Every year, Google’s Year in Search offers a glimpse into the collective curiosity of a nation — and in 2024, Australia's wanderlust was on full display.
From hidden coastal gems to far-flung international escapes, the list reveals where Australians are longing to be, suitcases in hand. It’s a snapshot of our evolving travel dreams, shaped by post-pandemic freedom, social media’s influence, and a renewed appetite for adventure. Iconic landmarks mingle with unexpected newcomers, offering fresh inspiration for your next escape.
Whether you're plotting a weekend getaway or a far-flung odyssey – from Bali’s eternal glow to local hideaways along the Great Ocean Road – it seems Australians have never been so ready to roam. Here’s a look at the most sought-after travel destinations for 2024, according to Google’s Year in Search.
1. Melbourne, VIC
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If Google’s Year in Search tells us anything, it’s that Melbourne is firmly at the heart of Australia’s travel plans for 2024. The top domestic travel search for the year was "cheap flights to the Gold Coast from Melbourne" – with "flights to Launceston from Melbourne", and "flights to Italy from Melbourne" not too far behind it. They reveal the city as both a gateway to international escapes and a starting point for coastal getaways. With "Jetstar cheap flights to Melbourne" also trending, it’s clear that everyone — from adventurers to holidaymakers — is looking for a way in or out of the country’s most in-demand hub.
2. King Island, TAS
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In second place was King Island, with Google's Year in Search trends reveal a growing fascination with the Tasmanian gem as a travel destination. The spike in searches for "flights to King Island" suggests that this remote island is on the radar for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path escape. Known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and boutique food scene — including its famous cheese — King Island is emerging as a sought-after retreat for travellers looking to swap the everyday for something more serene and scenic.
3. Northern Rivers, NSW
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This year's trends also hint at a growing interest in Ballina and the Northern Rivers region of NSW as must-visit destinations for 2024. With searches for "flights to Sydney from Ballina" on the rise, it’s clear that travellers are either looking to escape or return to this coastal haven. Known for its laid-back charm, surf beaches, and proximity to Byron Bay, the Northern Rivers has long been a magnet for sea-chasers, slow-living enthusiasts, and boutique holidaymakers. This year’s search data suggests Ballina isn’t just a stopover — it’s a destination in its own right.
4. Surfers Paradise, QLD
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There's been a significant interest in Surfers Paradise in 2024, with a notable increase in searches for "flights to Surfers Paradise". This surge is definitely a reflection of the Gold Coast's growing appeal as a premier travel destination, but also the region's rapid population growth; in the decade leading up to June 2023, the Gold Coast added an average of 12,790 residents annually, making it one of Australia's fastest-growing areas.
5. Port Hedland, WA
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A rising curiosity in Port Hedland has landed it in the top trending searches of 2024. As one of Western Australia’s key coastal hubs, Port Hedland is known for its striking red earth landscapes, industrial port views, and access to the Pilbara’s rugged natural beauty. The search data suggests that more travellers are eyeing this remote yet iconic town as a unique gateway to adventure, whether it’s for work, leisure, or a chance to experience the dramatic scenery of Australia’s northwest.
6. Karratha, WA
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Google’s Year in Search also revealed that Karratha is firmly on the radar of Australian travellers this year, with "flights to Karratha" trending upwards. This Pilbara powerhouse is calling adventurers seeking red-dirt horizons, ancient rock art, and access to the rugged beauty of the Dampier Archipelago. Remote? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
7. Japan
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Japan remains an Australian obsession. With searches like "Jetstar flights to Japan" soaring, it’s clear that the land of neon streetscapes, powder-drenched ski slopes, and world-class ramen is calling louder than ever. Post-pandemic wanderlust has reignited Australia’s love affair with Japan, with Tokyo’s electric buzz and Kyoto’s serene temples offering a perfect duality. Cherry blossom season might be the obvious drawcard, but the search trends suggest Aussies are planning year-round escapes. From ski trips in Hokkaido to summer festivals in Osaka, Japan’s pull is as magnetic as it is multifaceted.
8. Phuket
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With "Jetstar flights to Phuket" among the most-searched travel queries, it’s easy to see why — the Thai island’s sun-soaked beaches, luxury resorts, and legendary nightlife offer the kind of escape Aussies crave. It seems Australians are ready to trade daily routines for beachfront bliss and infinity pools with a view – add to that Phuket’s affordability, tropical climate, and iconic longtail boats drifting through turquoise waters, and it’s no surprise the island is topping travel wish lists.
9. Bali
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Google’s Year in Search confirms what we already knew — Aussies can’t quit Bali. With "flights to Bali today" trending, it’s clear that spontaneous island getaways are very much in the mix for 2024. Cheap eats, sunlit beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle continue to make Bali the ultimate escape hatch for Australians seeking a quick hit of paradise.
10. Peru
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"Flights to Peru" are also climbing the travel trend charts this year for Aussies. Adventure seekers are clearly craving more than beaches, with Machu Picchu’s ancient allure and the mystique of the Sacred Valley drawing in the intrepid crowd. From trekking the Andes to tasting world-class ceviche in Lima, Peru is shaping up to be a bucket-list essential for 2024.
11. Kathmandu
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Australian fascination with Kathmandu is growing, with "flights to Kathmandu" climbing the list of trending travel queries. The thrill of Nepal’s Himalayan trails and the cultural hum of its bustling capital are calling to us it seems – from trekking to Everest Base Camp to exploring sacred temples, Aussies are seeking something higher — both literally and figuratively — for 2024.
12. Vanuatu
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Crystal lagoons, jungle adventures, and island vibes you can’t bottle — Aussies are clearly craving the simple magic of the South Pacific. Just a short hop from home, it’s the kind of easy escape that feels anything but ordinary. Vanuatu’s grip on Queenslanders is stronger than ever, with "flights to Vanuatu from Brisbane" making it into the top 10 in Google’s Year in Search. It’s a getaway where every turn is a postcard — volcanic black-sand beaches, underwater worlds, and that unmistakable island glow.
