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Australian Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions

Credit: C J Maddock

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
Terms and conditions of entry for the Australian Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

In addition to the general terms and conditions of entry for Australian Traveller Media competitions and giveaways, these are the terms and conditions for each of the prizes in the Australian Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

By entering, I agree to have my personal information shared with Australian Traveller Media. By opting in, I consent to receiving marketing communications from and having my name, email and phone number shared with and handled by the prize suppliers in accordance with their respective privacy policies.

You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Swim with manta rays on a 5-night Coral Coast escape for 2, worth up to $4500

Bookings via Carnarvon Visitor Centre, subject to availability. Minimum 30 days advance booking required.

Prize not transferable or redeemable for cash. Travel within the specified period only. Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. The weather may impact tours. Travel insurance not included. Additional costs at the winner’s expense unless stated.

Blackout dates: School holidays, public holidays, and major event periods, including WA Tourism Conference dates (25–27 May 2026), and other peak periods as advised.

A 2-night stay at The Westin Brisbane, worth $4259

The prize is valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of issue. Any unused portion of the prize will be forfeited after the expiry date.

Valid dates: August 2026-August 2027

The stay must be completed within the stated validity period and is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Advance reservations are required and must be made directly with the hotel, quoting the prize details.

Blackout dates may apply, including but not limited to public holidays, special events, and peak periods.

The offer must fall within the valid dates and is only redeemable within the designated stay window.

Any additional costs, including but not limited to taxes, incidental charges, meals, and upgrades, are the responsibility of the guest. Taxes are additional where applicable.

The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and cannot be redeemed for cash or other services.

The hotel reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time without prior notice.

Other restrictions may apply.

A 3-night escape to the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, worth $4000

The winner will be provided with a gift voucher detailing the inclusions.

Subject to availability. The voucher must be redeemed within one year of receiving.

Blackout dates apply, including the festive period, school holidays, public holidays and Resort buyouts.

Flights are not included in this prize.

This certificate is non-transferable or redeemable for cash.

An overnight luxury beachfront stay at The Langham, Gold Coast, worth $1500

The offer is subject to availability and within the valid dates.

Standard cancellation policy applies, and all incidentals are to be covered by guests on departure.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

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

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A night at The Langham, Melbourne for 2, worth $1353

Vouchers are non-refundable, non-transferable, non-discountable, and cannot be exchanged for cash.

Vouchers must be presented to redeem.

Vouchers cannot be partially redeemed; any unused balance will not be refunded or credited.

All vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or special events.

Accommodation voucher reservations shall be made through the hotel reservation office directly; redemption is subject to room availability, blackout dates may apply and may not be used on special dates and public holidays.

In case of disputes, The Langham, Melbourne reserves the right to make the final decision.

Terms and conditions are subject to change.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

Savour a foodie getaway to Geelong, worth $1298

Not transferable or redeemable for cash.

No public holidays or 21 Dec 2026 – 10 January 2027.

An off-grid cabin stay and sauna session in Denmark, worth over $1200

Minimum 2-night booking

Valid for Denmark location only

Cannot be exchanged for cash

Cannot be used during WA Public Holiday long weekends

Travel between August 2026 – July 2028

A $1000 Accor gift card to use on your next getaway

The gift card is redeemable across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji participating hotels for a validity period of 36 months. Bookings are subject to availability.

2 nights of calm, coastal glamping in Gippsland worth $800

Prize is for two (2) nights’ accommodation for two (2) adults at The Inverloch Glamping Co, Inverloch, Victoria.

Prize is subject to availability and must be booked in advance.

Blackout dates may apply, including peak periods, public holidays and school holidays.

Prize must be redeemed within 12 months from the date of issue.

Accommodation type (bell tent, safari tent, cabin or dome) will be determined by the provider, subject to availability.

Prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and not redeemable for cash.

Travel to and from Inverloch, meals, and any additional expenses are not included.

Guests must comply with all booking terms, conditions of stay and property rules set by The Inverloch Glamping Co.

Any additional costs incurred during the stay (e.g. upgrades, extras, damages) are the responsibility of the winner.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Nat valid for Victorian long weekends (including Labour Day, King’s Birthday, AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup), 20 December – 31 January (summer peak period) or the Easter long weekend (dates vary annually).

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

1 night in a harbour view room at The Langham, Sydney, worth $800

Subject to availability at the time of booking, blackout dates apply.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

1 night in a water view room at Pier One Sydney Harbour, worth $750

The prize will be issued as a digital voucher. To redeem, the winner must contact the hotel reservations team to book their stay, subject to availability. The voucher must be quoted at the time of booking and presented at check-in.

Valid for travel for 12 months from the date of issue.

Not valid 30–31 December and during special event periods. Additional blackout dates may apply.

An overnight escape at The Anchorage Port Stephens, worth $699

The winner will be presented with a physical voucher.

Voucher will be valid for three years once received.

Valid for mid-week stays (Sunday-Thursday), excludes public holidays and NSW school holidays.

A weekend getaway for 2 at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, worth $675

Must book at least 7 days prior to arrival. Weekday bookings are also permitted. Not available on Public Holidays or Special Event dates. may apply.

Voucher valid for stays until 31st December 2027.

Blackout dates include public holidays and Hotel Special Event Dates. All stay dates are subject to availability.

A Hawkesbury Valley weekend getaway for 2, worth $625

Must book at least 7 days prior to arrival. Weekday bookings are also permitted. Not available on Public Holidays or Special Event dates. may apply.

Voucher valid for stays until 31st December 2027.

Blackout dates include public holidays and Hotel Special Event Dates. All stay dates are subject to availability.

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8 incredible hikes just outside of Melbourne

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

    Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford, the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

    1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

    Hanging Rock Summit Walk
    Take in views across the Macedon Ranges.

    Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

    2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

    Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout
    Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

    The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

    3. Mount Alexander Traverse

    Mount Alexander Traverse
    Take in the serenity.

    Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

    4. Murmuring Walk

    Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes
    Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

    Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

    5. La Gerche Forest Walk

    La Gerche Forest Walk
    Walk into history on the La Gerche Forest trail.

    Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

    6. Sailors Falls Loop

    Sailors Falls Loop
    See these spectacular falls. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

    7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

    Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

    8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

    Mount Franklin Summit Walk
    Take in forests and waterfalls along the way to the top of Mount Franklin.

    An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

    The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.