The top 10 best towns to visit in Australia announced
Forget a visit to Sydney or a weekend in Melbourne, because both have been snubbed in a new list of where to visit in Australia this year.
Forget a visit to Sydney, a weekend in Melbourne or a trip to Tassie – because the new list of where to visit in Australia has a few curve-balls in the mix.
Online travel site Wotif has revealed the winners of its annual ‘Aussie Town of the Year’ awards – which rank the top 10 destinations to visit in 2020.
The awards, which come at a time where Australians turn to venturing to holiday spots throughout their own backyard, shows a resurgence in domestic travel with 41 per cent of Aussies surveyed committed to travelling more in Australia this year compared to 2019.
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The awards, in their third year, decide on the top 10 ranking Australian destinations based on good affordability, well-rated accommodation and increasing traveller interest over the last twelve months.
Having dealt with bushfires and then flooding runs, the township of Coffs Harbour has come out on top for 2020 – being crowned the best place to visit in Australia.
Parked on the NSW mid-north coast, Coffs Harbour is one of three NSW towns to make the top 10 list, with Batemans Bay and Katoomba coming in fourth and eighth respectively.
“During what is an incredibly tough time for many parts of the country, this year’s awards are more relevant than ever, as a way of recognising the hardworking tourism operators and local businesses who make up Australian tourism – the driving force behind many regional communities,” Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said.
“Australians are spoiled for choice in Australia and our annual Aussie Town of the Year initiative is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many towns, cities and regions worthy of the spotlight.
“Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long escape, 2020 is the year to discover your own backyard and book a getaway that gives back.”
Coming in at number two, Queensland favourites Mackay and Airlie Beach rated with their subtropical rainforests, national parks and as being a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Many of the towns included in the list are still recovering from the bushfires, however, the regions are well and truly open for business and welcoming visitors to help communities get back on their feet.
News.com.au launched theDon’t Delay Your Staycampaign as an initiative to support communities hard hit by this summer’s devastating bushfires. Many of these regions rely on tourism so one of the best ways to help is to visit and spend time in some of the most beautiful parts of our great country.
THE WOTIF TOP 10 TOWNS RANKING:
1. Coffs Harbour, NSW: Bananas aside, there’s something for everyone in Coffs. From intimate beaches to untamed rainforests, and perched halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is NSW’s very own paradise of attractions.
2. Mackay, QLD: The inaugural winner of Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year awards in 2018, the historic town of Mackay is firmly on the radar for travelling Aussies. Located at the centre of the Queensland coast, Mackay boasts lush subtropical rainforests, national parks and a thriving public arts scene.
3. Airlie Beach, QLD: Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is an aquatic playground offering stunning views by day and a bustling, vibrant night-life.
4. Batemans Bay, NSW: Named in 1770 by Captain James Cook, Batemans Bay is in the heart of the Oyster Coast. It offers fresh local seafood and a great base for exploring the wonders and natural beauty of the NSW south coast.
5. Cairns, QLD: Famed for its access to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, these world-heritage sites stamp Cairns on the map as Australia’s nature capital with some serious adventure game.
6. Port Fairy, VIC: Delivering old-world charm with a modern twist, Port Fairy sits on the doorstep of the famed Great Ocean Road, boasting a rich history, excellent restaurants and a charming seaside community.
7 . Albany, WA: As close as you’ll get to a historic European city in WA, Albany is the western state’s oldest European settlement, with a rich history and fantastic family appeal.
8. Katoomba, NSW: Oh hey (three) sisters! A vibrant and historic town at the heart of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba spoils its guests with spectacular walks and lookouts, rich cultural heritage and great restaurants and bars.
9. Margaret River, WA: You had us at Cab Sav. The Margaret River region is known for its wine, beaches and sense of adventure, all tucked away in Australia’s southwest corner.
10. Maroochydore, QLD: With its funky cafes, multicultural cuisine and thriving live music scene, Maroochydore is the cultural capital of the Sunshine Coast, where you can easily transition from an ocean dip to an evening cocktail.
Check out news.com.au’s Australian Holidays for all your Don’t Delay Your Stay travel inspiration.