Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is the most popular bucket list destination for Gen Z, accounting for about a quarter of all people’s bucket lists. Planet Cruise research uncovers the most popular bucket list locations for each age, from baby boomers to Generation Z.
Key generational distinctions suggest that Gen Z is the biggest partygoer, Millennials prefer adventure, Gen X wants to relax in nature, and Baby Boomers are interested in culture and history.
The summer season in Australia is about to begin, and with many people eager to get away for a well-deserved vacation, there’s no better time to cross items off your bucket list.
Searches for summer bucket list ideas alone have grown 400%. As a result, Planet Cruise has conducted a new survey to determine the most popular bucket list destinations by generation to assist consumers in planning their vacations.
The survey discovered significant generational disparities in activities that people of various ages wish to mark off their bucket lists. Here’s what the survey found: Gen Z partygoers and thrill-seeking Millennials to Gen X nature enthusiasts and touring Baby Boomers.
The Great Barrier Reef is the MOST popular bucket list destination for Gen Z, making it on over a third of their bucket lists.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, has been named the most popular bucket list destination for Generation Z! Over a third of people aged 18-24 put this Australian national treasure on their bucket list, accounting for 35% of all bucket lists.
Not only is this a popular location among younger generations, but the research also discovered that people in Generation X (aged 45-54) consider The Great Barrier Reef to be a must-see trip. The Great Barrier Reef was the second most popular activity on Gen X bucket lists, accounting for 26% of all global bucket list options.
Baby Boomers are another group that has this natural landmark on more than a quarter of their bucket lists. The Great Barrier Reef, which ranks fourth in popularity, can be found on 26% of this generation’s bucket lists, which corresponds to the rest of their bucket list locations, indicating more quiet and pleasant activities.
Surprisingly, Millennials appear to be the least interested in visiting this stunning coral reef, even though it appears on 20% of their bucket lists. This discovery, however, is consistent with the overall patterns discovered in this study. One distinguishing element of popular places on Millennials’ bucket lists was their thrill-seeking and adventurous attitude. Perhaps the tranquillity of a coral reef does not satisfy their demand for adrenaline-pumping activities.
Read more: Link
New Flights from Australia: How Fiji Airways and Finnair Are Changing the Game for 2026 Travel
Goodbye Last‑Minute Deals: Why Planes To and From Australia Will Be Fuller Than Ever in 2026
Travel Tops Aussies’ 2026 Savings Goals – And That Says A Lot About Us
Oceania Riviera Makes Stylish Sydney Debut for First Australia Season
Holland America Line 2027-2028 Cruises: Deep Exploration from Great Barrier Reef to Fiji with New Overnight Stays
Windstar’s Star Seeker Debuts: New All‑Suite Yacht Brings Small‑Ship Luxury to the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan and Southeast Asia
Luxury Cruises 2026: Five Ultra‑Exclusive Ships and Experiences to Experience
Global Gourmet Journeys: The Best Culinary‑Led Travel Experiences for 2026
Uniworld’s 50th Anniversary Sale: Save up to 30% on Luxury River Cruises in 2026