Last-minute travellers could pay up to $1800 for long weekend getaways

School holidays and a long weekend have created huge demand for holiday accommodation, sending prices through the roof. WHAT YOU’LL PAY

Last-minute holiday bookings are in high demand, with the more than two million visitors expected to travel to Queensland over the next four weeks set to push up the price of a getaway for families in the state’s southeast.

With a long weekend next weekend for the Queen’s Birthday public holiday, and many people taking Friday off to add to this week’s National Day of Mourning to create an extra long weekend, the demand for accommodation is soaring.

Availability is slim on Airbnb, with bookings for a family of four in coastal areas of the southeast varying from $1700 to upwards of $5000 this weekend.

Next weekend over the Queen’s Birthday holiday, most Airbnbs will also cost a family of four between $1500 and $3500 for the long weekend.

Noosa would be the priciest choice from this Thursday to Sunday with most options costing more than $5000 for three nights, while a home in Kenilworth is available for more than $5500, while one at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast would cost $4000.

Noosa will be a popular but expensive getaway option over the next two weeks. File picture: Lachie Millard

An apartment for two could cost up to $4000 in Broadbeach, while a one-bedroom apartment in Fortitude Valley would be more than $1000.

Over the Queen’s Birthday weekend, families might have to fork out more than $3000 for a home in Noosa, while a house on Stradbroke Island comes to almost $3500 for the long weekend.

On Booking.com, 96 per cent of the accommodation for a family of four is now unavailable across Queensland.

Of those that are available, there’s a $1400 minimum cost for three nights over the long weekend and a top of more than $3000.

Those exceeding the $1000 a night mark include the Holiday Inn on the Sunshine Coast, the Sofitel at Broadbeach and the Gambaro and W hotels in Brisbane.

When considering accommodation, transport and hospitality costs, Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe said the spring school holidays were set to be a $2bn- plus visitor “spending bonanza” for the economy.

“More than two million visitors will travel to Queensland destinations over the next four weeks from intrastate and across Australia for unbeatable family holiday experiences,” he said.

The W Hotel in Brisbane’s CBD.

“From now until mid-October, we’ll see up to one million domestic airline seats touch down in Queensland, delivering plenty of opportunity for Australians to getaway for a perfect Queensland holiday.”

Mr Hinchcliffe said there were still good deals to explore for last-minute trips, with many Queenslanders set to add in one or two days of annual leave for camping and day trips just a short drive from home.

But those heading on a road trip to avoid the hefty hotel fees might also feel the sting with petrol prices back on the rise, according to the ACCC.

After falling to a low of just over 155 cents per litre on September 12, unleaded prices are now increasing again with Wednesday’s average price costing around 180 cents per litre and climbing.

Congestion is also expected on the roads from Wednesday afternoon, according to RACQ Traffic and Safety Engineering Manager Gregory Miszkowycz, who said people should avoid travelling at peak times.

“If holiday makers have also taken Friday off work, we could see increased traffic and congestion on the road network this afternoon as drivers leave for an extended weekend,” he said.
“Make sure when you get behind the wheel you maintain a safe distance between the car in front, don’t drive tired or affected by drugs or alcohol, don’t speed, avoid distractions, and always ensure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt.”

Expensive Airbnb destinations for a family this weekend

Kenilworth up to $1800 per night

Noosa Heads up to $1600 per night

Palm Beach up to $1300 per night

Underwood up to $1250 per night

Broadbeach $1100 per night