Brisbane has retained its crown as the most-visited destination in Australia for coach travellers in 2024, highlighting the River City’s appeal and popularity among tourists from around the world.
The country’s only national long-distance coach company Greyhound Australia can reveal more than 100,000 passengers are on track to have disembarked in the Sunshine State’s capital by the end of the year.
These passengers inject up to $20.8 million into the local economy annually, with one full busload spending about $6,000 per night and ten Greyhound services arriving at the Brisbane Coach Terminal each day.
It confirms what many visitors (and locals) already know – Brisbane is a must-visit destination, according to Greyhound Australia marketing and communications manager Michael Leard.
“We are thrilled to announce that Brisbane has maintained the top spot as the most-visited destination for Greyhound Australia passengers again in 2024,” he said.
“This achievement is a testament to the city’s incredible offerings and the hard work of the local tourism industry as we build back after Covid.”
Taking out silver was the iconic beachside haven of Byron Bay, with more than 50,000 visitors arriving by Greyhound.
Queensland features heavily on the list, with other top destinations including Airlie Beach, Noosa, Cairns, Surfers Paradise, Toowoomba, and Rainbow Beach rounding out the top ten.
“We’re looking forward to another busy summer peak travel season with the increased number of international visitors back on Australian shores,” Michael said.
“Brisbane continues to be the heart of our network, linking the north and south of the East Coast, as well as out west to Mount Isa and beyond.”
It makes sense that Brisbane tops the list for the Australian born-and-bred company, given its local roots and history.
Greyhound was founded in Toowoomba and operated its first services into Brisbane as the result of a rail strike in 1928.
Locals continue to benefit from the multiple daily services in and out of Brisbane, with affordable ticket options for those commuting, visiting family and friends, attending medical appointments, and other travel needs.
As the most-visited destination in Australia, Brisbane is set to continue its upward trajectory in the tourism industry, especially in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.
For more information about Greyhound Australia and its services, visit greyhound.com.au
Greyhound Australia’s Top 10 Most-Visited Destinations in 2024
Overall
1. Brisbane
2. Byron Bay ↑1
3. Townsville ↓1
4. Airlie Beach
5. Noosa
6. Surfers Paradise ↑1
7. Cairns ↓1
8. Sydney
9. Toowoomba
10. Rainbow Beach
Pass holders (backpackers)
1. Brisbane
2. Airlie Beach
3. Byron Bay ↑1
4. Noosa ↓1
5. Townsville
6. Cairns ↑1
7. Surfers Paradise ↓1
8. Rainbow Beach
9. Sydney
10. Mission Beach ↑1
Ticket holders
1. Brisbane
2. Toowoomba
3. Byron Bay ↑1
4. Townsville ↓1
5. Surfers Paradise ↑3
6. Sydney ↓1
7. Cairns
8. Canberra ↓2
9. Noosa
10. Airlie Beach ↑1
