From playcations to hidden gems: the winter escapes Aussies are chasing on Airbnb

This winter, domestic travel remains front of mind for Aussies, with playcations and hidden gems offering reasons to travel, for those who are staying local. Our data shows that travellers feel a short two-to-three-hour drive is enough to switch off and activate holiday mode¹ meaning travel nearby could be the mid-year reset many are after and the perfect reason to go Weekending.

Action-packed adult “playcations” are also proving popular this winter in Australia with travellers seeking nearby escapes built around their favourite activities. Locally, Airbnb offers holiday options near golf courses, lakefronts and surf spots, catering to the growing desire to centre travel around play and adventure².

Airbnb Country Manager, Susan Wheeldon commented, “Australians don’t need to go far to feel like they’re truly away. This winter, we’re seeing travellers lean into what’s right on their doorstep, seeking out action-packed playcations built around their favourite activities, uncovering hidden regional gems, and finding incredible value closer to home. The data tells us that a two-to-three-hour drive is enough to shift into holiday mode, and that’s a powerful thing. Aussies are getting smarter and more intentional about how they travel and Airbnb is here to help them find the perfect home for wherever that takes them.”

Destinations for playcation travellers³:

AU

• Surf: Victor Harbor, South Australia
• Golf: Port Stephens, New South Wales
• Lake: Lake Macquarie, New South Wales

International

• Surf: Busan, Korea
• Golf: Chuo Ward, Hyogo, Japan
• Lake: Samosir, North Sumatra, Indonesia

• Hideout 1.0 – for a lakeside retreat in Moss Vale, NSW
• Infinity on Willowvale – for a winter golf getaway in Gerringong, NSW
• Whale Song – for a relaxing, uncrowded surfing destination in Falmouth, Tasmania

Not surprisingly, the second trend we’re seeing is budget-savvy escapes, as Aussies look to homes on Airbnb that pack a punch for their price and internationally head to warmer climates to escape the southern hemisphere dropping temperatures. From affordable retreats in Asian hot spots to European hidden-gem destinations, Gen Z travellers are seeking value without compromising on the experience⁴.

Trending destinations for budget-savvy escapes⁵:

AU

• West Tamar, Tasmania
• East Gippsland, Victoria
• Cassowary Coast, Queensland
• Kempsey, New South Wales
• Nannup, Western Australia

International

• Lombok, Indonesia
• Himarë, Albania
• Hoi An, Vietnam
• Ko Samui, Thailand

The third trend we’re seeing is Gen Z heading to emerging destinations, with searches up 20% globally as younger travellers look beyond obvious hotspots⁶. Rather than heading to buzzy destinations, young travellers are looking into places that feel fresh, distinctive and a little more under the radar.

Trending Gen Z international destinations⁷:

• Cephalonia, Greece
• Calgary, Canada
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
• Cefalù, Sicily

Closer to home in Australia, travellers are venturing beyond the cities to explore smaller regional destinations and uncover hidden gems away from the usual tourist trails.

As the appetite for off-the-grid travel shows no signs of slowing, here is a roundup of the trending hotspots Australians are exploring for a winter escape, based on search growth trends in the first quarter of 2026.

Trending domestic destinations⁸:

• Lismore, New South Wales
• Nannup, Western Australia
• Hideaway Bay, Queensland
• Mackay, Queensland
• Binalong Bay, Tasmania