Many Australians will be chasing the sun with a beachside escape this Easter, but one surprising cooler destination has also emerged as a hotspot.

New research just released by Expedia, and conducted just before the start of the conflict in Iran pushed up fuel prices and airfares, found that 79 per cent of Aussies were planning a domestic break over the April long weekend.

Nine of the 10 most popular destinations for Easter 2026 were by the beach, with Queensland’s Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Cairns and Port Douglas taking the top five spots.

The list, based on an analysis of domestic accommodation demand on the Expedia website for travel between March 30 and April 12 (excluding capital cities), also included NSW’s Port Stephens, Central Coast and Byron Bay, as well as the coastal city of Busselton in Western Australia.

In No.10 spot was the only non-beachside destination: Tasmania’s Launceston.

Located in the north of the Apple Isle, Launceston – or “Launie”, as the locals apparently call it – is some distance from the coast but does sit at the confluence of three rivers (the North Esk, South Esk and Kanamaluka / River Tamar).

It also boasts the magnificent Cataract Gorge “urban wilderness”, was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2021 – and hosts an annual Easter festival.

Even this close to the April 3-6 long weekend, accommodation websites are showing riverside hotel rooms available from around $150 a night, with average rates of around $250.

Launceston is a popular spot for holidaymakers. Photo: Expedia

Expedia travel expert Sarah King said Launceston’s Easter popularity showed it offered travellers an appealing alternative to the classic beach holiday.

“The city delivers a rich yet compact experience, blending autumn colour, acclaimed food and wine, heritage streetscapes and easy access to nature, from Cataract Gorge to the surrounding wine regions,” she told The New Daily.

However, holidaymakers will probably want to leave the shorts and bathers at home. While other hotspots such as the Gold Coast offer temperatures between around 17 degrees (overnight) and 26 degrees in April, with Queensland’s far north even warmer, Launceston hovers from about 9 to 21 degrees.

Despite the “crisp” nights, Discover Tasmania website suggests that autumn may just be the best time to visit the state.

“Tasmania’s autumn period brings still and sunshine-filled weather, fewer crowds and a front-row seat to nature’s spectacular wardrobe change,” it promises.

King said that beyond the holiday peak, Launceston was also emerging as a “strong year‑round destination”, especially after a major airport upgrade last year that has increased capacity.

Queensland’s Gold Coast topped the most popular Easter destinations. Photo: Expedia

Expedia’s research also ranks the top 10 “trending” Easter destinations in Australia based on demand between March 30 and April 12 this year compared with the same period last year.

In No.1 spot was another inland city ­– Queensland’s Toowoomba, with a 315 per cent increase in interest.

“We see events continuing to drive uplift to regional Australia, with Meatstock coming to Toowoomba in the second week of April and acting as a major drawcard,” King told 9Travel.

“The festival attracts thousands of visitors from outside the region, generating demand and local tourism.”

Toowoomba is trending this Easter. Photo: Expedia

Most of the other trending destinations are coastal, including NSW’s Bryon Bay (interest up 145 per cent), Port Stephens, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour.

Canberra and Queensland’s Noosa also experienced significant increase in interest.

King said value-for-money was a key consideration for holidaymakers, with an average accommodation rate of around $250 per night making Toowoomba an appealing option.

“Keeping your options open on timing and destination is key,” she said of last-minute bookings, noting that Brisbane and Canberra also offered rates ranging from $200 to $350 a night.

Most popular destinations

1.         Gold Coast, Queensland
2.         Sunshine Coast, Queensland
3.         The Whitsundays, Queensland
4.         Cairns, Queensland
5.         Port Douglas, Queensland
6.         Port Stephens, NSW
7.         Central Coast, NSW
8.         Byron Bay, NSW
9.         Busselton, Western Australia
10.       Launceston, Tasmania

Trending destinations

1.     Toowoomba, QLD (+315 per cent)
2.     Byron Bay, NSW (+145 per cent)
3.     Port Stephens, NSW (+130 per cent)
4.     Tweed Heads, NSW (+125 per cent)
5.     Coffs Harbour, NSW (+120 per cent)
6.     Wollongong, NSW (+100 per cent)
7.     Newcastle, NSW (+75 per cent)
8.     Noosa, QLD (+65 per cent)
9.     Canberra, ACT (+45 per cent)
10.  Port Macquarie, NSW (+25 per cent)