Australian town of the year announced
See why this southern gastronomy hub deserves to be your next travel destination in 2022.
Despite the return of international travel, one thing that many have discovered during the pandemic is the riches that lie within Australia. According to research commissioned by travel booking website Wotif, 88% of Australians who are planning to travel this year want to stay in the country and just over half are looking to travel interstate for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
Travellers are looking beyond pulsing cities and major landmarks to explore a host of townships as destinations in their own right. Now in its fifth year, Wotif is commemorating these under-the-radar locations with its annual ‘Aussie Town of the Year Awards.’
Announced today, Tasmania’s Launceston has taken the top prize in 2022, cementing the state’s status as a trending travel destination. A true up-and-comer in the culinary space, Launceston has world-class wineries, exceptional restaurants and a diverse assortment of natural sights within walking distance from its centre. In November, the town was even recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy to prove its culinary credentials.
In the competition—based on Wotif data which analysed accommodation affordability, quality and traveller satisfaction—the town topped Caloundra in Queensland, Tamworth in New South Wales, Yarra Valley in Victoria and Adelaide Hills in South Australia to take its place as a number one travel destination this year.
With state borders continuing to ease across the country, there are no excuses but to make Launceston your next destination. To help with your planning, we asked Chris McNally, local hotelier and co-founder of boutique hotel and restaurant Stillwater, for his tips on the best places to visit in his town.
Best wine bar
McNally has the perfect place for your first glass of locally-produced vino when you arrive in town. He recommends Havilah Wine Bar in Charles Street. Run by Ricky Evans and his team, who McNally says “will look after you very well,” Havilah is a stylish yet down-to-earth venue offering top wines from the region in contrast with others from around the world.
Best local cafe
What do you need after one too many wines? An espresso, of course. And, according to McNally, Valley Coffee on Patterson Street is the place to get it. With a plant-filled wooden interior that beautifully captures the morning light and its own ‘Paperboy’ blend, Valley Coffee is a perfect local haunt. Plus, McNally swears that “Pete makes the best double shot latte.”
Best design destination
If you’ve just come from Hobart’s Mona, McNally says you have to check out Design Tasmania in Launceston’s City Park. The not-for-profit centre is dedicated to building a professional design ecosystem and features exhibitions on anything from musical instruments to iconic Australian design.
Best day trip
“Go to the wineries in the Tamar Valley, like Stoney Rise where you can see Lou and Joe for a tasting and light lunch,” he says. Set in a modern building overlooking the River Tamar, Stoney Rise has a reputation for producing some of Tasmania’s best wine. With a minimal approach that lets the terroir speak for itself, you’ll be blown away by what they have growing across the Bass Strait.
Best boutique hotel
The main boutique hotel in the region is McNally’s own Stillwater Seven Rooms. Located right on the edge of Cataract Gorge, Stillwater was once a flour mill that has now been transformed into seven deluxe suites with an in-house award-winning restaurant. Steeped in history, but with a modern twist, each of the rooms is well-appointed and warm with views straight up the river. When it comes to choosing your suite, McNally says you can’t go past Suite Four.
Best dining experience
At the Stillwater restaurant, McNally says there is one dish you cannot miss: the Tasmanian octopus with roasted garlic, lemon, dashi, udon noodles, pickled bok choy, and togarashi oil.
“I love this dish,” he says “It will be a hard one to take off the menu.” If octopus isn’t your style, you’re still in luck. With a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, you simply can’t go wrong here.
While you’re in the region, explore the best luxury accommodation in Tasmania.