[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Leading online travel site Wotif has revealed the winners of the 2019 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year awards, recognising ten deserving locations across the country that have made a unique contribution to Australian tourism. Looking beyond traditional domestic hotspots and backed by Wotif’s 18-year Australian heritage, the awards aim to support local communities by encouraging Aussies to discover more of their own backyard.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64086″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now in its second year, the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year awards are based on Wotif pricing and demand data and for the first time, traveller reviews, unearthing 2019’s up-and-coming destinations.
Wotif General Manager Daniel Finch said: “After almost two decades of facilitating travel for Australians, Wotif has access to an incredible amount of insight when it comes to what Aussie travellers look for when they travel, informed by traveller-reviews from more than two million locals as well as a depth of demand data.”
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64077″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“We know from traveller research that Aussies cite discovering more of their backyard as the number one reason for travelling domestically (30 per cent) and with the quintessential road trip the preferred method of travel (nearly 55 per cent travel by car vs 45 per cent flying). The Aussie Town of the Year awards seek to give Aussies a helping hand when planning their next local holiday, as we continue to help great Aussie destinations attract travellers” continued Finch.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64080″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After Queensland’s Mackay took home the trophy as last year’s inaugural winner, the Victorian town of Port Fairy has stolen the sunshine from the Sunshine State, crowned this year’s number one destination for Aussie travellers.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64079″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once named the world’s most livable small community, this historic and picturesque fishing village delivers old world charm with a modern twist; known for its buzzing local art scene, food, wine and a year-round calendar of festivals and events. Located on the doorstep of the famed Great Ocean Road, the coastline boasts outdoor family fun and some of Victoria’s best local produce. There’s no better place to soak up the rich history and natural beauty that Australia offers than in Victoria’s Port Fairy!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64078″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With Wotif data revealing Port Fairy was one of 2018’s fastest-growing and best-value holiday spots – with year-on-year demand up close to 45% and a predicted average accommodation rate on Wotif at $228 per night – you’d be crazy to miss the opportunity to visit.
Mayor of Moyne Shire Council, Mick Wolfe said, “We are absolutely thrilled that Port Fairy has received this accolade and that the nation recognises the huge appeal of our town. Although that said, the secret may already be out – one walk around the town right now and you’ll see that it is a place that is adored by tourists and residents alike.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64084″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“A trip to Port Fairy offers something for everyone, be it for families, a weekend getaway, a foodie experience, an outdoor adventure, history or shopping experiences – there really is something to be enjoyed no matter what the reason for visiting. Port Fairy also has the added benefit of being ideally located to many other areas and attractions within the Moyne Shire region. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2019 as a result of this award.”
Following Mackay’s win in 2018, Wotif has seen accommodation interest spike by close to 75% in the last twelve months. Daniel Finch said, “Following the success of our inaugural awards and the impact this had on Mackay, we hope to see the humble 3000-person town of Port Fairy swell over summer and beyond as it makes its way onto Aussie bucket lists.”
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64083″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Wotif 2019 Aussie Town of the Year awards
1. 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 with the chance to spot native whales, seals and dolphins.
2. 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.
3. Port Augusta (SA): The heart and crossroads of Australia, and the gateway to the Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta is located on the peaceful waterways of the Spencer Gulf, famed for breathtaking sunsets that are worth the trip alone.
4. Bendigo (VIC): Get your cultural fix by visiting one of Australia’s biggest regional arts and culture hubs.
5. Forster (NSW): Arguably one of the best whale watching destinations in Australia, Forster stands as an Aussie underdog and best kept secret when it comes to untouched beaches.
6. Cowra (NSW): Experience a little slice of Japan on your very own doorstep. Watch the sea of cherry blossoms flower in Spring all without boarding a plane.
7. Palm Cove (QLD): A tropical paradise nestled between Cairns and Port Douglas, breezy Palm Cove offers the ultimate beachside escape.
8. Scamander (TAS): A classic Tassie holiday shack village, with wide sandy beaches, riverside retreats, nature reserves and fishing hot spots. We’ll say no more.
9. Dubbo (NSW): Well-known for Taronga Western Plains Zoo and some of Australia’s best regional hospitality going ‘round.
10.Warwick (QLD): This isn’t Warwick’s first rodeo. Famously known as the ‘Rose and Rodeo City’, Warwick is the proud home of Australia’s best rodeo riders, and so much more. Yee-ha![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64082″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To celebrate the diversity that Australian tourism has to offer, Wotif has also announced the opening of Wotif’s Uniquely Aussie Awards – the people’s choice to uncover the hotspots and travel experiences unique to Australia.
The nationwide search will see Aussies nominate the name and location of their favourite destination, experience or local business across six iconic categories. Whether you’re a sausage roll connoisseur or in search of the Australia’s top swimming spot, Wotif is on the hunt to uncover some of Australia’s best kept local secrets – and those that typify the Aussie road trip.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64076″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The most popular nominations will be crowned in the Uniquely Aussie Awards on 20 February 2019, inspiring travellers to explore those towns and businesses that offer best-in-class experiences.
- Best Main Street: Put Sydney’s Pitt St to shame with a main strip where bakeries, hardware stores and antique realness reign supreme.
- Best Fish and Chips: From Coolangatta to Cable Beach, we’re a nation girt by seas… and fish and chip stores to match,
- Best Swimming Spot: Tell us where we should be chasing waterfalls – and other spectacular swimming spots.
- Best Sausage Roll: The true culinary icon of Australia – but where is Australia’s best sauso roll?
- Best Roadside Pit Stop: The highlight of your 10-hour journey… including the drop toilet overlooking stunning mountain ranges or a much-needed cinnamon donut stop.
- Best Regional Chinese Restaurant: Every regional town has one, but where is Australia’s most succulent Chinese meal?
Finch said, “After the enthusiasm and support we received in gifting Chinchilla Australia’s ‘Next Big Thing’, we’re once again throwing it to the nation to find the most uniquely Aussie experiences. An Aussie road trip is made up of more than just the end destination, so we’re on the hunt to uncover some of Australia’s best kept local secrets.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”64087″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Regional areas punch above their weight when it comes to the Australian tourism industry – and despite making up almost half (47 per cent) of the nation’s tourism market, they are often underrated as a travel destination. With the launch of our Aussie awards, we’re looking to put a broader range of destinations on the map, create excitement within these communities and drive spending back into these local economies.”
With more Aussies opting to travel locally and domestic travel predicted to grow by 21 per cent over the next 10 years, these Wotif awards seek to give Aussies a helping hand when planning their next local trip.
Source: Wotif[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
