Australia’s tourism sector has unveiled its most sought-after travel experiences for 2025, revealing that thrill-seeking theme park visits, immersive wildlife encounters and gourmet adventures are capturing the imagination of both domestic and international travellers.

Data from the Big Red Group’s 2025 Annual Experiences Index shows that theme parks topped the national Experience Hotlist as the most popular activity, with destinations such as the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney leading as key drawcards.

Queensland destinations accounted for six of the top ten hotspots, reflecting the state’s strength as a centre of diverse attractions that appeal to visitors seeking high-energy and memorable outings.

The demand for culinary experiences has also grown in 2025, with bookings for sunset dinner cruises, fine dining and immersive tasting experiences climbing more than five per cent year-on-year, indicating that food-centric tourism is gaining ground alongside traditional sightseeing and adventure activities.

Wildlife encounters saw a dramatic uptick, particularly among Australian travellers, with aquariums and zoo bookings surging and whale-watching cruises, reef tours and ecological excursions proving especially popular as international travellers — who accounted for seventy per cent of top experiences — increasingly sought authentic nature-based activities.

The rebound in experience-led travel reflects a broader revitalisation of Australia’s tourism industry in 2025, with international arrivals rising and cultural events, festivals and iconic attractions further enhancing the country’s appeal.

As tourism operators report strong returns from both domestic rediscovery and overseas visitors, the emphasis on quality, connection and immersive engagement appears set to shape travel trends into 2026, underscoring Australia’s diverse offerings as among the world’s most compelling year-round destinations.