Cheaper prices, fewer people: why Aussies are embracing off-season travel
By Sarah Falson
Updated July 22 2025 - 12:24pm, first published 12:30pm
A growing percentage of Aussies are turning their backs on popular European summer in favour of "off-season" travel. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
All articles from our website
The digital version of Today's Paper
All other in your area
The off-season and shoulder season market is growing as tourism operators spruik the benefits of avoiding the peak travel months in Australia and abroad.
These can include fewer crowds, cheaper prices and less impact on the environment.
Holland America Line's ANZ director of sales, Alex Pikardt, said the organisation had expanded its 2026 Europe cruise season by six weeks to allow more people to cruise outside European summer.
Popular off-season destinations are Norway during the winter for a chance to see the Northern Lights, and Belgium for its picturesque streets and Christmas markets which can be visited outside the peak Christmas holiday season.
A Holland America Line ship cruising through Norwegian fjords.
Mr Pikardt said shorter lines at iconic sites during the off-season meant "a more authentic, less hurried atmosphere" for travellers.
The reduced number of ships competing for dock space allowed for extended shore visits.
Wendy Wu Tours Australia managing director, Simon Bell, said the company had a 30 per cent growth year-on-year in passengers travelling to Japan during the northern hemisphere summer.
Japan's peak season is March to April when the cherry blossoms are blooming, and October and November when the autumn leaves turn. May and September are also popular for sumo wrestling tournaments.
Mount Fuji, as seen from a Wendy Wu tour in summer.
During the off-season from June to August, travellers can enjoy festivals including Kyoto's Gion Matsuri.
Travelling during the off-season also helps to tackle overtourism by spreading travellers out throughout the year.
"Travelling in the off-season not only offers a more enjoyable and relaxed experience, with fewer crowds and more breathing room, but also plays a key role in reducing pressure on heavily visited destinations," Mr Bell said.
"It allows travellers to engage more deeply with local culture, while helping to distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year." Extending school holidays
For East Coast Car Rentals CMO, Ben Whitmore, the big benefit of embracing the off-season is the cheaper prices and therefore the opportunity to extend the holiday.
He said Aussies are feeling fatigue from "revenge travel", and with interest rates and household costs rising, they are looking for easier, more affordable escapes - like a domestic road trip.
Road tripping. Picture: Shutterstock
"There's definitely been a shift in how Aussies are travelling - and it's happening pretty quickly," Mr Whitmore said, adding the idea of "peak season" is starting to fade as Aussies look for better value.
East Coast Rentals has had a 20 per cent rise in visits to the sites and cars are being rented for 20 per cent longer compared to last year.
He said this was "a sign that Aussies are embracing more leisurely, family-style holidays and taking the journey at a slower, more relaxed pace."
Reflections Holidays CEO, Nick Baker, said the organisation's Australian east coast holiday parks don't have "much of an off-season" but attract different kinds of travellers.
"Outside of summer and school holidays, our coastal parks tend to shift from families to a more relaxed pace, welcoming grey nomads, couples, solo adventurers, and those seeking a peaceful nature escape," Mr Baker said.
A Reflections Holidays glamping tent.
"Many people also look inland during the off-season, to enjoy activities such as hikes and fishing in the cooler months.
"The atmosphere is generally quieter and more serene, making it ideal for those who want to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy uninterrupted time outdoors."
Reflections was forecasting a 10 per cent increase in winter bookings compared to the same period last year, which represents approximately an additional 20,000 winter guests.
His top tips for enjoying the winter months either camping, caravanning or staying in a cabin were to pack layers - including thermals, waterproof jackets and extra bedding - put your screens away so you can make the most of nature, and get to know your camping neighbours to build a sense of community, and hopefully memories.
"Many of the people you meet in the off-season will be camping enthusiasts and there is always something to talk, laugh about and even learn about for your next trip," he said.
Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Perth Now
American's scathing review of popular Aussie fast food joint
An American woman has shared her thoughts on some popular food chains in Australia as she sets out on a mission to try as many eateries as she can during her time Down Under. Food and travel vlogger Elise tucked into dishes from a selection of eateries in part one of her 'rating fast food chains in Australia as an American' series. 'Been trying all the Aussie chains and here's my ratings on some of them. Let me know your ratings and where I should try next,' the video caption read. The Californian had good things to say about most of the country's takeaway spots she has tried, but not all of them received a rave review — including a venue many Aussies hold with high regard. Here's what Elise had to say about these restaurants: The young American kicked off the series with a review of one of the most quintessential fast food establishments — McDonalds. Elise said the golden arches Down Under reign supreme compared to its American counterpart. She was particularly impressed by the breakfast menu and has even started referring to the fast food giant as 'maccas' in true Aussie style. 'I think it's way better here than in the US, I love the breakfast and the coffee's are so good.' Verdict: 7/10 Adored frozen dessert bar Yochi came out on top for the American, but Elise did admit there was some room for improvement when it comes to the range of flavours on offer. 'Love the butterscotch and the cookie dough but we have a tonne of these in the US,' she said. 'I wish they had more seasonal flavours.' Verdict: 9/10 Elise's Yochi bowl. Credit: TikTok 'Small portions? You mean normal size 😅,' wrote another. Verdict: 7.5/10 'As a southern Californian girl this was absolutely so disappointing,' she declared. 'The chicken was burnt and it (was) mostly all rice, super boring, wouldn't go back two out of ten. 'I got a free burrito from the app and that's the only reason I didn't complain.' Guzman and Gomez stans took to the comments to defend their adored eatery. 'How did you give GYG a 2 bruh,' one offended commentor wrote. 'Giving GYG a 2 is criminal,' a second person added. Verdict: 2/10 Trailing not too far behind with a below average rating was pizza giant Dominos. Elise once again pointed out her disappointment with the small size of the meals. 'Next is Dominos which I have gotten a few times here and the portions are way smaller than the US,' she said, 'They also don't have the same garlic butter crust.' Verdict: 4/10
The Advertiser
18 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Dengue on the rise: What every traveller needs to know before heading to Asia
Picture: Getty Images By Sarah Falson Question: Mosquito-borne illness is on the rise. What's the best way to avoid it? With Australia's warm weather and outdoor lifestyle, we are used to the odd mosquito bite, but when we go overseas, bites could be more serious. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area Mosquito bites are one of the fastest-growing threats to global travellers. Dengue fever is on the rise across south-east Asia and around the world, transmitted to people by mosquitoes infected with dengue virus. The virus and the types of mosquitoes that spread it are found in tropical and sub-tropical countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam. Here's what you need to know before you pack the bug spray. According to NSW Health, travellers should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. If contracted, dengue can involve severe flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headache, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, as well as fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes a faint red rash. But the World Health Organisation (WHO) says people with dengue are often asymptomatic. There is also no specific treatment and people with dengue are often given pain medication, WHO says. According to WHO, dengue is the most widespread and rapidly increasing vector-borne disease in the world. From 2015 to 2019, south-east Asia cases increased by 46 per cent. So far this year there have been 41,582 cases in the region, 4258 severe cases and 64 deaths. Travellers can bring dengue home - without knowing it Western Sydney University senior lecturer in microbiology, Dr Thomas Jeffries, says travellers can also bring dengue back with them. "They can't spread it like you spread the flu or COVID by coughing or breath. But they can have it in their bloodstream and get bitten by a mosquito [who then bites other people and spreads it]," Jeffries says. How to protect yourself from bites The Smartraveller website says travellers should take precautions, including wearing insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), sleeping under a portable mosquito net and spraying your clothes and mosquito nets with insecticide containing permethrin. Be extra cautious during early mornings and late afternoons when mosquitoes are most active, and avoid areas near stagnant water, Smartraveller says. It also recommends wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and closed shoes, and keeping doors and windows closed if they don't have insect screens. Climate change is fuelling the mosquito surge Monash University of Malaysia associate professor in molecular virology, Vinod Balasubramaniam, said there is a direct correlation between the rise of dengue and climate change. "Because of the elevated temperatures, we are getting increased humidity. We have altered rainfall patterns. Recently, we have [had] heavier rains, but irregular monsoons. Now this enhances mosquito breeding," Balasubramaniam said from Malaysia. Vitamin B and garlic won't help - but this might Monash University World Mosquito Program senior director of field entomology, Greg Devine, says there is "not much evidence" to support some old wives' tales about who gets bitten. "There's really nothing to suggest that taking vitamin B supplements or rubbing yourself in papaya leaves or having a particular blood type, eating lots of garlic - unfortunately, there is no easy solution to making yourself less attractive [to mosquitoes]," Devine says. But they do like "sweaty people", and unfortunately for the beer drinkers, this can make us more sweaty, Devine says. He also says pregnant women and children who "tend to run a little bit hotter than everybody else" can be quite attractive to mosquitoes. Use repellent with DEET, picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Sleep under a mosquito net and wear light, loose clothing. Avoid areas near stagnant water. Be cautious at dawn and dusk. Don't count on garlic or vitamin B - they don't work. Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
The Advertiser
18 hours ago
- The Advertiser
What it's really like to visit the 50,000-year-old rock art in WA
The road to the main viewing area for Murujuga's 50,000-year-old art is past Woodside's giant gas mining and export hub. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area By Saffron Howden As you listen to the ancient stories of lore and culture carved into rocks before you, the tangle of cranes, tanks, buildings and towers typical of huge industrial facilities sit at your back. Ngarluma woman and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation senior ranger Sarah Hicks explaining rock art to visitors at the Murujuga Cultural Landscape outside Karratha in Western Australia's north west. Inset, the nearby industrial facilities, including Woodside's gas operations. Pictures by Saffron Howden The carvings - at least one million of them - are spread over a series rock outcrops on the Burrup peninsula and surrounding islands just outside Karratha in north-west Western Australia. "This is like a massive database," our guide, Ngarluma woman Sarah Hicks, says. History and knowledge are recorded in each image. A dissected kangaroo is an instructional image showing how to carve up the animal and use its parts for food, blankets, pants and combs. A rock engraving of what is thought to be a dissected kangaroo - the face is on the top right of the stone - in the Murujuga Cultural Landscape outside Karratha in Western Australia's north west. Picture by Saffron Howden An emu, or jankurna, engraving reflects the emu-shaped spaces and dust lanes of the Milky Way in the night sky, a guide to the seasons and when to hunt. A Tasmanian tiger records the extinct marsupial's presence thousands of years ago on the Australian mainland. A prehistoric fat-tailed kangaroo, mangguru, is depicted standing on four legs in its massive megafauna state, long before it evolved to hopping. A rock engraving of what is thought to be a megafauna kangaroo depicted on four legs in the Murujuga Cultural Landscape outside Karratha in Western Australia's north west. Picture by Saffron Howden As we walk and talk, small rock wallabies navigate the hardy red stones on the outcrop peaks. Ms Hicks says the presence of living animals on our visit is a good sign. There are carvings everywhere, some more faded - and older - than others. There are whales and stingrays, mice and fish tails, dingoes, quolls, goannas, spears - and people. A rock engraving of what is thought to be a whale spouting water in the Murujuga Cultural Landscape outside Karratha in Western Australia's north west. Picture by Saffron Howden Though we are asked not to take photographs of depictions of people. The outback collection - the world's largest, densest and most diverse collection of rock art engravings - is still revealing its secrets. A women's business carving of a hand was newly discovered and catalogued only weeks ago, Ms Hicks said. The bloodwood sap boiled with water to treat illness, the sticky spinifex grass (baru) burnt to make strong glue for spears and axes, the flowers that reveal when to fish depending on their bloom, and the bush tomatoes that taste like a mixture of squash and capsicum. A rock engraving of two snakes in the Murujuga Cultural Landscape outside Karratha in Western Australia's north west. Picture by Saffron Howden She's assisted by young Ngarluma man Riley Sebastian, a ranger still learning. He confesses he's never tried a bush tomato or sap medicine, but Ms Hicks says local elders still consume both. As the talk ends, our small group of well-to-do east coasters and European tourists pass a team of air quality monitors checking emissions levels from the nearby gas and fertiliser plants and iron ore and salt export facilities. We turn back to the dystopian landscape dominated by the machinery of natural resource extraction. The large industrial operations, including Woodside's north west shelf gas hub, on the Burrup peninsula near Karratha in Western Australia as seen from the Murujuga rock art gallery area. Picture by Saffron Howden The contrast could not be more stark. Woodside says it's committed to "protecting and managing this precious and culturally significant place". "Woodside has taken and continues to take proactive steps - including through emissions reduction, data sharing and ongoing support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program (MRAMP) - to ensure we manage our impacts responsibly," a spokesman said. He said recent research shows the landscape and its ancient art can live alongside the gas operations with responsible management. How will history record us? For at least 47,000 years the Ngarluma, Mardudhunera, Yaburara, Yindjibarndi, and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo peoples have slowly, carefully managed their relationship with the Pilbara land, sea and their wildlife. That record of management exists in the Murujuga petroglyphs. If the elders were still carving records into the rocks today, I wonder how they would tell the story of the oil and gas operations on their doorstep. Words by Saffron Howden Saffron is a journalist, editor and author with more than 20 years experience covering news. Get in touch:
