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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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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours.

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.