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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

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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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8 unexpected experiences to have during a weekend in Moreton Bay

Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
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    Halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the coastline is hiding a holiday gem. Meet Moreton Bay: a region brimming with unexpected experiences. 

    Weekends are a finite resource. Each year, we must decide how to extract the most value from just 52 of them – and Moreton Bay may just be the perfect way to do it. 

    But don’t be fooled by the region’s easy accessibility. It’s somehow remained an unspoken secret among locals and travellers alike. 

    It has the fresh seafood and the island-dotted bay, but did you know about the wizarding store, the disco royalty, or the vintage train-carriage-stay tucked into a national park? 

    The best part? You can explore them all without touching your annual leave balance. 

    1. Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 

    Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point 
    Be sure to stop for oysters. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    You could make the argument that the Oyster Shed at Sandstone Point is reason enough to spend a weekend in Moreton Bay. 

    What was once a humble, wooden oyster farming shack in the 1900s is now a seaside paradise: day beds bathed in Queensland sunshine, a jetty that pierces the sea, and a seafood menu based on their exclusive fishing partner’s daily catches. 

    Your first stop in Moreton Bay must be to try the area’s beloved Moreton Bay Bugs. Here, they’re served fresh in the sea breeze. Order the Crustacean Plate that’s prepared fresh each day. Or, try their signature baked fish tacos. 

    2. Ocean View Estates 

    Ocean View Estates 
    Stop in for wine and grazing plates. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Tucked away in the hills of Moreton Bay, you’ll find Ocean View Estates, poured across 100 acres of sloping vineyards. Arrive via winding or scenic mountain roads. 

    Join the Wine & Dine in the Vines experience to be greeted with a glass of wine upon arrival before taking the time to stroll (wine in hand) through the grapevines. Spot the adorable herd of Highland cows before joining a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard’s operations. Sip wine straight from the vat before starting your four-course, wine-paired degustation. 

    If you can’t bear to leave, spend the night in one of the property’s quaint wine-themed cottages. 

    3. Green Thumb Farm

    green thumb farm moreton bay
    Learn about (and taste) sustainable food growing practices at Green Thumb.

    Green Thumb Farm calls Samford Valley home. This not-for-profit, educational community farm’s goal is to share sustainable food growing practices with the community. 

    Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, you can follow the ‘farm walk’ signs through the property on a self-guided walk to witness how growing food with regenerative farming principles can support pollinators and soil to help create a more resilient food cycle. 

    To sample the produce, stop by on a Saturday morning to explore the spray-free fruit and vegetable markets. 

    4. Redcliffe KiteFest

    Redcliffe annual KiteFest
    Watch the sky change colours during KiteFest.

    Plan your visit to Moreton Bay for the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September this year and you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colour, creativity and family fun. Why? Because the Redcliffe annual KiteFest is back in town. 

    Browse the local food trucks as giant kites soar overhead, fly your own kite, let the kids try their hand at kite making with a series of workshops, and so much more. 

    For a colourful, family-friendly weekend close to Brisbane, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better in your calendar. 

    5. Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet

    Mt Nebo Railway Carriage and Chalet
    Stay in one of the region’s most unique accommodations. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Under the shaded canopy of the Boombana section of D’Aguilar National Park, you’ll find a lovingly restored 1920s Queensland Rail carriage and chalet. 

    The rail carriage comes complete with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and even a barbecue. Take your morning coffee in the buffet car’s booth seating while you browse the record selection from the train’s original luggage racks. 

    Here, among six acres of picturesque mountain rainforest, you’ll find quaint gardens, tranquil views and close access to walking trails. 

    6. Hip Hops Brewers

    Hip Hop Brewers
    Try tasty craft beer flavours at Hip Hop Brewers.

    Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers has one of the region’s most exciting craft beer offerings. Their local taproom is home to 21 different, meticulously crafted beer offerings and their mammoth selection of local wines and spirits. Hip Hops Brewers works in collaboration with local artisans and charities to deliver on their offering of drinks and events.  

    Spend an afternoon working your way through the selection at their ridiculously welcoming taproom and brewery. 

    7. The Store of Requirement

    The Store of Requirement
    Step inside for a touch of magic. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    For Harry Potter fans, The Store of Requirement is a compulsory visit. Much like the story’s Room of Requirement, the shop exists to provide whatever it is you need at the moment. Yes, that does include their own butterscotch brew. You’ll find wands, Hogwarts uniforms, and all the ingredients you’ll need for potions class. 

    You’ll even find the powder blue car Ron and Harry crash-landed at Hogwarts parked right out front. 

    8. Bee Gees Way

    bee gees way mural
    Find the groove on Bee Gees Way. (Credit: Tourism and Events Moreton Bay)

    Did you know that the Bee Gees brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice grew up in Moreton Bay? The disco supergroup called Redcliffe’s shores home before settling in at the top of the charts with hits like ‘Stayin’ Alive’. 

    Now, the spirit of disco is absolutely alive in Redcliffe thanks to Bee Gees Way. 

    The 70-metre outdoor museum pays homage to the band and was developed in collaboration with the band’s Barry Gibb. The experience is completely free and meanders along the Redcliffe foreshore. Walk down memory lane with photos, album covers, personal stories from the band, and exclusive interviews with Barry all about Moreton Bay. 

    Once the sun has set, catch the free light show set to the band’s greatest hits. 

    Trade the everyday for Moreton Bay, plan your weekend getaway now at visitmoretonbay.com.au.