Amsterdam,
06
August
2021
|
05:42
Europe/Amsterdam

Australia has Olympic fever - data reveals how Aussies are inspired by the games

The Olympics are captivating Australians across the country. The combination of courageous efforts from our athletes and the naming of Brisbane as the host city for the 2032 games is providing a much needed dose of positivity across the nation in current times.

While it’s no surprise that Aussies love their sport, did you know almost one in two Aussies - the equivalent of 8.8 million people - would make a sacrifice in order to travel for sport*? More than half of the male population (51%) would make a sacrifice to see a major sporting event and women aren’t far behind with over a third in agreement (31%).

Previous Booking.com research also found Aussies are willing to part with their hard-earned savings (60%) followed by missing out on milestone family occasions (30%), showing just how high travelling for a sporting experience is on their agenda.

Backing this up, recent search data also revealed more and more Aussies are wanting to explore Brisbane in future, with the metropolitan city experiencing a surge in interest last month, placing 4th overall** - a trend that will likely continue with the new badge of honour of being an Olympic host.

Booking.com has put together a list of places to visit and stay around the nation, when safe to do so, in close proximity to beaches, running trails and epic facilities so you can get active while on your next holiday and put your Olympic inspiration into practice - or even spot the next Olympian! 

Coles Bay, Tasmania 

You’ll find every reason to fall in love with cross country running when completing the 11km Wineglass Bay Loop in beautiful Tasmania. The suggested clockwise loop will have you start with a solid climb up to the Instagram-worthy wineglass bay lookout. From there you will drop down to the beach for the rest of a reasonably flat loop, giving you plenty of time to take in the breathtaking views.


Where to stay: Freycinet Lodge

Margaret River, Western Australia

Surfers beach in Margaret River, famous for monstrous swells and holding surfing comps like the Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro could produce the next Australian surfing superstar. Follow in the footsteps of Aussie greats like Owen Wright who won a bronze in Tokyo.

Where to stay: Margarets Beach Resort

Darwin, Northern Territory

In the heart of sunny Darwin is Arafura Athletics Stadium, located within the Marrara Sporting Complex. The great thing about running events is you don’t need equipment, just a track and a good pair of shoes to train like Cathy Freeman or John Steffensenby.

Where to stay: H on Smith Hotel

Bondi, New South Wales

With skateboarding an Olympic sport since 2016, Bondi features one of Australia’s biggest skate parks, an ideal and picturesque place to brush up on your skateboarding skills. The world-class skatepark often hosts several of Australia’s largest skateboarding competitions, including the infamous Bowl-A- Rama.

Where to stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney

Anglesea, Victoria

Just off the stunning Great Ocean Road is the Anglesea Bike Park, Victoria's first professionally designed and world class 4X track. Suitable for riders of all ages and various levels of experience, that track is a great place to fall in love with BMX racing or Mountain Biking, both Olympic sports that were well represented by Australians in Tokyo. 

Where to stay: Great Ocean Road Resort

Adelaide, South Australia

Australia is home to a huge list of top, word-class golf courses, one of those being the Royal Adelaide Golf Club. Just a short drive from Adelaide’s CBD and close to the beach, Royal Adealde is an ideal place to perfect your swing and mimic the likes of golfer Cam Smith, representing Australia proudly in Tokyo. 

Where to stay: Atlantic West Beach Apartments

Gold Coast, Queensland 

Our Australian swim team have absolutely outdone themselves in the pool in Tokyo, no doubt inspiring the next round of Olympians. Currumbin Beach, in the Gold Coast, is a beautiful inlet where you can safely swim in the warmer Queensland waters to practice your stroke in both short and long distances. 


Where to stay: Little Cove Currumbin

NOTES TO EDITORS: 

*Research was commissioned by Booking.com utilising independent research body YouGov Galaxy. The research was conducted among a sample size of 1,057 Australians aged 18 years and older. Fieldwork was undertaken in February 2020. Following the completion of interviewing, the data was weighted by age and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates. 

**Recent Booking.com data on the Most Searched Destinations by Australians in July, revealed Brisbane experienced a surge in interest, placing 4th overall, with a rank change of four places in comparison to the same period last month*.