Wotif, the Australian travel website has released its predictions for the coming year, including not just where Aussies will be travelling to, but also the why behind their choices.
In fact, with the cozzie livs being what it is and with all the stress and chaos around us, it probably comes as no surprise that people will be looking towards more harmonious and less hectic destinations in 2026. Research conducted by OnePoll that surveyed 1,000 adult responders in Australia, and a total of 24,000 adults across 18 countries, found that half of Aussies (50%) say they’ll swap the stress of over-planned trips for peaceful escapes in smaller towns, where the pace is gentler, there are smaller crowds (80%), and everything they need is close by (78%).
It’s no wonder travellers are feeling that way, as 67% of Australian respondents said that they leave a slower-paced destination feeling relaxed, less stressed (54%) and truly recharged (52%).
If this sounds like your ideal holiday but you don’t want to stray too far from home, we have great news for you: our very own Trinity Beach made the top 5 of Wotif’s 2026 Slow Down Towns.
Trinity Beach
A lesser-known Cairns destination, Trinity Beach may be tranquil, but it’s still teeming with life: from the locals who frequent the cosy restaurants and cafés — like the popular L’Unico Trattoria, an alfresco restaurant with a selection of delicious Italian and seafood meals — to the flocks of birds and the chattering wildlife all over the sleepy town.
The fine-beach sand offers a cool spot to lay down on during the hottest months, and the water is pleasantly refreshing during the spring and summer — and no need to worry about jellyfish: they have stinger nets up during the warmer months!
The beach is surrounded by a lush rainforest and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef is right on the doorstep, so you can really get your fill of nature without leaving Trinity Beach. If you would like to venture farther though, exuberant Daintree Rainforest is only about a 2-hour drive away!
Wotif’s 2026 Slow Down Towns
- Nagambie, Victoria
- Trinity Beach, Queensland
- Huskisson, New South Wales
- Robe, South Australia
- Mollymook, New South Wales