"WHY?!": Disbelief as "Best Aussie towns" crowned for 2024
<p>The top ten Aussie towns to visit in 2024 have been revealed, with some locals surprised to see their hometowns at the top of the list. </p>
<p>Each year travel experts at Wotif release the top spots to visit across the country, narrowing down destinations based on the platform’s data index of accommodation affordability, quality and traveller feedback.</p>
<p>This year’s top 10 list featured a number of regional towns over coastal escapes, with Bendigo in Victoria taking out the top spot. </p>
<p>The small Victorian town, home to plenty of paddock-to-plate cafes, vintage trams and the famous regional Art Gallery, has been praised by visitors for its cultural experiences, and lively food and beverage scene.</p>
<p>Also making the top 10 list are Katherine in the Northern Territory and Coober Pedy in South Australia, alongside Broken Hill and Bathurst in New South Wales. </p>
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<p>Despite their top ten rankings, one savage local commented on the official top ranking video on social media writing, "Have ya’ll ever been to Katherine & Coober Pedy? Because they aren't on anyone’s top 10 list," while one confused Bathurst local simply asked, "Why?"</p>
<p>Wotif travel expert Sarah King said trends of heading away from the coast this year indicate a demand for “inland educational experiences”, meaning the top 10 towns in this year’s awards feature a diverse mix of regional towns not typically included in “best of” listings.</p>
<p>“Aussie travellers are driven by a curiosity to experience the world around them and it’s fantastic to see that pursuit of discovery leading many to find culture close to home,” Ms King said in a statement.</p>
<p>Check out the entire top 10 list below. </p>
<p>1. Bendigo, VIC</p>
<p>2. Broken Hill, NSW</p>
<p>3. Stanthorpe, QLD</p>
<p>4. Katherine, NT</p>
<p>5. Bathurst, NSW</p>
<p>6. Tanunda, SA</p>
<p>7. Griffith, NSW</p>
<p>8. Stanley, TAS</p>
<p>9. Exmouth, WA</p>
<p>10. Coober Pedy, SA</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>
