The team at Wotif have announced the 2021 winners of their annual Aussie Town of the Year Awards. Now in its fourth year, the awards highlight Australia’s best destinations for the year ahead.
1/10
Cairns
Queensland
Why it won: “What could be better than being the gateway to one World Heritage site? Being on the doorstep of two! Spend some time exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree (the world’s oldest rainforest), and you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t visit this stunning part of Australia sooner,” says Wotif. Picture: Melissa Popov Photography
2/10
Pokolbin
New South Wales
Why it won: “If it’s indulgence and relaxation 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,” says Wotif. Picture: Cessnock City Council
3/10
Apollo Bay
Victoria
Why it won: “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,” says Wotif. Picture: Colac Otway Shire Council
4/10
Mudgee
New South Wales
Why it won: “Country hospitality at its finest. Swirl and sip your way around Mudgee, visit a farm, a neighbouring heritage village, or just sit back and admire the sense of community in this humble regional town,” says Wotif. Picture: Mudgee Shire Council
5/10
Lakes Entrance
Victoria
Why it won: “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,” says Wotif. Picture: East Gippsland Shire Council
6/10
McLaren Vale
South Australia
Why it won: “Cheesemaking, wine blending, a Shiraz trail, 31 kilometres of pristine coastline, and over 70 cellar doors, just 40 minutes from Adelaide. The toughest decision will be where to start,” says Wotif. Picture: City of Onkaparinga
7/10
Hervey Bay
Queensland
Why it won: “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,” says Wotif. Picture: Fraser Coast Regional Council
8/10
Exmouth
Western Australia
Why it won: “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,” says Wotif. Picture: Exmouth Shire Council
9/10
Port Macquarie
New South Wales
Why it won: “The ultimate all-rounder. Home to some of New South Wales’ best beaches, excellent eateries, the beloved Koala Hospital, a buzzing city centre, and plenty of surrounding adventure – Port Macquarie is always an excellent choice,” says Wotif. Picture: Lindsay Moller Productions/Port Macquarie-Hastings Council