Australia experienced a significant increase in international travel in October 2025, with 1.278 million Australians returning from overseas trips, marking an 11% rise compared to the previous year. This surge made October the largest non-January month for travel on record, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Singapore emerged as the top destination, witnessing a 52% increase in Australian visitors, largely driven by the Singapore F1 Grand Prix and coinciding school holidays.

The timing of the F1 race, held on 5 October, was pivotal. In previous years, the event took place in September, outside school holiday periods, limiting family travel. The return to an October schedule in 2025, combined with heightened interest in Australian driver Oscar Piastri's championship run, attracted 47,840 Australian visitors to Singapore, the highest since January 2020.

Other notable shifts in travel destinations included a 19% increase in visits to Japan and a 12% rise in trips to New Zealand. Conversely, travel to the US and UK saw declines of 4.9% and 4.6%, respectively. Despite Singapore ranking 11th among Australian travel destinations, it contributed the most to October's growth.

Shaun McGowan, CEO of TravelInsurance.com.au, commented, "The Singapore spike perfectly demonstrates how timing drives travel behaviour. When a major sporting event aligns with school holidays, Australian families respond emphatically."

This trend underscores the impact of strategic event scheduling on travel patterns, with potential implications for future tourism planning.
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