Queensland dominates Tripadvisor travel list for autumn escapes

Travel giant Tripadvisor has released its autumn index of Australia’s top tourist destinations – and Queensland has pulled off a major coup.

It’s official: Queensland is awesome in autumn.

New research from travel giant Tripadvisor has revealed what Queenslanders have known all along – that the Sunshine State leaves others for dust over the colder months.

Tripadvisor’s autumn index lists Sydney and Melbourne as the two most popular cities for Aussies seeking a post-summer escape, but Queensland dominates the list, taking four of the top six placings.

Brisbane heads the charge, coming in third place, while Surfers Paradise (fourth), Cairns (fifth), Port Douglas (sixth) and Noosa (10th) all feature in the top 10.

No other state has more than one entry in the top 10.

The Tripadvisor data, which includes insights from prospective travellers, shows about two-thirds (66 per cent) of Aussies are planning a domestic getaway this autumn, up 14 per cent on last year, while almost half of those surveyed admitted they wanted to travel more this year than last year.

It bodes well for Queensland’s tourism industry, which fared better than any other state throughout the coronavirus pandemic, but now faces renewed competition from other destinations.

Holly Greenwood and Briony Boath enjoy a cocktail at W Brisbane. Picture: Tara Croser

The findings also play into the hands of Brisbane’s new autumn tourism campaign, which encourages southerners to ditch their dropping temperatures for Queensland’s endless summer.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane’s enviable lifestyle and warmer climate make it the perfect Aussie travel destination over the winter months.

“While southern states are preparing for their winter hibernation, Brisbane is alive with the spirit of summer thanks to the more than 280 days of sunshine we experience each year,” he said.

“Not many Melbournites could justify a swim or outdoor dinner in April, but with Brisbane’s average Autumn temperatures sitting around 27C, our city’s entertainment precincts and natural beauty are the perfect backdrop for travellers wanting to escape southern chill.

“As our city gathers momentum towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I encourage travellers to see Brisbane now as we continue our journey towards the main event where Brisbane is truly put on the world stage.”

TOP 10 AUTUMN DESTINATIONS

1. Sydney

2. Melbourne

3. Brisbane

4. Surfers Paradise

5. Cairns

6. Port Douglas

7. Hobart

8. Adelaide

9. Perth

10. Noosa
* Source: Tripadvisor