Outbound Australians: Where We Are Going and Why It Matters
Australians are heading overseas in record numbers, and the latest ABS data from August and July 2025 reveals a resurgence in international travel that’s shaping industry dynamics, airline route decisions, and destination marketing priorities
Key Data: Comparing August & July 2025 vs. 2024
| Month | Short-term Resident Returns | YOY Change | Total Departures | YOY Change |
| Aug 2025 | 972,070 | +6.0% | 1,834,620 | +8.3% |
| July 2025 | 1,205,170 | +5.1% | 1,819,770 | +10.3% |
| Aug 2024 | 916,890 | +6.7% | 1,694,440 | +7.7% |
| July 2024 | 1,146,340 | +15.1% | 1,650,530 | +10.4% |
- August 2025 short-term resident returns increased 6% compared with August 2024, and total departures rose 8.3%.
- July 2025 short-term resident returns increased 5.1% over July 2024, while departures jumped 10.3%.
- August 2024 saw a YOY change of 6.7% for short-term resident returns and 7.7% for total departures (compared to August 2023).
- July 2024 saw a YOY change of 15.1% for short-term resident returns and 10.4% for total departures (compared to July 2023).
Popular outbound destinations for Australians continue to be Indonesia (particularly Bali), New Zealand, and the US, aligning with preferred leisure and family routes. ABS data also highlights Indonesia as the leading destination, responsible for 17% of resident returns in August 2025.
NOTE: July’s outbound numbers are typically higher than August due to the effect of Australian school holidays, which drive a seasonal spike in family overseas travel.
Last Quarter Snapshot: Oct–Dec 2024
Looking back, the fourth quarter of 2024 showed solid outbound activity:
- October: 963,520 short-term resident departures (+13.9% yoy; 1,658,170 total departures, +12.1% yoy)
- November: 961,370 (+12.4% yoy; 1,658,170 total departures, +13.5% yoy)
- December: 823,000 (+11.3% yoy; 2,262,020 total departures, +11.6% yoy)
Departures typically spike over the holiday period, driven by both leisure and VFR (visiting friends/relatives) travel, and this pattern is likely to repeat in late 2025.
NOTE: All “total departures” figures in the table represent the combined number of short-term and long-term resident departures from Australia — i.e., Australians heading overseas for any purpose. The “short-term resident returns” figure refers to those who returned from an overseas trip of less than 12 months.
Predictions for the 2025 Holiday Quarter
Given the current pace and new route launches, outbound travel for Q4 2025 is expected to surpass 2024’s high marks—with optimistic projections for double-digit growth in short-term resident departures. Expanded airline rights, competitive airfares, and new aircraft capacity are all pushing these numbers higher.
Airline Routes: What’s New and Why It Matters
Whats New
A wave of new and expanded international airline routes is further shaping outbound travel opportunities:
- Adelaide to San Francisco (United, Dec 2025): South Australia’s first direct US link, opening new leisure and business options.
- Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth: Each adds new US, Africa, and Asia connectivity—American, Delta, and Qantas are launching and restoring routes, with Perth gaining Johannesburg and Auckland services, and Jetstar adding Manila flights.
- Sydney: Expected to record its busiest year ever for international travel, boosted by expanded bilateral air service agreements and airfares trending lower across key destinations.
- Canberra, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast: New international terminals and routes, including Newcastle to Denpasar and possible New Zealand flights, plus Jetstar’s direct Sunshine Coast–Bali route launched November 2025. These second-tier and regional airports are reshaping the outbound map, making overseas travel more accessible beyond major capitals.
Why It Matters
The sustained rise in outbound travel is changing how destinations, airlines, and tourism operators view opportunities and risks in the Australian market. For regional airports, international flights do more than simply broaden choices for local travellers—they also create new gateways for overseas visitors, supporting broader economic activity and promoting fresh tourism segments. Airlines respond to strong demand in both directions, investing in more direct connections and enhancing the travel experience.
For the visitor economy, growing outbound travel is not just a test for retaining the domestic dollar—it’s also a sign of renewed global engagement. Expanded international routes and increased capacity make Australia more visible and accessible to global audiences, enabling inbound tourism to benefit from greater connectivity. Strong outbound demand often drives new bilateral partnerships, which have a multiplier effect on inbound arrivals.
Stakeholders across the sector will be watching these patterns closely, as outbound travel and route development signal new opportunities for inbound markets, enhanced regional dispersal, and diversified visitor experiences—all contributing to a more dynamic and resilient industry. With both outbound and inbound travel reaching new highs, Australia’s reputation as an attractive, well-connected destination is set for further growth.
For Further Engagement
Follow Moses Corporate Affairs on LinkedIn for monthly breakdowns, actionable insights, and the data behind Australia’s evolving outbound travel story.
