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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Travel insurance policies purchased after 12:00PM (midday) AEST on 18 June 2025 will not cover losses arising from the eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, as it is now widely reported. However, policies purchased before this date may still offer coverage, subject to the terms of the policy.
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Winter Has Arrived in Australia. Where are Aussies Travelling to Escape the Cold?

Winter in Australia: Where are Aussies travelling this season to escape the colder weather?

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Our comprehensive analysis of policy data with purchases made between 1 June and 25 June comparing 2024 and 2025, uncovers dramatic shifts in Australia winter travel trends that will reshape how travel professionals approach this crucial season.

The Great Domestic Escape: A 165% Surge

The most striking revelation from our data? Domestic travel coverage has exploded by 165.7%, jumping from just 3.5% of policies in 2024 to 9.3% in 2025. This isn’t just a minor uptick—it’s a fundamental shift in how Australians are approaching winter travel.

“We’re seeing Aussies rediscover their own backyard,” explains the data trend. While international coverage still dominates at 90.7%, the domestic surge suggests that Australian winter destinations are finally getting the recognition they deserve. From Queensland’s eternal sunshine to Western Australia’s mild winters, Australians are choosing to stay closer to home.

Travel Declines to Indonesia: The Destination Shake-Up

For years, Indonesia held the crown as Australia’s favourite winter escape, but 2025 tells a different story. Indonesia’s market share plummeted by 37.1%, dropping from 24.5% to 15.4% of all policies. This dramatic decline opens up significant opportunities for travel professionals to capitalise on emerging winter travel destinations from Australia.

The winners in this destination lottery? Thailand has claimed the top international spot, growing from 8.4% to 10.4% of policies. The Land of Smiles is perfectly positioned for Aussies seeking warm weather, affordable luxury, and cultural experiences during the winter months.

The Unexpected Winners: USA and Singapore Surge

Perhaps the most surprising trend is the surge in long-haul destinations. The United States experienced a remarkable 126.3% increase, jumping from 3.8% to 8.6% of policies. This suggests Australians are increasingly willing to travel further for their winter escapes, potentially seeking unique experiences like Northern Hemisphere winter activities or major city breaks.

Singapore’s growth of 45% (from 6.0% to 8.7%) reinforces its position as a premium stopover destination and urban getaway. For travel professionals, this presents opportunities to package Singapore as both a destination and a strategic layover for longer journeys.

Winter destination roundup: Top 10 spots for Australian travellers.

The Changing Face of Australian Travellers

The demographic data reveals intriguing shifts in Australia travel insurance trends. While families with minors continue to represent the largest segment at 24.3%, there’s been a significant evolution in age group preferences.

Older Australians are embracing winter travel like never before. The 55-64 age group surged by 32.1%, while the 35-44 demographic grew by 19.4%. Conversely, the traditional backpacker demographic (18-24) declined by 21.0%, suggesting a maturation of the Australian winter travel market.

This demographic shift has profound implications for travel professionals. Mature travellers typically seek premium experiences, longer stays, and comprehensive coverage—exactly what our data confirms with average coverage periods increasing by 25.4% to 44.5 days.

The Premium Paradox: Longer Trips, Lower Spend

Here’s where the data gets particularly interesting for industry professionals. While Australians are taking significantly longer trips, average order values have decreased by 15.3% (from $213.64 to $180.95). This suggests travellers are becoming more price-conscious while still demanding extended coverage.

Average GWP per insured has also declined by 5.7% to $80.78, indicating competitive pricing pressures in the market. For distribution partners, this trend highlights the importance of value-driven propositions and innovative packaging strategies.

 

4 Strategic Opportunities for Travel Professionals

The data presents several key opportunities for Australian travel industry partners:

Domestic Market Expansion.

With domestic travel surging 165.7%, there’s unprecedented opportunity to develop specialised winter packages for Australian destinations. Think Northern Territory’s dry season, Queensland’s tropical warmth, or Western Australia’s mild winters.

Mature Market Focus.

The growth in 35+ demographics suggests premium product opportunities. Longer trips, higher-quality accommodations, and comprehensive coverage packages align perfectly with this demographic’s preferences.

Destination Diversification.

Indonesia’s decline creates space for emerging destinations. Thailand’s growth proves Aussies are open to new experiences, while the USA surge suggests appetite for long-haul premium travel.

Extended Stay Products.

With coverage periods increasing by 25.4%, there’s clear demand for extended travel insurance products and longer-term accommodation packages.

The 2025 Australian winter travel landscape is characterised by domestic discovery, demographic maturation, and destination diversification. Travel professionals who recognise these shifts and adapt their strategies accordingly will be best positioned to capitalise on this evolving market.

Whether it’s developing domestic winter packages, targeting mature demographics, or exploring emerging international destinations, the data provides a clear roadmap for success in Australia’s changing travel market.

This analysis is based on comprehensive data from anonymised policyholder information specific to the battleface Australian market. The specific timeframe analysed was the first official month of Australia’s winter season between June 1-25 from 2025 and 2024.

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