Australia’s best town has been revealed as Launceston in Tasmania

Forget Broken Hill, Ballarat and even Byron Bay – because this underrated town has just won Australia’s best in a national vote.

Australia’s best town is a pretty loaded question.

Some would swing towards Byron Bay, others would rubbish the coast and throw Birdsville into the top spot.

But a new poll conducted by travel site Wotif has revealed which town is loved by most – and some would argue the top gong went to a rank outsider.

Tasmania’s Launceston has been announced the winner of the 2022 Aussie Town of the Year Award, marking Tasmania’s inaugural win as travel demand for the island state soars.

Launceston in northern Tasmania has been voted as the best town in Australia for 2022. Picture: iStock

The awards, now in their fifth year, are determined by the site’s data index that looks at the accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction of different towns.

Coming in second place was Caloundra in Queensland, with fans loving the town’s stunning coastal scenery, followed by Tamworth in New South Wales, which sits 418km north of Sydney.

Elsewhere in the top 10, three Victorian towns made it through, a total of two from Queensland, two from New South Wales, and one each from South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Queensland’s Caloundra came in second. Picture: Queensland Tourism

Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said despite international borders reopening, and Australians now having the opportunity to travel abroad, “2022 is still set to be a pivotal year for domestic tourism”.

“While many Aussies have travelled over the last 24 months, few have had the chance to really explore and travel across state borders,” Mr Finch said.

“It’s incredibly promising to see that 88 per cent of Aussies planning to travel this year are looking to stay within Australia and our hope is that these awards inspire Aussies to try something new and get back to exploring this beautiful country.”

Tamworth in NSW came third.

Launceston, which is just two hours north of Hobart, was named as the top spot because of its name as a foodie hub, with a “UNESCO City of Gastronomy title to prove it”.

“Boasting world-class wineries, restaurants and the Cataract Gorge just a walk from the city centre, travellers will be feeling very full and happy,” Wotif described the town.

In second spot, Caloundra was lauded for its world-class beaches making it a paradise for swimmer and surfers alike.

“The aquatic activities don’t stop there, with kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing also on offer for the perfect summer getaway.”

Australia’s country music capital of Tamworth came in third, proving popular with its “charm and hospitality”.

“Tamworth also features an award-winning regional playground and marsupial park, galleries, museums and national parks.”

The full list: The top Aussie towns of 2022

1. Launceston, TAS

2. Caloundra, QLD

3. Tamworth, NSW

4. Yarra Valley, VIC

5. Adelaide Hills, SA

6. Bright, VIC

7. Hervey Bay, QLD

8. Halls Gap, VIC

9. Batemans Bay, NSW

10. Busselton, WA