Top Aussie tourist towns named

Travel website Wotif.com has announced the winners of its 2021 Aussie Town of the Year Awards, with a few surprises in the list.

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.

This year's shortlist saw Cairns move up from no.5 in the 2020 Awards to top spot this year. Previous winners include Coffs Harbour and Port Fairy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.