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2025 Readers’ Choice Awards – here are the results you’ve been waiting for

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
Thousands of Australian Traveller readers voted in our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The results are in, and here are your winners.

We asked you to vote for your favourite Australian travel experiences, and we received thousands of responses. Here are the results: the most dreamy destinations, incredible hotels and unforgettable journeys around the country. 

Read more about the winners in our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.

Best city to visit

Winner: Melbourne/Naarm, Vic

Runners-up:  
Sydney/Warrane, NSW 
Perth/Boorloo, WA 
Brisbane/Meanjin, Qld  
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA 

Best town to travel to

Winner: Noosa , Qld

Runners-up:   
Byron Bay, NSW  
Port Douglas, Qld 
Mudgee, NSW 
Margaret River, WA 

Best outback destination

Winner: Uluṟu, NT  

Runners-up: 
Broken Hill, NSW
Alice Springs, NT
Longreach, Qld
Broome, WA  

Honourable mentions: South Australian outback; Top End, NT 

Best island escape

Winner: Hamilton Island, Qld

Runners-up:  
Lord Howe Island, NSW 
Tasmania  
Kangaroo Island, SA 
Hayman Island, Qld 

Best family holiday spot

Winner: Gold Coast, Qld  

Runners-up:
Noosa, Qld
Sunshine Coast, Qld
Cairns/Gimuy, Qld
Port Douglas, Qld 

Honourable mentions: NSW coastal towns of Yamba, Port Stephens and Port Macquarie 

Best under-the-radar destination

Winner: Tasmania/Lutruwita

Runners-up:
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA
Kangaroo Island, SA
Yamba, NSW
Canberra, ACT 

 Honourable mention: Newcastle, NSW

Best country escape

Winner: Mudgee, NSW  

Runners-up:   
Hunter Valley, NSW 
Orange, NSW 
Daylesford, Vic  
Margaret River, WA 

Best glamping or off-grid experience

Winner: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA

Runners-up:   
Paperbark Camp, NSW 
Wallaroo Outback Retreat, Qld 
Longitude 131°, NT 
Cockatoo Island, NSW

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

AI Prompt

Best road trip

Winner: Great Ocean Road , Vic

Runners-up:  
Tasmania/Lutruwita
Gibb River Road, WA 
Cairns to Port Douglas, Qld 
East coast of Australia  

Best foodie experience

Winner: Melbourne/Naarm, Vic

Runners-up:   
Tasmania/Lutruwita
Margaret River, WA 
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA 
Hunter Valley, NSW 

Best wine region

Winner: Barossa Valley, SA 

Runners-up:  
Hunter Valley, NSW 
Margaret River, WA 
Yarra Valley, Vic 
McLaren Vale, SA

Best cultural or arts experience

Winner: Melbourne/Naarm, Vic 

Runners-up:  
Mona, Tas
Uluṟu, NT
Sydney/Warrane, NSW  
National Gallery of Victoria, Vic 

Best festival to travel for

Winner: Adelaide Fringe, SA

Runners-up:   
Vivid Sydney, NSW  
Dark Mofo, Tas 
Byron Bay Bluesfest, NSW 
Floriade, ACT

Best First Nations experience

Winner: Uluṟu, NT  

Kakadu, NT   
Darwin, NT   
Alice Springs/Mparntwe, NT  
Garma Festival, NT

Best beach

Winner: Whitehaven Beach, Qld

Runners-up:  
Noosa Main Beach, Qld  
Bondi Beach, Qld 
Hyams Beach, NSW   
Cable Beach, WA

Best walk or hike destination

Winner: Blue Mountains, NSW

Runners-up:  
Cradle Mountain, Tas  
Grampians/Gariwerd, Vic 
Bondi to Coogee, NSW   
Noosa National Park, Qld 

Best rail journey

Winner: The Ghan, SA-NT 

Runners-up:   
Indian Pacific, WA, SA + NSW 
Puffing Billy, Vic   
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Qld   
Spirit of Queensland, Qld 

Best resort

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Winner: Hamilton Island, Qld

Runners-up:  
Hayman Island, Qld   
qualia, Qld   
Sea World Resort, Qld   
Saffire Freycinet, Tas  

Best destination for wellness

Winner: Byron Bay, NSW 

Runners-up:  
Daylesford, Vic   
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Qld   
Noosa, Qld 
Hepburn Springs, Vic

Best family accommodation

Winner: Sea World Resort, Qld

Runners-up:   
Paradise Resort, Gold Coast  
Turtle Beach Resort, Qld  
RACV Noosa, Qld  
Wallaroo Outback Retreat, Qld 

Best hotel

Winner: Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW 

Runners-up:  
The Calile Hotel, Qld   
W Melbourne, Vic   
W Sydney, NSW 
Crown Towers Melbourne, Vic

Best accommodation brand

Winner: Accor  

Runners-up:  
Marriott  
Hilton  
Sofitel  
Hyatt  

Best luxury accommodation brand

Winner: Sofitel 

Runners-up:  
Crown  
Hilton  
Hyatt  
Langham 

Best cruise line to sail from Australia

Winner: Royal Caribbean

Runners-up:  
Princess Cruises   
Carnival Cruise Line    
Celebrity Cruises 
Ponant

Best airline

Winner: Qantas

Runners-up:  
Virgin Australia  
Jetstar   
Rex Airlines   

Best airport to spend time in

Winner: Sydney/Warrane, NSW  

Runners-up:   
Melbourne/Naarm, Vic   
Brisbane/Meanjin, Qld   
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA   
Perth/Boorloo, WA

BONUS: Editors’ Choice

Winner: The Kimberley, WA 

Runners-up:  
Hamilton Island (Race Week), Qld 
Cocos Keeling Islands 
Arnhem Land, NT 
Southern Highlands (Osborn House), NSW 
Arkaba Walk, SA 
Victoria’s High Country (Pedal to Produce Trail), Vic 

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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

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    From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

    1. Festival of Sails

    the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
    The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    When: 24–26 January
    Where: Melbourne and Geelong

    This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

    2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

    cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
    Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    When: 31 January – 1 February
    Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

    Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

    3. Riverboats Music Festival

    the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
    The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

    When: 13–15 February
    Where: Echuca–Moama

    Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

    4. Neerim ArtsFest

    the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
    Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

    When: 28 February – 15 March
    Where: Gippsland

    This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

    5. ChillOut Festival

    a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
    Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

    When: 5–9 March
    Where: Daylesford

    Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

    6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

    Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
    Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

    When: 6–9 March
    Where: Port Fairy

    In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

    7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

    a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
    Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

    When: 7–9 March
    Where: Ballarat

    In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

    8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

    Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
    The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

    When: 3–6 April
    Where: Bendigo

    Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

    9. Grape Escape

    a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
    Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

    When: 1–3 May
    Where: The Grampians

    Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

    10. Comedy in the Vines

    Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
    Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

    When: 24–26 October
    Where: Yarra Valley

    The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.