Cracking regional tourism spending tipped for extended Easter and ANZAC Day holiday

17 April 2025
Consumer Spending

• More than $750 million spending boost to regional towns expected
• Local accommodation, hospitality and bakeries the big winners
• Service station spending set to soar as Aussies opt for road trips to regional locations

Regional towns across the country are expecting a bumper spending period this Easter as travellers flock to the regions to enjoy an extra-long holiday period.

New NAB data reveals more than $750 million is expected to be spent on regional tourism, including accommodation, hospitality and tourist attractions over the Easter period.

More than $450 million is expected to be spent at regional service stations as Australians pack up the car and nearly $200 million will be spent at regional restaurants, bars and pubs.

Whether it’s for a pitstop on the way through, or a pie and sausage roll for lunch, bakeries will also benefit from the influx of holidaymakers, expecting an $18m uptick and spending about 11% higher than normal.

Aussies stocking up on last minute chocolate eggs will see regional confectionary stores benefit from more than $1.6m in spending.

NAB Retail Customer Executive Larna Manson said many Aussies planned ahead this year and were enjoying a 10-day break by taking just three days off between the Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays.

“We expect regional towns to be big winners out of this extra-long Easter break, with many accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants booked out ahead of time by travellers,” Ms Manson said.

“With cost of living still at the forefront of many people’s minds, road trips across Australia are proving to be a more cost-effective way families can enjoy some time away and make new memories without the price tag of an overseas trip.”

Tim Bone, owner of BIG4 Holiday Parks Bellarine and Anglesea, said the extra-long break coming off the back of school holidays was a welcome addition for the tourism industry.

“We’re booked out for three weeks straight in April which is great,” Mr Bone said. “It’s definitely helped having school holidays combined with the Easter and ANZAC day periods together this year.

“It’s been a slower start to the year for bookings, but this is a welcome boost for us and small businesses across the region.”

Notes to the Editor: 
Predictions made from NAB transaction data pulled during the 2024 Easter period.