The Top 10 International destinations for Australian travellers in 2024

Australian Travellers' tastes and preferences are often guided by world events and exchange rates. However, some destinations remain 'evergreen' as they continue to attract visitors despite geopolitical factors. Here is a list compiled from internet sources.

Here are the top 10 destinations for Australian travellers:

1. Indonesia: With 1.37 million Australians visiting in 2023, Indonesia has become the top destination for Australian travellers, overtaking New Zealand. Most visits (86%) were for holidays 
2. New Zealand: 1.26 million Australians travelled to New Zealand in 2023, with 43% visiting for holidays and 38% to see friends and relatives 
3. United States: The USA attracted 714,300 Australian visitors, many of whom travelled for holidays or to visit friends and relatives.
4. United Kingdom: 615,280 Australians visited the UK, many of whom were drawn to its cultural and historical attractions.
5. India: India welcomed 416,440 Australian visitors, many of whom travelled for business, education, or to visit friends and relatives.
6. Singapore: 392,340 Australians visited Singapore, enjoying its food, culture, and entertainment options.
7. Japan: Japan attracted 360,120 Australian visitors, who were drawn to its unique culture, food, and scenery.
8. South Korea: 353,170 Australians visited South Korea, with many interested in its technology, culture, and history.
9. Indonesia (again, but for a different reason): Indonesia also made the list due to its popularity among Australian travellers for education and employment purposes.
10. Hong Kong: Hong Kong rounded out the top 10, attracting 211,240 Australian visitors who enjoyed its shopping, dining, and entertainment options

Other popular destinations included Thailand, Vietnam, and India, with many Australians opting for international travel after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

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The data above was shared by Flight Centre at the 2025 TravMedia Summit in Sydney

Observing any changes in this list as predictions about global political events unfold in 2025 will be interesting.

Cost-of-living and other events are also having an impact of travellers' choices

The most common reasons travellers change their minds and defer or cancel their plans are:

• Safety and Security Concerns: Many travellers postpone their trips due to safety and security concerns, such as terrorism, crime, or unrest in their destination 
• Health Risks: The risk of contracting diseases, such as COVID-19, or other health concerns, like outbreaks of infectious diseases, can cause travellers to defer their plans.
• Natural Disasters: Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunamis, can make travellers reconsider their travel plans.
• Financial Constraints: Sometimes, travellers may need to defer their plans due to financial constraints, such as unexpected expenses or changes in their financial situation.
• Personal or Family Obligations: Travellers may also defer their plans due to personal or family obligations, such as a family emergency, a wedding, or other important events.