Nature-Based Tourism Surges as Australians Embrace Outdoor Adventures and Short Getaways

Nature-Based Tourism

Australians are increasingly choosing travel experiences that offer fresh air, outdoor adventure, personal wellbeing and a deeper connection with the places they visit. New findings from Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report reveal a growing interest in meaningful travel, while the latest tourism figures show that nature-based experiences are contributing significantly to visitor spending across New South Wales.

From regional escapes and scenic walking trails to relaxing coastal breaks and spontaneous day trips, Australians are finding new ways to recharge without necessarily taking a long holiday.

Hilton Report Reveals the Rise of Meaningful Travel

Hilton’s newly released 2027 Trends Report highlights a shift in how Australians approach holidays, with personal growth, flexibility and discovery becoming increasingly important.

Hilton Senior Vice President and Commercial Director, Asia Pacific, Ben George, describes this change as the “Great Rebalance”, reflecting a move away from passive sightseeing towards experiences that provide personal meaning and lasting benefits.

Across Asia Pacific, travellers are increasingly looking to return home with a fresh perspective, stronger connections or an improved sense of wellbeing.

Nature-Based Tourism

The report found that 75 per cent of Australian travellers consider fresh air and the outdoors essential to relaxation while travelling. More than half, or 52 per cent, spend more time immersed in nature on holiday than they do at home.

Wellbeing is another major motivation. Half of Australian travellers actively seek experiences that help calm the body and reset the nervous system, while 71 per cent say travel allows them to recharge mentally and physically in ways they struggle to achieve at home.

These findings highlight opportunities for destinations offering national parks, beaches, gardens, outdoor activities, nature retreats and wellness experiences.

Travel That Inspires Personal Growth

For many Australians, a holiday is becoming more than an escape from everyday responsibilities. Travel can provide opportunities to discover new interests, learn new skills and experience different cultures and environments.

According to Hilton, three in four Australians agree that having a trip planned gives them something to look forward to and work towards. Around 37 per cent say travelling helps them discover new interests or passions.

The trend also reflects changing expectations among younger travellers. Globally, Generation Z travellers are twice as likely as Baby Boomers to want to return home with a new hobby or interest they can continue pursuing.

Destinations that combine outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, local food and opportunities to learn may appeal to travellers seeking more than traditional sightseeing.

Short Getaways Gain Popularity

Nature-Based Tourism

Limited time is encouraging Australians to rethink how often and how long they travel. Instead of waiting for an extended holiday, many are embracing shorter, more frequent escapes that fit around work, family and other commitments.

Hilton’s report found that 58 per cent of Australian travellers like to plan trips that allow them to experience a lot in a short amount of time. Around 78 per cent consider a trip lasting less than three to four days a short holiday.

These shorter breaks can include exploring a regional town, visiting a national park, enjoying a coastal weekend or discovering attractions closer to home.

For tourism operators, the growing interest in short stays creates opportunities to develop flexible itineraries and experiences that make the most of a limited travel window.

NSW Day Trips Deliver Record Visitor Spending

New South Wales is benefiting from the growing popularity of shorter journeys. According to the latest Tourism Research Australia data reported by Destination NSW, domestic day-trippers spent a record $16.2 billion in the year ending June 2026.

NSW remained Australia's leading state for domestic visitors, visitor nights and expenditure during the period. The state welcomed 126.4 million domestic visitors, including 64 million visitors to regional NSW.

Domestic day-trip visitation increased by 7.3 per cent year-on-year to 87.2 million, while expenditure rose by 34 per cent. Visitors aged 35 to 54 were among the strongest contributors to day-trip growth.

Nature and outdoor activities played an important role in this performance. There were 25.3 million domestic day-trip visitors to NSW who participated in nature-based and outdoor activities during the year ending June 2026. They spent $4.3 billion in the state.

Nature-based tourism also attracted overnight visitors. A further 19.8 million domestic overnight visitors participated in outdoor and nature-based activities, staying 70.8 million nights and spending $15.9 billion across NSW.

Discover the Benefits of Nature-Based Travel

Nature-Based Tourism

The combination of wellbeing, outdoor discovery and flexible travel is reshaping Australian tourism. Travellers can find rewarding experiences close to home, from bushwalking and wildlife encounters to coastal adventures, regional food trails and peaceful countryside retreats.

For NSW destinations and tourism businesses, these trends underline the importance of making nature-based experiences accessible, memorable and easy to include in a short break.

With Australians increasingly seeking fresh air, personal discovery and opportunities to recharge, nature-based tourism is well placed to remain an important part of the country's domestic travel market.

Further Information

Hilton – 2027 Trends Report: Website: https://stories.hilton.com/2027-trends
Destination NSW: Website: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/
Tourism Research Australia: Website: https://www.tra.gov.au/

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