Australia’s holiday hotspot revealed as lockdowns smash the industry

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Australia’s surprising number one holiday hotspot has been revealed as COVID-19 border closures cause holidaymakers to focus on domestic destinations. 

Broome may not be the first place in mind when thinking of a tropical paradise – but pristine white sandy beaches and warm blue water is exactly what the location offers.  

Australians are booking tickets to the remote town on Western Australia’s north coast in droves with Broome topping the list of flight bookings for 2021, according to new research by Skyscanner. 

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Broome in WA (pictured) may not be the first the first place in mind when thinking of a tropical paradise – but that is what the location offers

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The white sandy beaches of remote Broome have been called among the best in Australia

Travel review site TripAdvisor also recently found in a survey that Broome was the most popular holiday destination for Australians looking to get away after experiencing months of lockdowns and travel bans.  

Personal assistant Joelle Matier, 22, and Johnathan Dean, 24, from Perth decided to head to Broome for a six-day break together after they both could no longer go on their international trips.

‘It’s so beautiful, clean, pristine. The temperature is amazing and the beaches are amazing … I would definitely come back,’ Ms Matier told The Australian from Cable Beach on Tuesday. 

While the visit was Ms Matier’s first to the area, Mr Dean, a PhD student, said he remembered the location from a trip ten years ago and while there may not be the buzz of places like America, the beach were among the best in the world.  

The federal government banned international travel in mid-March to stem the spread of coronavirus, with the ban then extended earlier in September until the end of this year. 

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Western Australia’s north (pictured) is one of the few areas where Australia’s rugged outback reaches the coast

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Beach horse and camel treks are a popular activity for hoiidaymakers in Broome (pictured)

Australians returning to the country have also been subject to 14-days of hotel quarantine and associated flight caps which have left thousands stranded overseas struggling to get flights home. 

Varying state border closures have also been in place throughout the year with Western Australia currently closed to all states.

The flight booking data, however, shows Australians are betting that state borders will be open and at least some international destinations will be full steam ahead next year. 

Filling out the top four destinations booked in September for travel next year along with Broome were London, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.  

Tourist accomodation in scenic Australian areas has been steadily being booked up as travellers who would usually head overseas shift their attention to exploring our own coasts, national parks, and world famous outback. 

‘Many of our WA visitors to Broome are new, in that they would usually be visiting Europe, North America or high-end Bali [instead] they are discovering the charms of Broome for the first time.’ Natasha Mahar, chief executive of Australia’s North West Tourism said. 

Broome’s Bali Hai resort and spa owner Andy Guidera said his occupancy rates for September to November were the best in 20 years, while Seashells Broome owner Deb Williams agreed. 

‘We have seen a huge increase in occupancy from September into 2021, which is  really promising,’ Ms Williams said. 

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Australians looking for a breather from lockdowns are booking holidays in remote Australian locations such as Broome (pictured)


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