Unlikely winner of Aussie Town of the Year
<p>The winners of the 2023 Aussie Town of the Year Awards have been announced by Wotif.</p>
<p>The winner was the NSW border town, Albury.</p>
<p>According to Wotif, Albury was a no-brainer to snatch the top spot.</p>
<p>"Perfectly situated at the foot of the Aussie Alps and on the banks of the Mighty Murray River, Albury is a top pick for foodies, nature lovers and adventure fans.</p>
<p>"With incredible outdoor experiences, awesome wineries and bars, excellent restaurants, and some of the best galleries, museums, theatres and festivals around, it’s a must-visit.”</p>
<p>The Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards is now in its sixth year, and it recognises trending Aussie destinations for the year ahead based on a Wotif data index that scores the towns by lookiavng at "accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction.”</p>
<p>Bundaberg, Queensland, and New Norfolk, Tasmania, also landed in the top three.</p>
<p>"Bundaberg is the ideal base for exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and with plenty of accommodation in the region, with an average daily rate of $162, it’s one of the best places to be in Queensland this year," a Wotif spokesperson said.</p>
<p>For those not well acquainted with the Tassie town, New Norfolk is the third oldest settlement in Tasmania. Wotif describes it as "a charming township with a rich heritage, dotted with eclectic antique stores, historic buildings and green hops fields.</p>
<p>"Just a short drive from Hobart, it’s the perfect destination for a short getaway.”</p>
<p>The 2022 awards saw Launceston, Tasmania, at the top of the list.</p>
<p>2023 Wotif winners:</p>
<ol>
<li>Albury, NSW</li>
<li>Bundaberg, QLD</li>
<li>New Norfolk, TAS</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>4. Port Lincoln, SA</strong></p>
<p>Arguably the foodie pick of the year, this coastal town is renowned for being ‘the seafood capital of Australia’. It’s in one of the largest, protected natural harbours in the world, offering ocean adventures, wildlife experience, quality seafood and beautiful wines.</p>
<p><strong>5. Ballarat, VIC</strong></p>
<p>This town offers countless cafes, restaurants and bars with clever menus showcasing local produce and brews.</p>
<p><strong>6. Merimbula, NSW</strong></p>
<p>This region had sky-high reviews, with many focusing on the town’s friendly staff and relaxing accommodation.</p>
<p><strong>7. Toowoomba, QLD</strong></p>
<p>The calendar year highlight of this town is the annual Carnival of Flowers, which attracts visitors from around the globe.</p>
<p><strong>8. Dunsborough, WA</strong></p>
<p>Visitors can walk through native bushland and wildflowers to be welcomed by a coastline of gorgeous turquoise bays before heading underground to see the remarkable cave systems.</p>
<p><strong>9. Orange, NSW</strong></p>
<p>Although a rural community, it offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Orange is the ideal location for couples, families or friends looking for excellent accommodation and relaxation over a long weekend.</p>
<p><strong>10. Echuca, VIC</strong></p>
<p>The floods harshly impacted this town, but thanks to resilient tourism operators, from wineries to hotels and restaurants to museums, they are back on track and ready to welcome visitors.</p>
<p>Three-day stays are all the rage</p>
<p>Wotif data reported that three-day-stays prove to be the new go-to for domestic holidays, with demand for Wotif growing more than 30 per cent in 2022.</p>
<p>"Looking to the year ahead, almost half of Aussies (49 per cent) plan to take short trips of up to 3 nights, with many wanting to explore their own state. 44% per cent of Aussies simply prefer short weekend trips, while another 44 per cent are making this decision for financial reasons, as the rising cost of living impedes household budgets.”</p>
<p>“By all accounts, Aussies remain committed to travelling locally in 2023,” says Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch.</p>
<p>“While cost considerations are top of mind for everyone this year, it’s clear travellers are not deterred and instead are prioritising accessible, experience-rich getaways. We know 29 per cent of Aussies are open to travelling to new destinations this year to keep costs down, and we hope by spotlighting these deserving destinations, all of which are extremely accessible, the awards inspire Aussies to explore and connect with regional destinations beyond the typical tried and tested.”</p>
<p><em>Image credit: Getty/Shutterstock</em></p>
