New data shows day-trippers spent a record $16.2 billion in the year to June 2026, as visitors increasingly opt for shorter, more frequent trips across Sydney and regional NSW, while spending more on each trip.
The latest Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data shows NSW was number one nationally for domestic visitors, nights and expenditure, with 126.4 million domestic visitors travelling to the state during the period, including 64 million visitors to regional NSW.
Day-trip visitation rose 7.3 per cent year-on-year to 87.2 million, while expenditure surged 34 per cent, highlighting strong growth in spending on shorter trips.
Domestic day trips were the major driver of visitor and expenditure growth during the period, with the strongest results recorded among the 35-54 age group.
The Minns Labor Government identified day trips as a key economic growth driver in the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, with the state already on track to exceed its target of more than 101 million day-trip visitors by 2035 and $17 billion in expenditure.
Day trips are playing an important role in regional economies, particularly destinations within two hours of Sydney and key regional hubs. The top three day-trip destinations in the year ending June 2026 were the Hunter, North Coast and South Coast.
NSW was also Australia's most popular destination for international visitors during the period.
The state welcomed 130.6 million domestic and international visitors, up 5.1 per cent year-on-year, who spent a record $62.9 billion in NSW, up 12.8 per cent, and stayed 225.7 million nights.
International visitor expenditure rose 14.5 per cent year-on-year to $15.1 billion, driven by strong growth in visitors and expenditure from China.
International visitor markets that exceeded pre-pandemic visitation levels during the period included South Korea, up 50 per cent compared with June 2019, the Philippines, up 36 per cent, Vietnam, up 17 per cent, and the United Kingdom, up five per cent.
The Minns Labor Government has set a target of $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035, with the latest TRA data showing NSW has already achieved 69 per cent of the target.
Visitor expenditure has also surged almost $4 billion ahead of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy's transition phase target of $59 billion by December 2026.
Tourism growth was supported in the year ending June 2026 by an additional 634,465 airline seats and 1,253 new accommodation rooms across the state.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
"People are choosing shorter getaways, taking more day trips and spending more when they do, and NSW is reaping the benefits.
"Every day trip means more customers for a local café, pub, shop or attraction, putting more money into the pockets of businesses and communities across NSW.
"We're backing that growth with more flights, more accommodation and more jobs, making it easier for people to visit NSW and discover more of what our state has to offer.
"NSW is delivering what today's traveller is seeking - memorable, closer-to-home experiences that drive repeat visitation."
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said:
"It's been an exciting year for tourism in NSW following the launch of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.
"The latest Tourism Research Australia results confirm the Strategy is strengthening the resilience of the state's tourism industry and maintaining visitation and expenditure growth.
"Domestic travel behaviour is being reshaped, and Destination NSW is responding to demand for high-value, immersive visitor experiences with event investment and business support that delivers those unforgettable moments people are seeking."
