• US Connection Strategy: Avoid trying to see the whole country in one trip. Split your visit into a "Northeast Corridor" (NYC, Washington, Boston) or a "West Coast Loop" (LA, San Francisco, Yosemite).
• NYC Logistics: New York City welcomed 65 million visitors in 2025. Use the subway system to avoid Manhattan traffic and book hotels in the outer boroughs for better value.
• UK Transit: Focus on repeat cultural visits. Use the rail network to connect London with heritage sites in the north.

Regional Connectivity Impact

The data suggests a pivot in Australian travel behavior. The dramatic climb in Indonesia's numbers—adding 1.68 million trips since 2021–22—indicates a preference for high-value, short-haul destinations. Japan's growth is even more aggressive proportionally, having more than doubled its 2018–19 levels by 2026.

This shift is reshaping airline capacity. More direct flights from Australian capitals to Denpasar, Tokyo, and Osaka are being deployed to meet this demand. Conversely, the stagnation in US travel suggests that high airfares and longer transit times are deterring the casual leisure traveler, leaving the US market primarily to purpose-driven or high-budget travelers.

FAQ: Australian Outbound Travel 2026

Which is the most visited country for Australians in 2026? Indonesia remains the top destination, with 1,777,270 resident returns recorded in the 2025–26 period, largely driven by leisure travel to Bali.

How has Japan's popularity changed? Japan has seen a rapid surge, reaching 992,550 returns in 2025–26. It now represents approximately 8% of all Australian overseas trips and has more than doubled its pre-pandemic volume.

Is the US still a popular destination for Australians? Yes, but it is the weakest recovering of the top ten. 2025–26 travel volumes are only at 63% of the 2018–19 levels.

What is the best way to see New Zealand in 10 days? The most efficient route starts in Auckland, proceeds to Rotorua and Wellington, then crosses to the South Island to conclude in Queenstown.

Pack light, book your e-Visas early, and embrace the shift toward the East.

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