Travel booking websites report a 100% increase in traffic as domestic travel restrictions are expected to be eased in the coming weeks
- Wotif has seen a massive jump in accommodation interest for holidays in June
- The data reveals Australians are eager to take regional holidays amid COVID-19
- Figures come as state and territories look to ease coronavirus travel restrictions
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Australians eager to take a well-deserved vacay during the coronavirus pandemic have jumped online in record numbers as domestic travel restrictions look to be eased.
Data collected by online booking service Wotif revealed accommodation interest for travel in June skyrocketed by more than 100 per cent across the country.
Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch said the figures revealed road trip destinations were the most popular option as state and territories move to loosen COVID-19 restrictions and allow intrastate travel.
'It's these areas that provide a bit of familiarity and comfort for travellers who may want to leave the house and get out but also want to be cautious,' he said.
Australians eager to take a well-deserved vacay during the coronavirus pandemic have jumped online in record numbers as domestic travel restrictions look to be eased. Pictured: Port Douglas beach in Queensland
'The simple pleasures are what cooped up Aussies are craving, and now the prospect of being able to go for a drive and leave the setting you've been confined to for weeks, is or will soon be a reality, depending on what state you live in.'
He believes holidays to national parks, beaches and regional hubs will make a strong return.
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In Victoria, accommodation interest for June in Bright - a base for exploring national parks - and Bendigo shot up by more than 300 per cent.
Wotif recorded an increase in interest for Mudgee, north-west of Sydney in New South Wales, close to 720 per cent.
There was also a jump for Kiama, south of Sydney, at more than 600 per cent, while Dubbo, Orange and Batemans Bay cited interest up over 500 per cent.
Data collected by online booking service Wotif revealed accommodation interest for travel in June skyrocketed by more than 100 per cent across the country
Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch said the figures revealed road trip destinations were the most popular option as state and territories move to loosen COVID-19 restrictions and allow intrastate travel. Pictured: A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley in Victoria
Mr Finch said the data for June showed Australians were eager to avoid crowds and visit regional areas for a getaway.
'While our Wotif.com data shows travel interest is returning for the country's regular local hotspots as expected, many regional areas are also trending, suggesting that while Aussies are keen to leave home, they're perhaps looking for quieter escapes away from the crowds,' he said.
The Federal Government's 'roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia' states that interstate travel should be allowed by phase-three of their three-step framework.
But the return of domestic travel has been a point of contention for state and territory leaders.
The ACT, NSW and Victoria kept their borders open throughout the health crisis, but banned residents from travelling.
Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania decided to shut off from the rest of the country and their borders remain closed.
Wollongong (pictured), south of Sydney, saw accommodation interest up over 480 per cent in June
While NSW's borders remain open, the state will only ease rules on intrastate travel from June 1. Residents will be allowed to holiday anywhere in NSW.
Victoria will also relax their rules on June 1, allowing residents to stay in a holiday home or tourist accommodation including caravan parks and camping grounds.
Western Australia, who is in phase-two of their roadmap, relaxed regional travel from May 18.
Queensland will allow residents to enjoy a 'drive holiday' in their region in June and will look to further allow intrastate travel come July.
Regional travel is currently allowed in South Australia.
The Federal Government's 'roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia' states that interstate travel should be allowed by phase-three of their three-step framework. Pictured: Margaret River in Western Australia
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