With Easter and the April school holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your own getaway. So, for the sixth year in a row, we’ve crunched the numbers to find the top 10 Aussie destinations for this year – each offering the perfect mix of great value and fantastic experiences. Let’s count them down from 10 to one, starting with…

10. Echuca, VIC

Known for its river, port and paddle steamers, Echuca’s highlights include an amazing culinary scene, unique accommodation and great events, including the Winter Blues and Moama Lights. Following a challenging summer in The Murray, which saw Echuca affected by floods, its many wonderful wineries, hotels, restaurants and museums are now well and truly open for business, and ready to welcome visitors with open arms.

Stay at: Quest Echuca.

9. Orange, NSW

Fast becoming one of Australia’s best cool-climate wine districts, Orange is made up of charming countryside villages and wineries. Offering both the calm of a rural getaway as well as the cosmopolitan lifestyle of a foodie hot spot, Orange is the perfect destination for couples, families or friends to relax over a long weekend.

Stay at: The Remington Orange.

8. Dunsborough, WA

Dunsborough is the perfect destination for explorers big and small. Go for a walk through native bushland full of wildflowers to a stunning coastline spotted with calm, turquoise bays. Have a dip, then head underground to check out the incredible natural cave systems. And be sure to save a day to visit the local wineries – after all, you’re only a half-hour’s drive from Margaret River.

Stay at: Empire Spa Retreat.

7. Toowoomba, QLD

Just a two-hour drive from Brisbane, Toowoomba is known as the Garden City for its stunning parks and gardens. The highlight of the year is the annual Carnival of Flowers, which attracts visitors from around the world. In 2023 it’s on from 1 to 30 September and will include a food and wine festival (8 to 10 September), a floral parade (16 September), and more.

Stay at: Potters Toowoomba Boutique Hotel.

6. Merimbula, NSW

With a burgeoning foodie scene that includes great hands-on experiences such as oyster shucking, as well as beautiful national parks, beaches, and waterways, is it any wonder Merimbula is popping up on many Aussies’ holiday radars? Traveller reviews were sky-high for this humble region, with many singing the town’s praises for its friendly staff and laid-back accommodation options.

Stay at: Coast Resort Merimbula.

5. Ballarat, VIC

The largest city in the Central Highlands, Ballarat’s appeal lies in its beautiful natural surrounds, wonderful heritage and modern culinary scene. Wandering its many laneways, you’ll find countless cafes, restaurants and bars with clever menus offering local produce and tasty brews.

Stay at: The Provincial Boutique.

4. Port Lincoln, SA

A vibrant coastal town that many consider ‘the seafood capital of Australia’, Port Lincoln is situated on one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world and offers excellent ocean adventures, wildlife experiences, and fantastic local wines. Think oyster farms, cage diving with great white sharks (in fact, it’s the only place in Oz you can do it), or just sitting back and enjoying the sea-to-plate food journey.

Stay at: The Marina Hotel.

3. New Norfolk, TAS

The third-oldest settlement in Tasmania, New Norfolk is a charming town with a rich heritage, dotted with eclectic antique stores, historic buildings and green hops fields. Just a short drive from Hobart, it’s the perfect destination for a short getaway. Make sure you leave a day to check out Mount Field National Park, just an hour’s drive away.

Stay at: The Woodbridge Tasmania.

2. Bundaberg, QLD

Bundaberg might be most famous for its signature rum distillery, but did you know that it also produces 25% of Australia’s freshly grown produce? That means if you’re a foodie, Bundy’s annual Taste Festival Farmers Market is a must-do (and must-eat) event. Bundaberg is also the ideal home base for exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef. With plenty of great accommodation options, and an average daily rate of $162, it’s easy to see why Bundy is one of the best places to holiday in Queensland this year.***

Stay at: Burnett Riverside Hotel.

1. Albury, NSW

Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, Albury is a vibrant regional city renowned for its stunning natural beauty and perfect blend of city and country living. It boasts a variety of cultural and culinary experiences (including excellent restaurants and amazing whiskey and wine bars), while also offering access to ski fields, wine regions, and mountains. And with direct flights from most capital cities, or just a scenic drive from Sydney or Melbourne, it’s a wonderfully accessible escape – exactly what many Aussies are looking for this year.

Stay at: Mantra Albury Hotel.

Congratulations to Albury and all our awesome finalists! If you’d like experience any (or all) of them for yourself, check out some of these great deals.

Behind the stats

*Based on accommodation demand on Wotif.com from 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2022 compared to 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2021.

**Wotif research commissioned in collaboration with YouGov. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1024 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19 – 22 February 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).

***Based on the average daily rate for accommodation demand on Wotif.com from January 2022 to September 2022.

The Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards are judged using an index that examines: 

• Trending traveller interest, based on accommodation searches on Wotif.com in 2022, compared to 2021
• Affordability, based on the average daily rate for accommodation demand on Wotif.com from January to September 2022
• Accommodation, based on accommodation quality and quantity on Wotif.com in 2022
• Reviews, based on the average traveller review rating on Wotif.com for each destination in 2022

The post REVEALED: The Wotif Aussie Town of the Year winner and finalists for 2023 appeared first on Wotif Insider.

This quiz was first published on 30 September 2021 and updated on 7 February 2023.

The post QUIZ: Do you know your Aussie beaches? appeared first on Wotif Insider.

This quiz was originally published on 19 July 2022 and updated on 6 February 2023.

The post QUIZ: Wot’s your SECRET holiday personality? appeared first on Wotif Insider.

1. Ooraminna Station Homestead, NT

Ooraminna Station Homestead in Hale is a must-visit for anyone who’s ever wanted a true outback experience. A 30-minute drive from Alice Springs and a 10-minute drive from the Napwerte-Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve, Ooraminna is surrounded by incredible landscapes, with lots of excellent bush walks to explore (perhaps with your furry best friend – yep, dogs are welcome too). Its private stone and log cabins perfectly balance rustic with charming. On-site restaurant The Wild Horse Bar & Grill gets a big tick of approval too!

Insider tip: Autumn (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Alice Springs – the days are warm and the evenings cool, with average temperatures ranging between 12°C and 27°C. Spring (September-November) is also pleasant, with average temperatures between 13.8°C and 30.6°C and spectacular evening thunderstorms!

2. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, QLD

The InterContinental Hayman Island is the jewel in the Hayman Island crown, with pampering, privacy and some seriously luxe swimming pools all on the menu. Sure, there’s the swanky (and huge!) saltwater pool overlooking that incredible Whitsundays water, but you could also find the plunge variety attached to your very own room (if you’re going all out, that is ). With an incredible on-site spa, indulgent mod cons (think rainfall showerheads, pillow-top bedding and in-room espresso makers), you’ll never want to go home.

3.Villa Howden, TAS

Want to stay in a castle just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Hobart? Then Villa Howden is for you! French-inspired, with only ten rooms, it screams romantic luxe – perfect for weddings. The indoor pool is STUNNING, as are the views of the North West Bay from the water and bay view rooms. All rooms come with free brekkie, WiFi, and complimentary mini-bars.  Don’t miss the amazing high tea!

4. Mount Lofty House, SA

In the Adelaide Hills wine region, surrounded by the stunning Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens, Mount Lofty House is a dream come true for anyone who likes their holidays with a side of old-school glam. Originally a manor house built by Arthur Hardy (the South Australian “Great Gatsby”), the property was once the site of lavish and infamous parties for the Adelaide elite. Today it’s home to Hardy’s Verandah (one of Adelaide’s finest restaurants, with three Chef Hats to its name), an incredible 170-year-old wine cellar and a cool New York-style cocktail bar. Très fancy

Insider tip: Visit between April and May if you can – the autumn foliage is just gorgeous

5. Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel, VIC

A shopaholic’s dream awaits at the Sofitel’s Hotel Chadstone, conveniently located as part of the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. A stay here is LUXE – so luxe that a travelator whisks you from the Chadstone centre to the hotel to save you the walk. Once there, your art deco room comes complete with free Balmain toiletires, as well as an extra large tub and baby bottles of Negroni. Racegoers will be even more impressed, as the Hotel Chadstone is only five minutes from Caulfield Racecourse too.

6. Ovolo Nishi, ACT

Artsy and art-loving travellers will find themselves right at home at Ovolo Nishi on the edge of Canberra’s CBD. In fact, you’d be forgiven for mistaking your hotel lobby for an art gallery, especially when you see your oh-so-cool room, with its retro cork cupboard and shag wall art. But the epic freebies are what really make this a bucket-list spot. You’ll find free in-room snacks, a free mini-bar and even free buffet breakfasts. Be sure to catch a movie at the Palace Electric Cinema and stop in at the Monster Kitchen and Bar for a plate of gnocchi.

7. Spicers Vineyards Estate, NSW

The hardest part about a stay at Spicers Vineyards Estate, Pokolbin, is leaving. With just 12 super-luxe suites set on eight acres of vineyards, and with the incredible Restaurant Botanica and indulgent Spa Anise on site, it’s just the spot for some gourmet pampering. It’s an obvious pick for foodies and wine lovers, with some of the Hunter Valley’s best wineries just a short drive, bike ride, or – in the case of Piggs Peake –  stroll away. Keep an eye out for the friendly local roos, who love to pop (or should that be hop?) by for a visit

8. The Berkeley River Lodge, WA

If you want to get away from it all – and we mean REALLY get away from it all – have we got the property for you. Berkeley River Lodge is Oz’s most remote luxury lodge experience. You can only get there by air, landing at the resort’s own private landing strip – and that’s just the start of the fun. Berkeley River Lodge is all-inclusive, with adventures like scenic flights, river cruises and 4WD tours to choose from. Or why not just kick back in your luxurious private villa? The open-air ensuite is perfect for long, hot soaks beneath the Kimberley stars.

Ready to find the perfect place for Holiday You? Check out Wotif’s great accommodation deals!

This article was originally published on 14 April 2022 and updated on 6 February 2023.

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1. Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

13 – 16 July 2023
Gimuy-walubarra yidi Country, Cairns, QLD

The famous Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is an unmissable four-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures. Boasting a rich diversity of exhibitions and activities, Australia’s premier art fair invites guests to wander spectacular contemporary exhibitions, get hands-on with workshops and demonstrations and witness moving performances of music and dance. A wealth of beautiful and authentic works of art are available in the fair’s ethical marketplace and cover an incredible range of mediums. From magnificent bespoke pieces to stunning giftware, there is something for every art and culture aficionado!

Stay nearby: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns.

Learn more about the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

2. Nayri Niara Good Spirit Festival

April 2023 (exact dates TBC)
palawa Country, lunawuni / Bruny Island, TAS

Set amid the rugged beauty of lunawuni (Bruny Island), Tasmania, the Nayri Niara Good Spirit Festival is an intimate gathering, championing the power of shared knowledge through music, ceremony, art and conversation. Over three spectacular days beneath the mild April sun, people from all walks of life and many different cultures come together to honour ancient traditions and grow through the cross-cultural creation of new practices and understandings. This magnificent celebration of cultures and humanity features a brilliant array of areas and activities to inspire your creativity. Based at the foot of sacred and majestic Mount Manganna (named after the yellow crest black cockatoos) is the Manganna Stage; the heart and soul of the festival. At this main stage, be transported by the energy of live music, the moving words of speakers and the First Nations wisdoms learnt through workshops. Beyond the Manganna Stage lies a host of opportunities to listen, learn and connect.

Stay nearby: Bruny Island Escapes and Hotel Bruny, Bruny Island.

Learn more about the Nayri Niara Good Spirit Festival.

3. Garma

July-August 2023 (exact dates TBC)
Yolngu Country, Arnhem Land, NT (north-east of Kakadu)

Garma is dubbed Australia’s premier Indigenous event for a reason! Over four unforgettable days, revel in the opportunity to engage in a lively celebration of the Yolngu people’s culture, arts and ceremonies through an eclectic host of events and activities. Based in beautiful, remote Arnhem Land, the festival welcomes all people to learn, engage and share in the celebrations of traditions to deepen understandings between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Stay nearby: Garma is a camping event, and all guests are provided with a four-person tent and an air mattress. If you’re thinking of extending your time in the NT, why not add on a side trip to Kakadu?

Learn more about Garma. 

4. Bangarra at Sydney Opera House

June-July 2023 (exact dates TBC)
Gadigal Country, Sydney, NSW

Each year, Australia’s premier First Nations dance company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, takes to the stage of the magnificent Sydney Opera House to delight audiences with breathtaking performances. Held annually throughout June and July, this incredible opportunity to witness First Nations storytelling through performative art is certainly one to mark on the calendar for 2023. Inspired by over 65,000 years of cultures, Bangarra’s past performances have depicted stories from across the continent through a spectacular blend of traditional and contemporary movement. Delivering mesmerising performances year on year, each showcase celebrates many different interpretations of First Nations storytelling, using light, sound and wardrobe to take you on a journey through time, Country and the Dreaming.

Stay nearby: Rydges Sydney Harbour, Sydney.

Learn more about Bangarra.

5. Wakaj – A Traditional Corroboree Experience

Thursday evenings throughout 2023
Broome, WA

Corroborees are deeply spiritual, personal traditions practised by some First Nations cultures to share spirituality, stories and practices. Through Wakaj (the coming together of family), Johani Mamid and Mervyn Mulardy offer guests a unique opportunity to witness an interpretation of a traditional corroboree in a culturally safe, fun and respectful environment.

Seated around a campfire amid beautiful natural bushland, watch as Pintirri Dancers perform beneath the golden hues of sunset. A beautifully sensory experience, you’ll hear the sounds of traditional Karajarri songs echoing throughout your surrounds, feel the warmth of a well-stoked fire and taste damper with local honey as you watch on. The stories, songs and dances you’ll witness throughout your Wakaj experience will teach you about the Dreaming and meaningfully deepen your understanding of Karajarri and Yawuru cultures.

Stay nearby: Oaks Cable Beach Resort, Broome.

Learn more about Wakaj.

6. Laura Quinkan Dance Festival

7 – 9 July 2023
Quinkan Country, Laura, QLD (west of Cooktown)

The three-day Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival brings together spectacular dance troupes from across Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands for an incredible showcase of cultures. Dance has been used by some of the world’s oldest living cultures as a means of storytelling over many thousands of years. The festival is meaningfully hosted in the culturally significant region of Laura, an important meeting place and home to some of the oldest and most spectacular rock art in the world. A phenomenal continuation of traditional practices and an opportunity to witness the sharing of stories through song and dance, this brilliant festival is not to be missed in 2023.

Stay nearby: The Laura Quinkan Dance Festival is a camping event, with a tent city and general campgrounds on site. If you’re thinking of extending your TNQ trip, check out Cooktown or Port Douglas.

Learn more about the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival.

7. Warakirri Dining Experience

Various dates throughout 2023
Gadigal Country, Sydney and Wiradjuri Country, Mudgee, NSW

Incredible food, beautiful performances, meaningful insights and time spent with friends – Indigiearth’s Warakirri Dining Experience truly offers it all. Returning in 2023, join Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor for a magnificent evening that showcases aspects of First Nations cultures through sight, sound, taste and smell. Seated with new or old friends, indulge in an expertly curated, five-course degustation as you are taken on a sensory journey, transported by the sounds of beautiful cultural performances. Limited to 16 guests, these intimate evenings artfully showcase the beauty of First Nations cultures and native cuisine over four incredible hours.

Stay nearby: Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery, Sydney or The Horatio – Suites & Motel, Mudgee.

Learn more about the Warakirri Dining Experience.

8. Karijini Experience

5 – 9 July 2023
Banjima Country, Karijini National Park, WA

Set in the gorgeous ancient landscape of the Banjima Homelands, the Karijini Experience offers five immersive days of enriching cultural experiences through the celebration of art, food and music on Country. Run by the Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, in 2019 the Karijini Experience hosted 98 artists across 57 individual events, showcasing the talents and cultures of 16 Aboriginal language groups. Make the most of your experience with a stay at the Karijini Eco Retreat – the perfect place to relax and unwind amid the beauty of the national park after a full day of singing, dancing and sharing stories.

Stay nearby: Karijini Eco Retreat, Karijini. You can book a stay on Wotif or Welcome to Country!

Learn more about the Karijini Experience.

9. National Indigenous Art Fair

1-2 July 2023
Gadigal Country, Sydney, NSW

The National Indigenous Art Fair shines a spotlight on incredible and diverse First Nations art from across Australia. Held annually at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Gadigal Country’s iconic Sydney Harbour, the fair brings together artists and art centres from remote communities, offering meaningful opportunities to learn the processes, stories and cultures that inspire each unique piece. A host of activities are available beyond the fair’s vibrant market stalls, including weaving circles, performances and cooking demonstrations, making it a fabulous weekend for the whole family.

Stay nearby: Rendezvous Sydney Hotel The Rocks, Sydney.

Learn more about the National Indigenous Art Fair.

Ready to find the perfect place for Holiday You? Check out Wotif’s great accommodation deals!

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10. Motel Molly

Mollymook NSW

One of Australia’s newest motels, Motel Molly is sure to make waves on the NSW South Coast. Think Moroccan-inspired décor and an Instagram-friendly colour palette.

9. Surfside Motel

Yeppoon QLD

This laidback retreat is the perfect base for a relaxing stay in Yeppoon. Not only are you steps from the beach and nearby eateries, but the lagoon is also a very short stroll away.

8. The Beach Rooms

Nambucca Heads NSW

With one of the best motel views in Australia, it’s easy to see why The Beach Rooms is a favourite on the NSW Far North Coast. A great pick for those wanting to sit back and relax with the whole family.

7. Loea Boutique Hotel

Sunshine Coast QLD

With its magnesium mineral pool, food truck doubling as reception, and stylish neutral furnishings, there’s no doubt that the Loea Boutique Hotel is one of the best places to stay on the Sunny Coast.

6. Brunswick Heads Chalet Motel

Brunswick Heads NSW

Fur parents, this one’s for you! The Chalet Motel is the only dog-friendly hotel or motel in Brunswick Heads – and a cool, slightly retro-style stay to boot. Pack the car, your furry friend, and hit the road.

5. Noosa Heads Motel

Sunshine Coast QLD

An affordable and relaxing stay that’s well-connected to all of Noosa’s best spots? Yes, please! Noosa Heads Motel is a top pick for couples and families alike.

4. Blue Heron Motel

Gold Coast QLD

You’ll find some of the friendliest service around at this family-owned and operated motel. Take advantage of the free bike hire, BBQ facilities and spacious outdoor pool, and make yourself at home.

3. The Sails Motel Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads NSW

Located in perhaps the best spot in town, right next to the awesome Old Maid’s gourmet burger store. Come for the pool bar, stay for the comfy hotel bed.

2. Tessa’s on the Beach Boutique Hotel

Gold Coast QLD

Palm Springs meets the Gold Coast at this recently opened beachfront motel. Grab a paddle board and hit the beach, or just sit back and relax by the magnesium mineral pool.

1. The Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads NSW

The perfect beachy hideaway, offering pared-back simplicity and warm hospitality in an absolute gem of an Aussie coastal town. Put The Brunswick on your summer 2022/2023 holiday radar, because it’s a must-visit!

Want to check out some of these stays for yourself? Right now, Wotif is looking for one lucky person to be our Wotif Beach Motel Road Tester* – and it could be you! The winner will receive an epic coastal getaway for two adults (with stays at the top four properties on this list), a $5,000 EFTPOS gift card and a private photo shoot with their very own holiday photographer. Head to the entry page for more info or to enter now.

T&Cs (important legal stuff): *Our lawyers want us to be clear that this is not really an actual job or offer of employment. We wish! It is just a competition with an amazing prize.

Wotif Beach Motels Road Tester competition is open to AU residents 18+ only. Enter between 12.01am (AEDT) 6 December 2022 & 11.59pm (AEDT) 16 December 2022. Visit www.wotif.com/aussiemotels and fill out and submit the entry form. Max 1 entry per person and email address. 1x prize only. The entry judged most original and creative will win the prize. Travel must be completed by 30 December 2023. Total prize pool up to AUD$10,000. Judging: 9.00am (AEDT) 20 December 2022 at L17, 1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW AU See www.wotif.com/vc/blog/beach-motel-road-tester-competition for winner and full conditions inc. privacy statement. This competition is not affiliated with Instagram. Promoter: Expedia Australia Pty Limited (ABN 12 101 694 946), L17, 1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000 AU. Sponsor: Expedia, Inc.

Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.

The post It’s official! These are 10 of Oz’s coolest motels 😎 appeared first on Wotif Insider.

As the Pathways Major Partner, Wotif is passionate about supporting emerging talent in the Rabbitohs Pathways program. This includes the NSW Women’s Premiership, NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21s men’s), SG Ball Cup (under-19s men’s), Tarsha Gale Cup (under-19s women’s), Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s boys’), and Lisa Fiaola Cup (under-17s girls’) teams.

Being a Pathways Partner means we get to support and create opportunities for young, emerging talent. We’re absolutely stoked!

To see Wotif’s Pathways support in action, check out Isaiah’s Wotif story.

Isaiah Vailalo, who played in the South Sydney SG Ball Cup team in 2021, is originally from Charters Towers in North Queensland. His family had never seen him play in the red-and-green before. Wotif wanted to change that, so we brought Isaiah’s family down to Sydney to surprise him. It was a little reunion with the people who’d always been such an important part of his football journey.

In 2022, Wotif teamed up with Souths Cares to surprise 6 lucky program participants with a once-in-lifetime trip to Sunny Coast, staying with the Rabbitohs.

Wot does this mean for you?

Rabbitohs Members and fans will also benefit from the renewed engagement, with the dedicated Wotif travel website (www.wotif.com/rabbitohs) continuing to offer accommodation discounts, promotions and more for fans into 2023. Since 2019, Rabbitohs supporters who have travelled with Wotif have saved over $40,000 and travelled to more than 200 destinations across 20 countries for holidays, work and, of course, to see their team play! Keep an eye on the site throughout the next year for special offers and more.

Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.

The post Wotif: 2023 Official Travel & Pathways Major Partner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs! appeared first on Wotif Insider.

Best pie

WINNER: Shhmoakesys Gourmet Pies
Kincumber, NSW

It’s no secret there are plenty of good pies in Australia, but Shhmoakesys has come out on top thanks to a smoked meat filling that’s prepared for over eight hours. While the “delicate melt-in-your-mouth pastry” is also a crowd-pleaser, the generous size of the pies is what makes them a crowd favourite.

Finalists: Yatala Pie Shop, Yatala, QLD; Full Throttle BBQ, Beresfield, NSW; Blackbutt Bakery, Blackbutt, QLD; Gumtree Pies, Yackandandah, VIC; Portstop Pies, Lytton, QLD; Pie and Mighty Pakenham, VIC; Pinjarra Bakery, Pinjarra, WA; Port Elliot Bakery, Port Elliot, SA; Brady Road Bakery, Dandenong North, VIC.

Best hotel view

WINNER: Shangri-La Sydney
Sydney, NSW

Ever wanted to feel like you’re “floating above” the “best view in the world”? Shangri-La Sydney is an elegant sanctuary with unparalleled panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the largest windows of any harbourfront hotel in the city.

Finalists: Q1 Resort & Spa, QLD; The Hydro Majestic Hotel, NSW; Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, NSW; Emporium Hotel South Bank, QLD; Reef View Hotel, QLD; Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, WA; Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook, NSW; Coral Sea Marina Resort, QLD; Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, NSW.

Best island

WINNER: Rottnest Island, WA

Home to the iconic quokka, Rottnest is described as a “bucket-list location for every Australian”. Thanks to the island’s sandy beaches, aquamarine-coloured waters and beach cottage accommodation, Rottnest comes out on top as a “very uniquely Australian island getaway”.

Finalists: Hamilton Island, QLD; K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD; Kangaroo Island, SA; Magnetic Island, QLD; Phillip Island, VIC; Lord Howe Island, NSW; Bruny Island, TAS; Heron Island, QLD; Moreton Island, QLD.

Best festival

WINNER: The Adelaide Fringe
Adelaide, SA

Commended for bringing the city “alive for a month”, the festival, running from 17 February – 19 March 2023, stretches from Whyalla all the way across the state to Naracoorte, with eclectic and vibrant events that include cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops, and so much more. With both local and international talent, the festival is praised for having “something for everyone”.

Finalists: Gympie Music Muster, QLD; Bluesfest Byron Bay, NSW; Woodford Folk Festival, QLD; Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW; Mundi Mundi Bash, NSW; Vivid Sydney, NSW; Dark Mofo, TAS; Bass in the Grass, NT; Chinchilla Melon Festival, QLD.

Best ice creamery

WINNER: Planet 72
Hervey Bay, QLD

Home of the largest display of scooped ice cream and gelato in Australia, this family-owned business has been commended for its “friendly” and “down-to-earth” service. Locals will tell you the Snickers-flavoured ice cream tastes like “heaven on a cone”.

Finalists: Van Diemens Land Creamery, Elizabeth Town, TAS; Simmo’s Ice Creamery, Dunsborough, WA; Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon, VIC; Coffee Barn and Gelateria, Moonta, SA; Daintree Ice Cream Company, Diwan, QLD; Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream, Apollo Bay, VIC; Pidapipó Gelateria, Melbourne, VIC; Cow & The Moon, Enmore, NSW; Johnn Johnn’s, Darwin, NT.

Best neenish tart

WINNER: Gumnut Patisserie
Mittagong, NSW

The ultimate neenish tart requires the perfect combination of icing, filling, and pastry base, and at Gumnut Patisserie in Mittagong you can find just that. Bringing together raspberry jam, buttercream, and shortbread pastry, there’s “nothing like them”.

Finalists: Sareven Bakehouse, Thirroul, NSW; Yarragon Bakery, Traralgon, VIC; Coonabarabran Bakery, Coonabarabran, NSW; Lawson Cake Shop, Lawson, NSW; Beechworth Bakery, Beechworth, VIC; Babinda Bakery, Babinda, QLD; Eugenie French Cake Shop, Prahran, VIC; Bush Bakery, Leslie Vale, TAS; Sandy Bay Bakery & Café, Sandy Bay, TAS.

Behind the data: The Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards are based on public nominations via www.wotif.com from 1 to 16 September 2022. 

Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.

The post The best of Oz: 2022 Uniquely Aussie Award winners and finalists appeared first on Wotif Insider.

Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.

The post QUIZ: How well do you know regional Australia? appeared first on Wotif Insider.

Spring is (finally) here and it’s time to make the most of that famous Sydney sunshine! A great rooftop bar is the perfect place to do it – and the Harbour City’s hotels play host to some of the best. And there’s a bonus: if you book a stay as well, you can head off to bed as soon as you’re ready to call it a night

Here are five of our faves for spring 2022. Put them on your hit list!

1. Zephyr, Hyatt Regency Sydney

For serious cocktail lovers, Zephyr seriously delivers: a zesty cocktail list, luxe surroundings and a view over Darling Harbour that you’ll want to write home about. Zephyr is both a lounge and a cocktail bar, floating high above all the action on the Hyatt Regency’s rooftop. Here you can sip the day’s troubles away while nibbling on a spicy pork taco (or a Pacific oyster – yum!) and admiring some of city’s most stunning views.

2. Rooftop, The Old Clare Hotel

Set under a glass canopy that lets the sunshine in (and keeps the rain out) – and with a pool that’s far too tempting on warm spring days – the Rooftop at The Old Clare Hotel is a haven for both locals and visitors. It’s set in a fascinating part of the city, where sleek grey high-rises contrast against the lush greenery of One Central Park – one of the largest green walls in the world. The Rooftop serves up some pretty tasty bites, but if you feel like something more substantial check out the Clare Bar downstairs. Gourmet prawn roll, anyone?

3. Blu Bar on 36, Shangri-La Sydney

This won’t come as a huge surprise, but Blu Bar on 36 is located – wait for it – on the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel. It’s the highest altitude bar in all of Sydney – and while we’re not sure if that makes a difference to the taste of your drink, it definitely sounds like fun! While technically not a rooftop bar, this swanky spot is an Instagrammer’s dream: the bird’s-eye views of Sydney are simply amazing. 

4. Zeta Bar, Hilton Sydney

No list of trendy rooftop bars in Sydney would be complete without Zeta Bar – it’s practically an institution in the city’s hospitality scene. Located on an exclusive terrace inside the Hilton Sydney, Zeta offers fantastic views overlooking the Queen Victoria Building, and plenty of undercover space in case the weather turns grim. Zeta is an absolute winner for cocktail lovers – in fact, its curated menu has won a tonne of awards over the years. Rhubarb-infused sake, absinthe ice, and Mexican rice and almond milk are just some of the unusual ingredients in the mix. In the mood for something really different? Ask one of the resident mixologists to whip you up something special. You won’t be disappointed!

5. Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel

Opening 30 September 2022

If you’re looking for somewhere new to hit up in spring 2022, you won’t find anywhere newer than the Aster Bar. Part of the InterContinetal’s two-year, $100 million refurb (and can we just say, WOW!), Aster will open the iconic Sydney hotel’s rooftop to the public for the very first time. 32 levels above the city, it promises 270-degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, as well as signature cocktails that will be finished at your table for a more “immersive” (read: fancy) experience. Buzz is already building, so do yourself a favour and book your table ahead of time.

Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.

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