Top 10 Aussie towns for 2021 revealed
Travel website Wotif.com has announced the winners of their 2021 Aussie Town of the Year Awards and the winners may surprise you.Now in its fourth year, the Wotif.com Aussie tourism awards recognise some of the country’s best destinations and encourage Aussies to hit the road to see more of their own backyard. Almost a year on from the country’s first COVID lockdown, tourism operators continue to navigate through one of the most challenging times the industry has seen in the modern era.
The Wotif awards are based on several criteria including accommodation quality, affordability and traveller satisfaction. This year the awards also recognise destinations that have met the changing needs of travellers over the last twelve months, by offering increased flexibility, good-value deals and appealing activities and attractions.
Wotif Managing Director, Daniel Finch says that they hope to encourage more Aussies to consider planning a local trip.
“Based on our conversations with this year’s finalists, while all agree there is still a long way to go, with some areas reporting up to a 90% profit loss during the height of the pandemic, it’s promising to see optimism is high.
“Each region is at a different stage of recovery, but some operators are starting to see signs of relief with the Aussie sense of support extremely high. What’s clear is that the industry is focused on ensuring travellers feel welcome and safe.”
The 2021 winners list covers a diverse mix of local destinations which are sure to get Aussies to put their travel planning hats on and book a destination here this year.
Wotif 2021 Aussie Town of the Year Award winners
10. The Entrance, NSW
A relaxing family favourite on the Central Coast of NSW, where the lake meets the ocean. This town has plenty of water activities, from fishing, hiring a boat or exploring one of the many local beaches on offer.
9. Port Macquarie, NSW
The ultimate all-rounder. Home to some of NSW’s best beaches, excellent eateries, the beloved Koala Hospital, a buzzing city centre and plenty of surrounding adventure.
8. Exmouth, Western Australia
You know Exmouth for its diving experiences on Ningaloo Reef, but there’s even more to discover about this stunning part of Australia. It’s the perfect base for an adventure getaway both in and out of the water. Head to Cape Range National Park and you’ll find breathtaking canyons and the most incredible wildflowers.
7. Hervey Bay, Queensland
What the locals describe as the best address on earth. Visit Hervey Bay for its reliable sunshine, whale watching, incredible diving experiences and Fraser Island, just a short ferry away.
6. McLaren Vale, South Australia
Cheesemaking, wine blending, a Shiraz trail, 31 kilometres of pristine coastline and over 70 cellar doors, and just 40 minutes out of Adelaide.
5. Lakes Entrance, Victoria
The water is where you want to be when visiting Lakes Entrance – where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean. Spend your day kayaking, fishing or swimming, and your evenings dining at one of the many great restaurants in and around town.
4. Mudgee, NSW
Country hospitality at its finest. Swirl and sip your way around Mudgee, visit a neighbouring heritage village or just sit back and enjoy the sense of community in this humble region.
3. Apollo Bay, Victoria
Come for the great outdoors but stay for the delicious fresh produce. Surrounded by endless beaches, walking trails and the Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay is a top place to base yourself while exploring the Great Ocean Road.
2. Pokolbin, NSW
If it’s indulgence and relaxation that you’re after, then the rolling hills and picturesque vistas of Pokolbin and the Hunter Valley region are the ideal setting for some R&R, just a short drive from Sydney.
1. Cairns, Queensland
What could be better than being the gateway to a World Heritage site? Being on the doorstep of two, of course! Spend some time exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest, and you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t visit this stunning part of Australia sooner.
The latest research from Wotif.com reveals that Aussies who managed to take a local holiday during 2020, the overwhelming majority (95%) said that their trip either met or exceeded their expectations, proving many travellers are loving the opportunity to spend more time exploring their own backyard. While 60% of Aussies now say that there’s a lot more to explore in their own backyard than they thought, with one in four admitting they had forgotten how great a local trip can be.
Related: 10 Aussie spots to take a detour through on your summer road trip
Related: Aussies’ top dream destinations for road trips and caravanning revealed
Related: Australia’s top 10 favourite Big Thing attractions revealed for 2020
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