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In good news for local businesses, Australians didn’t hold back this summer. New data from NAB reveals that spending in holiday hotspots surged 80 per cent over the holiday period, injecting an extra $84 million into local economies. Unsurprisingly, the ten most popular (and profitable) summer destinations were all dotted along the coast, with a few underrated beach towns enjoying a welcome boost.
Overall, the data reveals Aussies splurged around $188 million in the fortnight from December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026, with restaurants, retail and accommodations benefiting the most. So, where did holidaygoers splash the most cash?
While Victoria’s iconic summer spots – like the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road – drew plenty of visitors, it was Lakes Entrance that saw the biggest spending spike. Sitting on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach, this popular Gippsland beach town is famed for its shimmering lakes, thrilling water sports, family-friendly stays and world-class seafood. Accommodation spending in Lakes Entrance saw the biggest increase out of anywhere in Australia during the peak summer period, increasing a whopping 633 per cent over the two weeks.
Two underrated Tasmanian coastal towns also made the top ten. St Helens, the largest town on the north-east coast, saw the third-largest spending spike, with service station sales jumping 338 per cent – proof that summer is prime road-tripping season in Tassie. Further south, the sleepy seaside village of Swansea – a fabulous stopover en route from Hobart to the Bay of Fires – claimed fourth, recording a 335 per cent increase in accommodation spend.
We also want to give a shoutout to Robe in eighth, which saw a 133 per cent rise in accommodation spend. This charming fishing town along South Australia’s Limestone Coast often flies under the radar, but we’re happy to see Aussies are finally discovering the magic of its pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and iconic red and white-striped lighthouse. You can find the full list of Australia’s top ten summer hotspots where tourists spent the most below.
The top 10 Australian summer holiday hotspots where tourists spent big
- Lakes Entrance, VIC
- Lorne, VIC
- St Helens, TAS
- Swansea, TAS
- Jervis Bay, NSW
- Rye, VIC
- Margaret River, WA
- Robe, SA
- Batemans Bay, NSW
- Burleigh Heads, QLD