5 Travel Trends To Influence You In 2023

Travel is back in a big way, and after years of hoping we could go back to a normal world, in 2023 we welcome “the no-normal".

As we travel head-first into another new year, there is a new wave of surprising travel trends that Aussies will be embracing in 2023.

Defined as “the no-normal", travel in 2023 is all about breaking routine and searching for experiences without compromises.

The research from Expedia Group was sourced from thousands of travellers and industry professionals across 17 countries, proving there is no one-size-fits-all travel in 2023.

Here are the five most surprising trends.

1. Culture capitals

No longer being confined to a five-kilometre radius or exploring national parks with no people in sight, we are looking more for city escapes where art and culture festivities are getting back to full swing.

Sydney was the only Australian city to make the top 10 culture capitals, with WorldPride set to ignite the city come February. It is in good company with Edinburgh , Lisbon , Tokyo , Dublin , New York City , Dubai , Montreal , Munich and Bangkok rounding out the list.

Cityscape of Sydney Harbour with the opera house to the left and the harbour bridge to the right — Sydney was the only Australian city to make the top 10 culture capitals, coming in at number 6.

Most of the destinations seeing the largest increases are all culture-rich cities with events like Edinburgh Fringe or the cherry blossom festivals at the forefront.

Cityscape of Edinburgh at sunset or sunrise — Art and culture festivals like Edinburgh Fringe entice travellers in 2023.

2. Concrete holidays

From world-class stadiums to vibrant new dining and lifestyle hubs, the energy and investment being fuelled into Australia’s major cities is profound.

In fact, there’s a whole suite of new hotels on the horizon in Australia that are highly anticipated. Think, The Ritz-Carlton , Mandarin Oriental and The Motley in Melbourne, 25hours Paddington, Capella and the W in Sydney, Rosewood Hotel and Dorsett Hotel in Brisbane and TRYP by Wyndham Pulteney Street and Vibe Hotel in Adelaide.

Cityscape of Melbourne's skyline — The energy and investment being fuelled into Australia’s major cities is profound.

Sydney and Melbourne are set to benefit most from this revitalisation, with both cities already seeing strong growth – Melbourne accommodation demand increased close to 130 per cent in the last year, followed by Sydney at almost 90 per cent.

Whilst capital cities are at the top of the list thanks to new hotels, major hubs such as the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Albury, Perth, the Grampians, the Blue Mountains, and the Central Coast are also trending as convenient local escapes.

Cityscape of Sydney's skyline — Both Sydney and Melbourne are already seeing strong growth in accommodation demand.

3. Hay-cations

Rustic getaways are also on the rise, as travellers crave private stays with abundant space and exhilarating views.

Cue the hay-cation, offering an intimate escape in the Aussie countryside from converted barns to rural farmhouses.

Front of a cottage in Australian countryside — Travellers are heading to the countryside for more intimate holidays.

According to Stayz , demand for holiday homes in some of the country’s top rural destinations is up by more than 90 per cent. Interest in mountainside destinations with breathtaking views of lakes and rivers is also up by 50 per cent.

Man stokes fireplace in cosy farm stay. — Get cosy next to a fireplace and you’ll never want to leave. (Image: Renee Thurston)

The top five Stayz Hay-cation properties include:

The Maple Lodge | Robertson, NSW
Coolabah FarmHouse | Bungonia, NSW
Rushy Creek Farm | Karrindale, WA
Arbor Escape | Upper Colo, NSW
Fawlty Farm | Taylor Bay, VIC

Two chairs sit beside a pool on lush green grass at a rustic farmhouse in Australia — Travellers crave private stays with abundant space and exhilarating views.

Not only that, but travellers are also exploring charming locations from high alpine places to farm-style escapes. Bright in High Country Victoria, Echuca in Victoria’s Central Murray region, and Yeppoon on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast are among the destinations that have seen the highest demand increase for farm-style escapes, and are also featured in our list of top 50 Aussie towns.

Inside the backyard of The Bootmaker's Cottage in Birregurra, Victoria, Australia — The Bootmaker’s Cottage in Birregurra is a travel favourite.

4. Foodie-menities

More and more travellers are seeking accommodation options that have kitchen facilities to cook their meals at home while away.

Buying from local supermarkets or farmer’s markets in the destination and cooking each meal can save up to $700 per trip.

Outdoor kitchen and dining area in Yarramalong — Cooking at your accommodation can save you massively.

Cooking with your friends and family is a popular group holiday activity with almost half of Aussie travellers saying this is something they value while travelling. The top cooking appliances Australians love to see in their holiday homes are outdoor kitchens, professional coffee machines, and deep or air fryers.

When it comes to location, alfresco dining is the most popular with 67 per cent of Aussies saying it’s the preferred place for their meals when on holiday.

Outdoor dining area and woodfired oven in Yarramalong — Alfresco dining is the traveller’s top pick.

5. Set-jetters

We are definitely all guilty of watching a new TV show or movie and swiftly adding a new destination to the bucket list. And this is going to be a big travel trend in 2023.

Over two-thirds of Australians have considered booking a trip to destinations after seeing them on streamed shows or movies, whilst almost a third have actually booked.

Cityscape of New York City — Hands up if you’ve wanted to go to NYC because of a TV show or movie? (Image: Jens Honore)

From cooking shows to fantasies, dramas to documentaries, a quarter of Australians say the influence of streaming services on their travel plans has increased in the last 12 months.

Paris is of most interest to Australians based on the influence of streaming services (we’re looking at you Emily), followed by New Zealand , New York, Hawaii and Italy .

New Zealand mountainscape with person in the forefront — New Zealand is just as beautiful in real life as it is on screen. (Image: Spencer Wells)

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

5 surprising travel trends that will influence you in 2023

Travel is back in a big way, and after years of hoping we could go back to a normal world, in 2023 we welcome “the no-normal".

1. Culture capitals

2. Concrete holidays

3. Hay-cations

4. Foodie-menities

5. Set-jetters

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