June 17 2025, SYDNEY: With the July school holidays around the corner, Wotif has revealed the top destinations Aussie families are booking for the break, and it’s clear they are chasing the sun with Queensland’s Gold Coast, Cairns, and the Sunshine Coast taking out the top three spots. 

However, it’s not all about the Sunshine state with many venturing beyond for a mix of city stays, wine, and rural charm, as destinations like Mildura, Yarra Valley, Carlton and Sydney Olympic Park prove popular.

Rebecca Hurley, Wotif Travel Expert says: “This winter, travellers are after more than just sunshine, they’re looking for unique and memorable experiences. Wotif’s trending destinations, like Mildura, Carlton and Sydney Olympic Park, are turning up the heat with standout events and experiences that are drawing in the crowds from all over the country but also redefining what the winter holiday can look like in Australia.

Hurley continues: “Mildura, in particular, is stealing the spotlight—literally and figuratively — with the Trail of Lights, an immersive art installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro, who is famed for Uluru’s Field of Light. Until the end of August, the Trail of Lights will transform the banks of the Murray River into a glowing wonderland that blends both nature and light this winter.”

Wotif’s Domestic July School Holiday Trends

Domestic travel booking tips for this July School Holidays, according to Wotif:   

• Book your accommodation now: With nearly a quarter of Aussies (22%)** planning to travel, July is shaping up to be a busy holiday period – but it’s not too late to book a holiday! Book your accommodation now to avoid missing out, and don’t forget to grab your tickets to the winter events and experiences while you’re at it – especially limited capacity events like Mildura’s Trail of Lights.
• Best value domestic destinations to stay in for under $250 a night³: Travellers can find affordable accommodation in destinations like Alice Springs, NT, Port Stephens, NSW and Katoomba, NSW
• Bundle up and save: Travellers can save an average of $377 by bundling their flight and hotel booking on Wotif***
• Mates Rates: Wotif’s Mates Rates are free to join and give travellers access to special deals of between 10% to 50% off on select accommodation bookings.

Winter Event Insights

• Trail of Lights at Mildura, VIC: Acclaimed artist Bruce Munro transforms Mildura’s landscape into a glowing dreamscape, with over 12,500 firefly lights and sculptures. Wander through illuminated pathways that merge art, light, and the natural beauty of the Murray River.
  • Dates: 4^th of April – 30^th of August 2025
  • Wotif Accommodation Tip: Econo Lodge Mildura
• The LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum in Carlton, VIC: This world-first exhibition brings the Star Wars universe to life with over 8 million LEGO® bricks, masterfully assembled by LEGO Certified Professional Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught. Explore massive models, iconic scenes, and interactive build zones in an epic adventure for fans of all ages.
  • Dates: Until 19^th of July 2025
  • Wotif Accommodation Tip: The Eminence Apartments by CLLIX
• Disney on Ice at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW: Join all your beloved on-screen characters in a magical ice-skating adventure. With dazzling costumes, iconic music, and world-class skating, this show on ice has it all making it a must for the kids.
  • Dates: 9 – 13 July 2025
  • Wotif Accommodation Tip: Novotel Sydney Olympic Park  
• Bondi Festival at Bondi, NSW: Bondi Festival returns with a vibrant mix of theatre, comedy, music, arts, and family fun. All from right next to the beach, enjoy the iconic ice rink, Ferris wheel, explore local markets, and catch award-winning performances beachside.
  • Dates:4 – 20 July 2025
  • Wotif Accommodation Tip: Meriton Suites Bondi Junction

[1] Based on domestic accommodation interest on Wotif.com for travel during the 2025 July school holidays

[2] Based on domestic accommodation interest on Wotif.com for travel during the 2025 July school holidays compared to the same period in 2024

* None of the events indicated are associated with Wotif in any way

** Expedia research commissioned in collaboration with YouGov. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,085 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th – 22nd January 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+). 

*** Savings based on package bookings as compared to the price on the same components booked separately if booked separately without any discounts or rewards applied. Savings vary and are not available on all packages.