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Aussies love a bit of heated rivalry – and we’re not talking that Canadian hockey romance. We mean the endless debates over which state has the best coffee, sports teams, nightlife and beaches. While New South Wales and Victoria often steal the spotlight, Queensland is set to take centre stage in 2026. New research by Webjet reveals it’s the number one state Australians are most excited to visit this year.
For Webjet’s first-ever Travel Trends Report, the booking platform surveyed more than 2,000 Australians to find out what’s got us excited to hit the road, skies or seas over the next 12 months. The results are clear: Aussies are obsessed with travel, with half saying a trip is what they’re most looking forward to this year – even more than buying a new car, getting a pay rise, or celebrating a birthday or anniversary.
The excitement is translating into action, with almost half of Aussies (45 per cent) planning to travel more in 2026 than they did last year. Of these, 86 per cent are keen to explore their own backyard with a domestic trip, driven largely by the chance to rest and recharge (48 per cent).
So, where are Aussies keen to explore in 2026? Queensland tops the leaderboard as the state travellers are most excited to visit. The Sunshine State truly offers up something for everyone: incredible beaches, lush rainforest hikes, thrilling theme parks, luxe accommodation and beautiful weather year-round. Add in the flurry of new developments ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and there’s never been a more exciting time to visit.
While Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns remain the three most popular destinations booked via Webjet, the Sunshine Coast is rapidly gaining momentum. This gorgeous region offers a quieter alternative for travellers looking for a relaxed, nature-led escape. We recommend staying in Maroochydore or Coolum Beach for laid-back coastal vibes or heading to Maleny and Montville for some welcoming, hinterland charm.
Beyond Queensland, Australia’s smallest, coldest state is coming in hot too. Tasmania ranks as the fourth most exciting state for Aussie travellers in 2026, just behind New South Wales and Victoria. You can see the full ranking below.
The domestic destinations Australians are most excited to visit in 2026
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory