If you were asked to name Australia’s best town, what would you say?
If your mind wandered to the sweeping shores of Esperance, to the calming cove of Byron Bay or the old fishing town of Port Fairy, you’d be wrong.
Wotif.com has revealed 2021’s top 10 Aussie towns. After a rocky year for the tourism industry and many Aussies intrigued by domestic travel, the Aussie Town of the Year Award has never been more important. During the height of the pandemic, some tourist hotspots suffered up to 90 per cent profit losses and are more eager than ever to welcome local travellers.
These top towns have been chosen based on a range of factors including affordability, accommodation quality and traveller satisfaction. If you’re planning to hit the road this year, make sure you’ve got them pinned on your map.
10. The Entrance, NSW
With local beaches waiting to be explored, boats for hire and fishing galore, this getaway on the Central Coast is perfect for a trip with the family.
9. Port Macquarie, NSW
This lively city centre is hugged by some of the best coastline NSW has to offer. There’s lots to do here, including stopping by the well-loved Koala Hospital and enjoying the many local eateries.
Read more: Five road trips that could make a difference to bushfire affected towns
8. Exmouth, WA
Gateway to the exceptional Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is the perfect base from which to explore both the ocean and the Cape Range National Park.
7. Hervey Bay, QLD
Known for diving, whale watching and year-round sunshine, Hervey Bay is described by locals as “the best address on earth”.
6. McLaren Vale, SA
Just 40 minutes out of Adelaide, McLaren Vale boasts more than 70 cellar doors and 31km of coastline. If you’re a lover of cheese and good wine, exploring this town is a must on your next road trip.
5. Lakes Entrance, VIC
Kayak, fish, swim and explore this scenic town and its surrounds. Lakes Entrance is ideally situated where the Gippsland Lakes open up to the sea.
Read more: Mornington Peninsula the top spot for COVID-safe day trips or short stays
4. Mudgee, NSW
This humble regional town is the epitome of country hospitality. It is also home to some world-class wineries, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
3. Apollo Bay, VIC
Fronted by sweeping beaches and flanked by the Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay is the ultimate base from which to explore the Great Ocean Road, or simply sit back and enjoy the best that coastal life has to offer.
2. Pokolbin, NSW
Nestled in the beautiful Hunter Valley region, Pokolbin is just a short drive from Sydney and is the perfect place for some well-deserved rest and recuperation.
1. Cairns, QLD
Cairns is the gateway to not one, but two World Heritage sites. The stunning Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world, and the Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. Explore Cairns city centre or venture out to the nearby wilderness, both on and offshore.
Read more: Visit captivating Cairns
How many of these towns have you been to? Do you agree with wotif.com’s top 10 towns?
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