It’s no secret that Australians love to travel. Whether we seek relaxation or adventure, we’re keen to take a week or two off work to break away from everyday life. But the question is, where to next? The Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) just came out with their top 10 travel destinations for Australians for 2025. How many can you tick off? Which country are you going to next? And are you going to apply for a holiday loan? Let’s explore the list.
Overview:
Top 10 Travel Destinations for Australians
1. Indonesia – top travel destination for Australians
Indonesia is a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages. It’s no surprise that it is the number one destination for Australians according to the ABS. We all know someone that has been to Bali! Cheap flights and accommodation paired with beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage make Indonesia a great place to go exploring and learn about a new culture all in one visit. With everything so affordable, Bali makes it really easy to travel on a budget.
Travel money tip: When travelling to Indonesia, bank cards will only serve you well in the big cities like Bali or Jakarta. Travel money cards are better for smaller towns, being able to convert the Australian Dollar to Indonesian Rupiah.
2. New Zealand
It’s obvious why New Zealand is one of the top 10 travel destinations for Australians. Similar in culture and just a four hour flight away, it might be a shorter trip than some holiday destinations in Australia!
New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, filled with lush mountains, stunning glacier lakes and impressive waterfalls. Of course, New Zealand is known for its scenic views, with many iconic movies and franchises filming in the country to get the best landscapes. Travel money tip: Most of our main banks have strong ATM alliances in New Zealand, so it’s easy to withdraw money.
3. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is such a variety of places to explore from castles, farms and coastal towns to large cities packed with adventure. The UK is a gorgeous place to visit any time of the year, just keep an eye out for the weather! It has a tendency to change dramatically throughout the day.
Travel money tip: All travel cards load the British Pound, and you may find that large banks in Australia will allow for free withdrawals. Some credit and debit cards also waive their international transaction and ATM fees there.
4. United States of America
As a widely diverse country with 50 states to choose from, it’s not surprising America made it on the top 10 travel destinations for Australians. With so many attractions, events and cities, it would be difficult to choose just one place to visit in America. It just depends on what’s on your bucket list! For some it’s Disneyland in California, Broadway in New York, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Travel money tip: The US dollar is widely accepted around the world and supported by all travel money cards. You should also have no trouble using your credit or debit card to pay for things when there.
5. Japan
Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with dense cities and imperial palaces. It also features mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. Bullet trains connect the main islands of Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido, making it very easy to explore all of Japan during your trip. Kyushu is known for Okinawa and its tropical beaches, while Hokkaido is the northern island famous for its skiing. Honshu is the biggest island, home to the main cities Tokyo and Kyoto. If you love skyscrapers, shopping and pop culture, you will be right at home in Tokyo.
Travel money tip: Japan is a cash-happy culture, so be sure to have lots of cash on you.
6. Thailand
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and temples. Thailand has juxtaposition landscapes with huge cityscapes next to quiet, farming communities. Thailand’s diverse ecosystems makes it a must travel destination for Australians traveling overseas. Just make sure to take safety precautions when booking a trip to Thailand.
Travel money tip: Several travel cards support the Thai Baht, so make sure you choose the right one. Some of the main Australian banks will also offer no fee cash withdrawals.
7. Italy
Italy is a gorgeous country filled with unforgettable wonders and beautiful places for everyone in the family, from ancient ruins to colourful coastal towns, glamorous cultural cities to modernized metropolis cityscapes. Italy offers so much to see and experience, with a true mix of historical and modern landscapes blended into one beautiful country.
Travel money tip: As a country that uses the Euro, travel cards can easily be used around Italy. Additionally there are plenty of ATMs in Italy so you can use your debt or credit cards to get cash out if needed.
8. China
China is a country in East Asia with a vast landscape that encompasses grassland, desert, mountains, lakes, rivers as well as a beautiful coastline. With its food, friendly residents, unique culture and so much history to explore, China is a great travel destination for those seeking to learn while on holiday.
Travel money tip: Some travel cards allow you to convert Australian dollars to Chinese Yuan, however keep an eye out for different rates and fees that go with the transfer. You can also use your credit or debit cards, however the fees can be quite high.
9. Fiji
Fiji is a country in the South Pacific off the east coast of Australia. There are more than 300 islands, but only a few you can visit easily. It’s famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons. Its close proximity and natural beauty make it one of the top 10 travel destinations for Australians.
Travel money tip: Most travel cards support the Fijian dollar and some banks can direct you to the best option when looking to convert your money. Using your debit card in Fiji is another good option.
10. Vietnam
This year Vietnam has knocked Singapore out of the top 10 travel destinations for Australians. Australians are looking for cheap places to travel to, and Singapore happens to be a lot more expensive than the other Southeast Asian countries on this list.
Vietnam has everything you could possibly want. Hit up the northern areas for stunning mountain hikes, river trails and historical sites, the central areas for culture and beaches and the south for partying!
Travel money tip: While most things are cheap in Vietnam, take advantage of markets and street food to get the most bang for your buck. Don’t be afraid to haggle at shops too!
Exchange Rates
Before travelling overseas be sure to check out the exchange rates and tipping cultures in each city as this could influence your decision. Here are the exchange rates for the top 10 travel destinations for Australians:
| Country | Australian Dollar | Foreign Currency |
| Indonesia | $1 | 10,877.13 Indonesian Rupiah |
| New Zealand | $1 | 1.14 New Zealand Dollar |
| UK | $1 | 0.49 Pound sterling |
| USA | $1 | 0.65 US Dollar |
| Japan | $1 | 101.94 Japanese Yen |
| Thailand | $1 | 21.05 Thai Baht |
| Italy | $1 | 0.56 Euro |
| China | $1 | 4.63 Chinese Yuan |
| Fiji | $1 | 1.48 Fijian Dollar |
| Vietnam | $1 | 17,450.26 Vietnamese Dong |
Travelling anywhere in the world takes planning and research before you make your final decisions and book a plan ticket. If you need more holiday money tips, read up on some travel loan FAQs!
Need help when traveling?
The top 10 travel destinations for Australians sounds exciting but it can be disappointing when you have dreams that don’t match your budget. Don’t worry, Swoosh has come to the rescue. Check out our holiday loans and apply now, to help fund your dream holiday
