Travel

16 TraveL YEAR OF NO NORMAL TRAVEL

The Big Merino, Goulburn.

Named: top 10 2023 destinations

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

WHEN three travel internet giants named their Top 10 travel trends for 2023 it came as quite a surprise when hidden gem Yeppoon was the sole Queensland town on the Australian list.

In a State which includes icons like Port Douglas and the Whitsundays, Yeppoon proved to be the quiet achiever. However anyone who has visited this beautiful place just north of Rockhampton will realise why it’s on this prestigious list

Expedia, Wotif and Stayz have recently delved into a vast bank of travel data and surveyed thousands of people to discover popular travel trends for this year.

Dubbed as The Year of the No-Normal, the latest Traveller Trends report finds that there is no longer a ‘one-sizefits-all’ approach to travel and that 2023 will bring us a year all about breaking routine and searching for experiences without compromises.

The findings were obtained from the group’s first-party data as well as custom research of thousands of travellers and industry professionals across 17 countries.

Rubbing shoulders with the diverse travel destinations of Bright and Wodonga in Victoria, Tamworth and Goulburn in NSW, and Nietta in Tasmania, Yeppoon has cracked the list of 10, with the data showing that the demand for each of these hotspots has increased by 55% or more.

“When we look at Expedia, Wotif, and Stayz data together, we see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” President of Expedia Brands Jon Gieselman said.

“We're seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, streaming services inspiring travel and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches - not a new normal, but people branching out to unexpected trends in what we're calling the "no-normal."’

WHAT AUSSIE DESTINATIONS ARE TRENDING FOR 2023?

1. Bright, High Country, VIC 2. Marysville, Yarra Valley, VIC 3. Crackenback, Snowy Mountains, NSW 4. Goulburn, Capital Country, NSW 5. Wodonga, Murray East, VIC 6. Halls Gap, Western Grampians, VIC 7. Tamworth, New England, NSW 8. E chuca, Central Murray, VIC 9. Yeppoon, Capricorn Coast, QLD 10. Nietta, North West, TAS

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The local kids say “Yep!” to Yeppoon.

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As the Capricorn Coast gears up for a very strong summer holiday period, Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said this latest published travel trend was in line with “what we already know, as we come off the back of a record couple of years”.

“While we know that this data release is looking into a crystal ball towards the future, we know that the past remains a perfect indicator of what’s to come,” Mary said.

“Our destination has continued to sustain visitation across 2022, with our accommodation operators from across both the Capricorn Coast including Rockhampton experiencing 85 – 95% occupancy consistently.”

“We have no doubt that this will continue in 2023, and we look forward to continuing to see our beautiful seaside villages along the Coast and our easily accessible island paradises continue to thrive,” Mary said.

The insights revealed that more than 40% of travellers were inspired by streamed movies and TV shows, while another 31% were influenced by social media.

Travellers are also exploring charming locations from high alpine places to farm-style escapes and the Capricorn Coast is among the destinations that have seen the highest demand increase for farm-style escapes.

“Not only are we proud to promote our stunning beaches and islands on the Capricorn Coast, but we are also fortunate to be in abundance of both country landscapes and national parks, providing visitors with a broad diversity of experiences,” Mary said.

View the full 2023 Travel Trends Report here - https://www.expedia.com/see/2023traveltrendsexpedia

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GRANT Hews has a great reason to be inseparable from his best mate and savior, Echo the Maltese Terrier. You see, Echo saved Grant’s life when he fell into a diabetic coma and when Grant was admitted to Blacktown hospital, the pair were lost without each

other. And we all know the healing power of an animal, a power that should never be underestimated. The heartwarming story begins in late December when Grant was diagnosed with COVID-19 and other underlying health issues at the hospital. More: page 6. Grant owes his life to mate Echo

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SAS JANA

BLACKTOWN Hospital’s famous Olympian Dr Jana Pittman has swapped her stethoscope for a grueling survival challenge in the latest series of ‘SAS’ TV on the Seven Network. Jana’s roller coaster ride of triumph, defeat, failure and success throughout her life makes her ideal for the rigorous format of the show. The 38-year-old dual Olympian is one of the 18 celebrities who will be subjected to extreme physical and psychological testing on the upcoming military-style show. More page 5. WESTPOINT backs domestic violence fight: 3 Mayor calls for local vaxx clinic: 6

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Blacktown Snapshot

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2021 Blacktown City Garden Competition

Calling all green thumbs, entries for the 2021 Blacktown City Garden Competition are open. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM called on residents to enter their gardens, big or small, residential or commercial in the annual competition. ‘The Blacktown City Garden Competition showcases the wonderful gardening skills of our residents and businesses,’ Mayor Bleasdale said. ‘It’s wonderful to see the great pride that so many people take in the appearance of their homes. ‘Visiting the winning gardens is one of the highlights of the Council calendar for me, and I know that this year’s entries will be as spectacular are ever. Never miss out. Get the digital edition 24/7 at www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au‘Winners not only have the bragging rights of being able to say they have the best gardens in the city, but also share in more than $3,000 prize money as well as garden products, landscaping supplies and movie passes.’ The competition is one of the best-known garden competitions in western Sydney, with 14 categories including Best Front Garden, Best Back Garden, Best Native Garden, Overall Champion Garden, and Best Sustainable Garden. There is also a new category for interesting and unusual plants. Entries close on 27 August and preliminary judging will take place between 6 and 22 September. Entries will be assessed on design, construction, maintenance and sustainability. The final round of judging by industry experts will be conducted in late September. Last year, the Blacktown City Garden Competition attracted a total of 114 entries, with the prestigious prize of Overall City Champion awarded to Bruce Pederson of Christine Crescent in Lalor Park. Over $3,000 in cash and prizes to be won! Details: blacktown.nsw.gov.au/GardenCompetition