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The unexpected regional city Aussies are heading to this Easter

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
An inland city is rising above its coastal counterparts for holidaymakers this Easter.

Many Aussies might have their sights set on beachside getaways this Easter, but one under-the-radar destination is quietly stealing the spotlight.

New data from Expedia has revealed that Toowoomba is the country’s top trending domestic destination this holiday period. Demand for the city has skyrocketed by 315 per cent – outpacing some of Australia’s most iconic coastal escapes.

Why Toowoomba?

Toowoomba, Qld
The regional city of Toowoomba is located two hours from Brisbane. (Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Considered Queensland’s largest inland city, Toowoomba sits on the edge of the Great Dividing Range in southern Queensland, around a two-hour drive from Brisbane. And while its ranking may come as a surprise to some, locals and long-time fans have been asking the same question for years: why not Toowoomba?

On the surface, Toowoomba could easily be overlooked as a holiday destination. But spend a little time here and the appeal quickly becomes obvious. It’s a place rich in heritage and culture, where country charm meets modern living.

Toowoomba, Qld
Country charm and modern living are all part of the package in Toowoomba. (Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland)

There’s an endless list of things to see and do, with an annual calendar that could rival any capital city. The Easter period alone is brimming with events, from local markets and live theatre productions to a 100,000-strong Easter egg hunt.

Go beyond the calendar to uncover the city’s foundational fabric, which comes to life at the Cobb+Co Museum. Documenting over 50,000 years of Queensland history, the museum is home to displays like the National Carriage Collection, comprising 47 beautifully restored horse-drawn vehicles. But it’s more than just something to look at.

Cobb+Co Museum in Toowoomba, Qld
Check out the vintage National Carriage Collection at Cobb+Co. (Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Visitors can get hands-on with workshops exploring heritage trades like blacksmithing and millinery, or step back in time with period costume dress-ups.

Another must for history buffs is DownsSteam, a volunteer-run museum showcasing a range of railway memorabilia. For art aficionados, there’s the Regional Gallery. For foodies, the city has a thriving local cafe scene. If you’ve got a passion worth travelling for, Toowoomba has an answer.

Table Top Mountain in Toowoomba, Qld
Hike to the summit of Table Top Mountain for panoramic views. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)

Outdoor enthusiasts are equally spoilt for choice. The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, from Table Top Mountain to Picnic Point Lookout. Less than an hour’s drive away, Ravensbourne National Park is also home to hiking trails, babbling brooks, scenic views, native wildlife and more than 80 bird species.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Unpacking the data

According to Expedia, Toowoomba has clearly emerged as a new favourite for Aussies this Easter. Compared to the same period last year, demand among domestic travellers has surged by a staggering 315 per cent, placing it well ahead of Byron Bay – which saw a 145 per cent increase.

Queens Park in Toowoomba, Qld
Domestic demand around Toowoomba has surged by a whopping 315 per cent. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)

When it comes to the most popular Aussie destinations this Easter, a broader trend begins to emerge. As autumn approaches, travellers are clearly chasing the last of the warm weather, with nine of the top 10 destinations located by the beach.

The Gold Coast remains the top pick, but hotspots like Port Stephens and Noosa aren’t far behind. Meanwhile, 79 per cent of Aussies are choosing to stay local this year, suggesting rising fuel prices are also shaping travel decisions.

The full list

The top trending domestic destinations this Easter:

  1. Toowoomba, Qld
  2. Byron Bay, NSW
  3. Port Stephens, NSW
  4. Tweed Heads, NSW
  5. Coffs Harbour, NSW
  6. Wollongong, NSW
  7. Newcastle, NSW
  8. Noosa, Qld
  9. Canberra, ACT
  10. Port Macquarie, NSW

The most popular domestic destinations this Easter:

  1. Gold Coast, Qld
  2. Sunshine Coast, Qld
  3. The Whitsundays, Qld
  4. Cairns, Qld
  5. Port Douglas, Qld
  6. Port Stephens, NSW
  7. Central Coast, NSW
  8. Byron Bay, NSW
  9. Busselton, WA
  10. Launceston, Tas
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.