Kurt’s Cakes, Daly Waters Pub among NT top venues in Wotif’s 2021 people’s choice awards

From vanilla slices and hot chips to national parks, the Wotif People’s Choice Awards winners and finalists have been named with NT travel venues more than holding their own.

THE Wotif People’s Choice Awards winners and finalists have been named and NT travel sites and food venues have more than held their own against the rest of the country.

The Wotif awards celebrate quintessential travel experiences across six categories including best hot chips and best hotel pool with nominations coming in from each state or territory.

Kakadu National Park reigned supreme taking the crown as Australia’s best national park after thousands of votes, beating out hometown rival Litchfield.

Other NT state finalists include The Black Russian Caravan Bar in Katherine for best jaffle. Darwin’s Kurt’s Cakes was made finalist for best vanilla slice, Daly Waters Pub for best country pub, Adelaide River Inn for best hot chips and Mindil Beach Casino Resort for best hotel pool.

The Black Russian Caravan Bar was named an NT finalist for the best jaffles in the people's choice awards. Picture: Supplied

Kurt Bucher of Kurt’s Cakes has been baking in Darwin since 1988 and was greatly honoured to have been named a finalist for his vanilla slices that take slices of inspiration from across the world.

“It was very good to hear, it came as a surprise of course but was great to hear,” Mr Bucher said.

“I spent a lot of time travelling as a young pastry chef from Singapore to Switzerland and finally to Australia so the recipe takes a bit from here.

“The recipe takes a bit from everywhere with the bits I wanted in there. It’s always been the same recipe and is always made to the same standards.”

Kurt Bucher of Kurt’s Cakes was named an NT finalist for best vanilla slices. Picture: Conor Byrne

Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said the thousands of nominations proved the passion Australians had for their favourite haunts.

“Country charm, cheesy jaffles and creamy vanilla slices – no one does them quite like Australia, and the nominations we got this year shows Aussies are a passionate bunch.

“There’s so much to love and discover about Australia, and with a really exciting summer period ahead, we hope to inspire and encourage Aussies to plan their next adventure and support local businesses.”