Bali continues to dominate as Australia’s favorite overseas holiday destination, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors from the country in 2024 and reinforcing its reputation as a short-haul paradise for sun-seekers, families, and adventurers alike. Now, researchers are turning to Australians themselves to better understand why the Indonesian island maintains such enduring appeal.
A Destination Australians Can’t Resist
Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali has long served as a tropical escape for Australians thanks to its accessibility, affordability, and cultural depth. With flight times as short as three hours from Perth and often under six from Sydney or Melbourne, the island represents a convenient getaway. Return tickets frequently priced below AUD 500, coupled with a lower cost of living than back home, have only strengthened its pull.
From Kuta’s nightlife to Ubud’s lush rice terraces, Bali offers broad appeal. Families are drawn to resorts, surfers flock to world-class breaks, and culture-seekers immerse themselves in temple ceremonies and Balinese traditions. “For decades, Bali has been a home away from home for Australians,” the release noted, emphasizing the strong emotional connection forged over generations of travel.
In 2025, that connection has only deepened. Between January and May, the island recorded 2.64 million international arrivals, a nine percent increase from the previous year, with Australians leading the influx. The growth comes even as other destinations like Japan gain momentum, thanks in part to ski tourism and currency advantages. Still, Bali remains unrivaled as Australia’s top international getaway.
Tourism’s Economic Weight—and Its Strains
The continued influx of travelers is vital to Indonesia’s economy. Tourism contributes 4.6% to national GDP in 2025 and supports nearly 26 million jobs. But the sector’s growth also highlights familiar challenges. Overtourism, infrastructure strain, and environmental concerns have raised questions about how Bali can balance mass tourism with long-term sustainability.
Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s main gateway, handled more than 5.2 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Officials are advancing plans for a second airport in North Bali, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027. The expansion aims to ease congestion and spread tourism to less-frequented regions, offering Australians new opportunities to explore beyond the main hubs of Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.
A New Study Examining Australian Perspectives
Against this backdrop, researchers are launching a new effort to learn more directly from travelers. Alexander Josiassen of Copenhagen Business School and Asti Aksari of Udayana University are collaborating on a study aimed at capturing Australians’ perceptions of Bali and identifying what keeps them coming back. The two first met at Victoria University in Melbourne and share a background in studying destination image and tourist behavior.
“Whether you’re currently soaking up the sun in Seminyak or recently returned from a Balinese adventure, your insights are vital,” the researchers said in the release. Their study focuses on foreign tourists broadly but emphasizes Australians, given their outsized role in Bali’s tourism landscape.
The project will analyze not only the positive aspects of Bali—its landscapes, culture, and hospitality—but also challenges such as traffic congestion and overcrowding. By understanding how perceptions vary among visitors, the researchers hope to provide valuable guidance for policymakers and tourism leaders seeking a more sustainable balance.
How Travelers Can Contribute
Australians who have visited Bali recently are invited to participate in an online survey, which the researchers describe as a short questionnaire requiring only a few minutes to complete. “Your input will help shape strategies to enhance Bali’s tourism experience while preserving its cultural and natural beauty,” the call for participation noted.
The study’s findings are expected to help inform how Bali positions itself in the coming years, ensuring the island continues to deliver memorable experiences without undermining the very qualities that make it special.
Looking Ahead
Despite periodic safety concerns and mounting pressure on its infrastructure, Bali’s mix of affordability, accessibility, and cultural vibrancy has proven resilient. New developments, such as expanded airport capacity and efforts to diversify tourism beyond the south of the island, suggest that Bali is preparing for another era of growth.
“By participating in Josiassen and Aksari’s study, Aussies can help ensure Bali evolves as a destination that continues to enchant while supporting its local communities,” the release concluded.
For Australians, the message is clear: the island remains a beloved escape—and their voices could help shape its future for generations of travelers to come.
