Australians looking to escape the winter chill have been drawn to sunny island destinations that are close to home and won’t break the bank.

Data released this week by Expedia reveals searches for island holidays by Aussie travellers have soared 40 per cent year-on-year, while social media mentions have increased 20 per cent.

According to the research, Aussies are ditching long-haul flights in favour of idyllic island locations that are easy to get to and offer a charming mix of natural beauty, culture, relaxation and value.

“Island getaways can offer exceptional value, particularly when travellers bundle flights, accommodation and activities together,” Expedia travel expert Sarah King said.

“That’s making close-to-home island escapes an increasingly attractive option for Australians looking to maximise their holiday time and budget.”

While there are some unexpected destinations on the 2026 Expedia Island Hot List, the top 10 showcases something for every type of traveller with average accommodation rates from $105 a night to $535.

2026 Island Hot List for Australian travellers

New Caledonia

What makes it hot: Just a few hours’ flight from Australia’s east coast, New Caledonia is one of our closest island neighbours. Blending French sophistication with a laid-back Melanesian culture, it is home to the world’s largest lagoon, pristine white-sand beaches, and affordable luxury resorts. Boosted by increasing air capacity, it offers great value and unique experiences.

Travel interest: +75 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Double Tree By Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort

Average daily accommodation rate: $370 a night

Palau

What makes it hot: Known for its pristine marine environment and world-class diving, Palau is a group of more than 300 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, dive world-famous sites like Blue Corner, and swim with harmless golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake. Australians seeking a more exclusive island escape now have direct access to this Micronesian paradise, with six-hour direct flights between Brisbane and Koror.

Travel interest: +60 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Palau Royal Resort

Average daily accommodation rate: $300 a night

Vanuatu

What makes it hot: With direct flights from the east coast, Vanuatu is an easy tropical escape for Aussies. Offering authentic cultural experiences, volcanic landscapes, epic diving and snorkelling (especially around the SS President Coolidge, one of the largest, easily accessible shipwrecks in the world), along with a laid-back island lifestyle, the South Pacific island nation is perfect for those looking for both relaxation and adventure.

Travel interest: +45 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Iririki Island Resort & Spa

Average daily accommodation rate: $280 a night

Cebu, Philippines

What makes it hot: What’s not to love about luxury beachfront resorts, seafood feasts, and island-hopping tours for a fraction of what you’d pay in Bali? Combining island relaxation with adventure, Cebu appeals to travellers looking for white-sand beaches, vibrant marine life, and excellent value for money.

Travel interest: +25 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Radisson Blu Cebu

Average daily accommodation rate: $105 a night

Langkawi, Malaysia

What makes it hot: Travellers are increasingly choosing Langkawi for its luxury resorts, rainforest scenery and tranquil beaches. Offering a more relaxed alternative to some of Asia’s busier hotspots, while maintaining the value on the ground, Langkawi appeals to Australians seeking a sophisticated tropical escape.

Travel interest: +25 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa

Average daily accommodation rate: $325 a night

Jeju Island, South Korea

What makes it hot: Whether it’s music, cinema, skincare, food – it seems people can’t get enough of anything Korean right now and that includes its islands. Travellers are drawn to Jeju Island for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery and unique local culture. A favourable exchange rate with the Korean won adds to the island’s value for money.

Travel interest: +20 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Shilla Stay Plus Iho Tewoo Ocean Front

Average daily accommodation rate: $185 a night

Fiji

What makes it hot: An old favourite among Australians, Fiji remains popular for its warm hospitality, luxury beachfront resorts, family friendly resort childcare, and growing eco-adventure scene. An easy 3-4 hour flight from the east coast, and with expanded Gold Coast flight options further boosting its appeal, Fiji is a convenient tropical escape.

Travel interest: +15 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Outrigger Fiji Resort

Average daily accommodation rate: $420 a night

Okinawa, Japan

What makes it hot: As travellers look beyond Japan’s major cities, Okinawa – often dubbed the Hawaii of Japan – is gaining major traction. Known for its subtropical climate, turquoise waters, and peaceful resort style, the region seamlessly pairs adventure with relaxation. Divers can explore powder-white beaches and expansive coral reefs, while wellness-seekers can indulge in longevity-boosting cuisine native to this official global ‘Blue Zone’.

Travel interest: +15 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Nikko Alivila

Average daily accommodation rate: $150 a night

The Whitsundays, Australia

What makes it hot: No passport needed. Boasting world-famous, postcard-perfect beaches and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays is a tropical paradise right in our backyard. Home to iconic natural landmarks like Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, its calm, protected waters make it a premier global destination for sailing. Today, an influx of group-friendly holiday homes, expanding luxury accommodation, and an evolving dining scene continue to elevate the region’s appeal for travellers.

Travel interest: +10 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island

Average daily accommodation rate: $535 a night

Cook Islands

What makes it hot: With local laws decreeing no building can rise higher than the tallest coconut tree, the Cook Islands remain a beautifully untouched Polynesian paradise. Loved for its laid-back charm and crystal lagoons, it is also home to the legendary Aitutaki Lagoon. With its blinding white sandbars, thriving coral gardens, and brilliant neon-turquoise waters, this hidden gem rivals the Maldives or Bora Bora at a fraction of the cost and travel time.

Travel interest: +10 per cent year-on-year

Hotel recommendation: The Edgewater Resort & Spa

Average daily accommodation rate: $370 a night

Budget-friendly tips for island travel

• Travel off-season for better value: Island escapes can be significantly cheaper outside peak periods and school holidays. Shoulder and off-season travel often deliver lower prices on flights and hotels, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed experience.
• Choose close-to-home islands to maximise holiday time: Shorter travel times mean more island time. Destinations such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Whitsundays are reachable within four hours and often only a direct flight away.
• Use price tracking: Price tracking can help members find the best time to book flights, especially useful for long-haul island trips.
• Book popular island destinations sooner rather than later: High-demand islands fill up fast, especially places like Fiji, during peak holiday periods. Booking early helps secure great rates and availability.