Tassie town tops annual travel survey

Australian travel site Wotif.com has just announced the winners of their 2022 Aussie Town of the Year Awards which has seen Launceston taking home the travel crown. This is Tasmania’s first win in these awards and highlights the travel demand for the picturesque island state.

The awards, now in their fifth year are decided by a Wotif data index that looks at accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction of Wotif users.

New research by Wotif revealed that 71% of Aussies who plan to travel in Australia intend on travelling interstate, and almost a third (31%) say even with international travel reopening they plan to stay within Australia. A quarter of Aussies (24%) say that they are planning to visit somewhere new in Australia during 2022 with the appetite for domestic exploration high.

It seems that the chance to get out into nature is the biggest motivation (46%) to hop in the car, plane or caravan and travel across the country. With 88% of Aussies (10.9 million) planning to travel at some point during 2022, these top 10 Aussie towns might provide some inspiration for your next trip...

“Arguably Australia’s newest foodie hub, with a UNESCO City of Gastronomy title to prove it. Boasting world-class wineries, restaurants and the stunning Cataract Gorge just a short walk from the city centre, travelers will be leaving feeling full and happy.”

"With a string of excellent beaches on offer, the coastal town of Caloundra is paradise for swimmers and surfers alike. The aquatic activities don’t stop there, with kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing also on offer for the perfect summer getaway."

"Australia’s country music capital is also home to one of the country’s most renowned Big Things: the 12-metre high Golden Guitar. With plenty of country charm and hospitality, Tamworth also featured an award-winning regional playground and marsupial park, galleries, museums and national parks."

"Less than an hour from Melbourne, Yarra Valley offers an abundance of character and charm – historic homesteads, cellar doors, craft distilleries, and a century-old steam train through the Dandenong Ranges."

"A convenient 30-minute drive from South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide Hills still feels like a world away with rolling landscapes, renowned wineries and the town of Hanhdorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement."

"Nature lovers need look no further than Bright, where life is lived outdoors. From rivers and lakes to mountains and valleys, the area offers walking and hiking for all levels and some of the best cycling in Australia."

"With swimming, hiking, whale watching or a trip to K-gari (Fraser Island) on offer, Hervey Bay appeals to so many and is a must-visit."

"An adventure enthusiast’s paradise in the heart of Grampians National Park, Halls Gap offers abseiling, rock climbing, bushwalking and cycling. In addition to some amazing wildlife and native plants, the Grampians is also home to more than 80% of Victoria’s First Nations rock art."

"Crystal-blue waters and a laid-back community make Batemans Bay the perfect place to slow down and connect with nature, all while supporting a deserving region."

"The gateway to the world-famous Margaret River Wine Region, Busselton’s natural beauty, abundance of space, fine wine and fresh coastal air make it, as the locals say, the 'remedy to modern life'."

With Launceston claiming the top spot for the year, 21% of Aussies say their desire to travel to Tasmania has grown in the last 12 months with travellers from NSW and Victoria leading the way. Whether it’s fresh air, delicious food or relaxation, Tasmania seems to be what so many people have been looking for over the last two years.

While Tasmania claimed the top spot, Victoria was the most decorated state with three destinations making the final list.