Best Getaway winners – 2016 People’s Choice Awards

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The winners of the Best Getaways in Australian Traveller’s 2016 People’s Choice Awards 2016 are…

1. Best city for a short break: Melbourne

Why you love it… The ever-present battle between Sydney and Melbourne sees Victoria’s capital pip the harbour city at the post again this year. This urban oasis exudes cosmopolitan charm with a European vibe, charismatic laneways, enviable coffee, a host of cool rooftop bars and restaurants, an energetic cultural calendar… and unpredictable weather.

Our hot tip… Melbourne is the ultimate destination for culinary capers. A must-visit is restaurant and bar, Eau De Vie, which houses 700-plus spirits and boasts the perfect balance of class and grunge. And you can’t leave the city without seeing Hosier Lane, the ‘Holy land’ of street art.

If you love this, your next short break should be… Strathalbyn, SA. The dining in this quaint town echoes Melbourne in a more intimate and cosy way, with Smith Tapas Bar a local favourite.

You also rate… Sydney, NSW / Perth, WA / Brisbane, QLD / Adelaide, SA

2. Best family holiday spot: Gold Coast

Why you love it… The Gold Coast is almost a holiday no-brainer when kids are in tow. With a host of family-friendly accommodation, beautiful beaches, and more hyper-fun entertainment than you can poke a bored kid at, the Gold Coast is also embracing a new confidence and cool that will have you falling in love with it all over again.

Our hot tip… Away from boisterous Surfers Paradise, don’t miss the natural swimming oasis of Currumbin Rock Pool, Tamborine Mountain in the hinterland with its spectacular hikes and quaint village, and Tallebudgera Creek, which hides a secluded beach.

If you love this, your next family holiday should be… Perth, WA. With postcard-worthy beaches, Perth is a fun-in-the-sun family holiday spot. Kids will love Adventure World, while Shoalwater Islands Marine Park has a beautiful reef peppered with shipwrecks. ]

You also rate… Sunshine Coast, Qld / Byron Bay, NSW / Cairns, Qld / Port Douglas, Qld

3. Best beach? Whitehaven Beach, Qld

Why you love it… Whitehaven Beach is the stuff of daydreams. Located on the largest of the salt-kissed Whitsunday islands, this beach’s natural purity is otherworldly, with white silica sand that extends more than seven kilometres.

Our hot tip… Head to the lookout at Tongue Point for the most breathtaking views of Hill Inlet, where the ocean tide manipulates the sand and water into mesmerising patterns and colours.

If you love this, your next beach day should be… Turquoise Bay, WA. As part of Ningaloo Reef, Turquoise Bay boasts some of the best snorkelling in the country and, with its sugar-white sand and (as the name suggests) turquoise water, it’s a serious contender to rival the beauty of Whitehaven.

You also rate… Noosa, Qld / Bondi, NSW / Cable Beach, WA / Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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4. Most desirable island escape: Hamilton Island

Why you love it… Amid its immaculate beaches and pristine atolls, Hamilton Island is the perfect base to discover the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Whitsundays. But life on the island is what really sets it apart from others.

With accommodation to suit every budget, great dining spots from cheap and cheerful to world-class, and fun for kids including mini golf, bowling, go-karting and the like, it’s an all-round crowd pleaser.

Our hot tip… Take a voyage to the Hidden Cove, a beach that separates the Coral Sea from the lush backdrop of foliage – ahhh the serenity!

If you love this, your next island escape should be… Rottnest Island, WA. Just as with Hamilton Island, Rottnest Island has everything at your fingertips including accommodation from camping to boutique stays, a host of restaurants, a heap of fun for the kids (Segways, an aqua park, archery and so on), 63 beaches and 20 bays, and – the best bit – an adorable local quokka population.

You also rate… Hayman Island, QLD / Lord Howe Island, NSW / Kangaroo Island, SA / Fraser Island, QLD

5. Cosiest winter destination: Tasmania

Why you love it… No need to go into specifics, you felt that anywhere on the Apple Isle made for a cosy winter escape. Quaint towns, puffing swirls of smoke from chimneys, trails of whisky to discover, rolling hills and woodlands to wander, Tassie offers everything needed to do winter right.

Our hot tip… Hire a car and wind your way from Hobart up to the Huon Valley dotted with cider houses, wineries, orchards and sweet little towns.

If you love this, your next winter destination should be… Bowral, NSW. Bowral is home to old vineyards, antique merchants, eclectic dining destinations, boutique art galleries and the iconic Bradman Centre, where visitors can revel in the glory of this iconic Australian.

You also rate… Blue Mountains, NSW / Cradle Mountain, Tas / Thredbo, NSW / Dinner Plain, VIC

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6. Best regional escape: Barossa Valley

Why you love it… You could say the presence of more than 150 wineries explains the appeal of this region, but that would be a bit too simplistic. The Barossa is also loved for its beautiful produce, passionate people and rich Silesian and Prussian history.

Our hot tip… Be sure to head to the Barossa Farmers Market and fill your basket with mettwurst, fresh cream, preserves and breads. If you’re a kitchen novice and keen to try out a cooking class, try Casa Carboni.

If you like this, your next regional escape should be… Berrima, NSW. Dating back to 1830 this petite village in NSW’s Southern Highlands has an array of dining choices, but for something simple (and simply delicious), the Berrima cafes are known to cook up a mean pie.

You also rate… Hunter Valley, NSW / Orange, NSW / Daylesford, VIC / Blue Mountains, NSW

7. Best outback destination: Uluru

Why you love it… The 500-million-year-old sandstone monolith at the core of Australia’s rusty-red outback is a spectacle of immense proportions and with it comes stories swathed in the magic that is the aboriginal Dreamtime.
Our hot tip… Stargazing at Uluru – it really doesn’t get much better than that. Located far away from the light pollution of towns and cities, you can marvel under the vast southern sky decorated with the constellations.

If you love this, your next outback destination should be… Karijini National Park, WA. Presiding in Western Australia’s vibrant Pilbara region, Karijini National Park is a wild wonderland of plunging creeks, weaving gorges and brilliant rockscapes.

You also rate… Kimberley, WA / Alice Springs, NT / Kakadu, NT / Flinders Ranges, SA

With so many worthy finalists nominated by our very own AT readers, don’t miss out on finding out where all these amazing places are!

•Best Accommodation Finalists

•Best Experiences Finalists

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Goat yoga to gastronomy: The ultimate guide to Wimmera Mallee, Vic

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

    Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating. 

    Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned. 

    Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world. 

    Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

    The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria
    Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

    If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves. 

    The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.  

    Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions. 

    Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.  

    Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

    Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed
    Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

    As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene. 

    Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure. 

    The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po, where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls. 

    Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed, the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles. 

    Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

    pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia
    Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes. 

    Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell, which turns pink during wet and warm conditions. 

    The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden. 

    And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic. 

    Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

    border inn in the Wimmera Mallee
    Meet the locals at Border Inn.

    As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area. 

    The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality. 

    The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green.  For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.  

    A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times. 

    Wimmera Mallee accommodation

    Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee
    Escape to Fulham Homestead.

    If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge, also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway. 

    For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning. 

    The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike. 

    If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre. 

    Annual events

    Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum
    Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

    You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again. 

    Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark. 

    Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show, which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj, a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community. 

    From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au