Australia is projected to attract the most travellers from China during the 2026 Lunar New Year break, with bookings likely to more than double over last year's total, according to Trip.com’s forecast. The report highlighted natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and the outback’s landscapes as among the most appealing attractions. Total trip spending from China, Australia’s top market, reached A$12.3 billion for the year ending in September 2025, according to Tourism Australia.
Industry insiders said the lure of wine, seafood, nature and flexible small-group itineraries was driving interest in Australia.
Bookings are projected to surge on new flights, flexible itineraries and ease of payment. Australia is set to attract “the most travellers from China” during the break, according to Trip.com’s 2026 Lunar New Year travel forecast.
The report highlighted natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and the outback’s landscapes as among the most appealing attractions.
Total trip spending from China, Australia’s top market, reached A$12.3 billion (US$8.7 billion) for the year ending in September 2025, according to Tourism Australia, a government promotional agency.
Nick Henderson, Tourism Australia’s regional general manager for Greater China, pointed to wine tours, Melbourne’s cafe culture and the Sydney Fish Market as top attractions. Keywords include Trip.com, Melbourne, Sydney Fish Market, Australia, China, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Airlines, Dragon Trail International, China Southern Airlines, China Trading Desk, Tourism Australia, Lunar New Year, Japan, Beijing.
This trend underscores the ongoing appeal of Australia to Chinese tourists, supporting the country's tourism recovery.