New data from the Tourism & Transport Forum has found that 62 per cent of Australians are considering last-minute holiday bookings.

Despite cost-of-living concerns, a large portion of the nation has indicated that they intend to continue to prioritise travel, with 75 per cent expressing their intent to go on holiday this summer period.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said: “Whether it’s due to the busy end-of-year schedule, or looking out for a final-hour deal, most Australians have said that they’d book a holiday less than a month in advance.

"Almost a third would even wait until a few days out from departure to get organised!

“With 12 per cent of Aussies responding that a good travel deal is the reason they’re planning to travel over the summer period, Australians are likely keeping an eye out for more deals as the school term comes to a close.”
The survey, conducted by Pure Profile, asked Australians about their travel plans from 1 December 2024 – 28 February 2025.

Among the findings:

  • 75% of Australians say they plan to travel this December, January or February, this number has remained steady with this time last year but has grown from 71 per cent in September. This includes 36 per cent of Australians travelling within their own state, and 25 per cent interstate. 14 per cent of Australians plan to head overseas.
  • Aussies are increasing the length of their trip, compared to last year. 32 per cent of Australians plan to travel for 8-14 days, two per cent more than this time last year, while 13 per cent have indicated they plan to voyage for more than 14 days, also up two per cent compared to the year prior.
  • NSW (27 per cent) and Queensland (25 per cent) are the most popular destinations for those travelling domestically.
  • The busiest travel weeks will be between the 17–24 December 2024, with 17 per cent of travellers heading off in this timeframe, a number only exceeded by 1–15 January 2025, with 19 per cent of Aussies planning to head off on holiday in this week.
  • Last minute travel is rife, with 62 per cent of Australians saying that they would book a holiday less than a month in advance. 30% would book a few weeks before, 24 per cent a few days before, six per cent the night before and two per cent would book the day of.
  • 25-34s are the most likely to book last minute, with 15 per cent of the age group saying they’d book the night before or day of; 13 per cent of 18-25s shared this sentiment, however other Australian age groups were less inclined to agree, with nine per cent of 35-44s, seven per cent of 45-54s, four per cent of 55-64s and three per cent of over 65s inclined to book this last minute.
  • 78 per cent of Australians plan to spend less than $5000 on their upcoming summer holiday.
  • 18-24s and 25-34s are the biggest spenders this summer season, with 22 per cent and 26 per cent of respective travellers planning to spend more than $5000.
  • The top reasons for Australian journey-makers to travel over Christmas is because they have time off work (39 per cent), the weather is optimal this time of year (14 per cent) and because they found a good travel deal (12 per cent).
  • 23 per cent of Australian pet owners plan to travel with their pet this summer, however 63 per cent plan to leave their furry family member with a loved one or pet-sitter, with another 14 per cent planning to book their pet into specialty accommodation.