What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!
The Australian Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are back, and your opinion matters. Got 10 minutes? That’s all it takes to vote for your favourite Australian travel experiences, operators and destinations – and enter the draw to win 1 of 15 ultimate Aussie holidays.
We know your time is precious, and we really appreciate you giving us 10 minutes of it. In return, it’s your chance to shape the awards, tell us exactly what content you want to see more of, and score an unforgettable getaway. A win-win-win, really. And let’s be honest, you’ve spent longer trying to pick something on Netflix. At least this could end in a holiday.
Please note: Winners will not be able to choose which prize they win. Winners will be contacted via email after the competition closes and announced in Issue 112 and on our socials.
Swim with manta rays on a 5-night Coral Coast escape for 2, worth up to $4500
Explore the Coral Coast for 5 nights. (Credit: C J Maddock)
Swim with manta rays in the wild.
Discover WA’s incredible coastal beauty with three nights in Carnarvon and two nights in Coral Bay. The prize includes accommodation, passes to Carnarvon’s three iconic attractions, a dining voucher, a tour with Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys and a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with majestic manta rays in Ningaloo’s pristine waters.
What’s included?
Accommodation in Carnarvon (3 nights)
Accommodation in Coral Bay (2 nights)
Dining voucher
Exclusive Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys tour voucher
Passes to Carnarvon’s 3 iconic attractions
Manta Ray experience
A 2-night stay at The Westin Brisbane, worth $4259
Wind down in luxury at The Westin Brisbane.
Indulge in a luxurious two-night escape at The Westin Brisbane. Stay in the elegant Renewal Suite with valet parking, club lounge access and daily buffet breakfast. Enjoy dinner for two at The Westin Signature Restaurant, then unwind with a 60-minute signature massage for two at Heavenly Spa by Westin. A revitalising city stay designed around total wellbeing.
What’s included?
2 nights in the Renewal Suite
Valet parking
Daily breakfast buffet
Dinner for 2 at the Westin signature restaurant
60-minute massage for 2 at Heavenly Spa by Westin
A 3-night escape to the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, worth $4000
Escape to one of Australia’s most iconic retreats.
Snorkel, sail and soak up the beauty of Hayman Island with a glamorous three-night island stay at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. Located in the Whitsundays, this iconic retreat invites two guests to stay in a One Bedroom Pool Ocean View Suite, complete with sweeping Coral Sea views. Daily breakfast and return boat transfers from Hamilton Island Airport are included.
What’s included?
3-night stay in a One Bedroom Pool Ocean View Suite
Daily breakfast for 2
Return transfers for 2 from Hamilton Island Airport
The ultimate coastal wellness escape to Wollongong, worth $1688
Win a wellness holiday in Wollongong.
Experience the coastal goodness of Wollongong with a packed wellness itinerary. Enjoy a clifftop getaway perched above the ocean and surrounded by rainforest at the boutique Tumbling Waters Retreat. When hunger strikes, head to the iconic Imperial at Clifton for a delicious meal steeped in history. Wind down in the afternoon with stunning ocean views and live music at the Headlands Hotel. Round out your day with a full-body workout at Limber Co, then melt away any remaining tension with a rejuvenating treatment at ibah Spa.
10-pack class pass for Limber Co with Liber tote and socks
An overnight luxury beachfront stay at The Langham, Gold Coast, worth $1500
Enjoy a taste of beachfront luxury at The Langham, Gold Coast.
Dive into absolute beachfront luxury with an overnight stay in a Junior Ocean Suite at The Langham, Gold Coast. Enjoy daily buffet breakfast at Akoya restaurant, valet parking and direct access to the Gold Coast’s iconic shoreline – where spectacular ocean views come standard.
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What’s included?
A 1-night stay in the Junior Ocean suite
Daily buffet breakfast at Akoya
Valet parking
Direct beach access
A night at The Langham, Melbourne for 2, worth $1353
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, enjoy an overnight getaway in elegance at The Langham, Melbourne.
Experience the buzz of Melbourne with a swish overnight stay in a One Bedroom Suite at The Langham, Melbourne. Enjoy breakfast at Melba Restaurant, club lounge access and a complimentary glass of house wine – all wrapped in the hotel’s signature elegance on the banks of the Yarra.
What’s included?
1-night stay for 2 in a 1-bedroom suite
Breakfast at Melba Restaurant
Club lounge access
1 complimentary house wine
Savour a foodie getaway to Geelong, worth $1298
Experience all Geelong has to offer with the luxury of bay front views.
Treat yourself and a plus one to a premium waterfront escape in Geelong. Stay overnight in a Bayview Room at the newly opened Crowne Plaza Geelong, complete with buffet breakfast and sweeping views across the bay. The experience continues with a perfume-making workshop at Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances, Asian fusion dining at Two Noble and a nightcap at Geelong Cellar Door, home to one of the region’s largest collections of local wines. A perfectly curated taste of Geelong.
What’s included?
Overnight stay in a Bayview Room at Crowne Plaza Geelong
Buffet breakfast for 2
Perfume-making workshop at Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances
Dinner at Two Noble
Night Cap at Geelong Cellar Door
An off-grid cabin stay and sauna session in Denmark, worth over $1200
Take a relaxing break in nature with Heyscape.
Set on the breathtaking Raintree Estate, Heyscape immerses guests in the wild beauty of Denmark, WA. Enjoy a two-night stay in your choice of either a one-bedroom cabin or a four-person cabin, complete with premium bedding and an outdoor barbecue. Slow things right down with a private sauna session for two at The Fieldhouse amid towering trees and coastal calm.
What’s included?
2-night stay in a 1-bed cabin or 4-person cabin in Denmark
A private sauna session for 2 people at The Fieldhouse
A $1000 Accor gift card to use on your next getaway
Redeem your next getaway with Accor.
Where will you go next? Put a dream escape on the calendar with a $1000 accommodation gift card, redeemable across participating Accor hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. From city stays to resort escapes, this versatile prize lets you choose the getaway that suits you best, with plenty of time to plan, thanks to a generous 36-month validity period.
What’s included?
A $1000 gift card to select Accor hotels
36-month validity period
2 nights of calm, coastal glamping in Gippsland worth $800
Go glamping in style in Gippsland.
Designed for couples seeking a slower pace, this two-night boutique glamping escape at The Inverloch Glamping Co. is set on rolling farmland just minutes from Inverloch’s beaches in Gippsland. Spend your days exploring the Bunurong Coast or simply staying put with a coffee in hand. Come evening, unwind by the firepit or under open skies, then enjoy plush bedding in a safari tent, bell tent, dome or cabin.
What’s included?
A 2-night stay glamping at The Inverloch Glamping Co
Access to the camp kitchen
Private bathroom
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
1 night in a harbour view room at The Langham, Sydney, worth $800
Take in the beauty of of Sydney Harbour right outside your window.
Wake to Harbour Bridge vistas with a night in a Deluxe Harbour View Room at The Langham, Sydney. Located in The Rocks district, this heritage hotel blends historic charm with indulgence. Enjoy an included breakfast for two and serene harbour surrounds.
What’s included?
Overnight stay in a Deluxe Harbour View room for 2
Breakfast for 2
1 night in a water view room at Pier One Sydney Harbour, worth $750
Wake to sparkling water views beneath the Harbour Bridge.
Live out your five-star harbourfront dreams with a one-night stay in a Water View Room at Pier One Sydney Harbour. Wake to sparkling water views beneath the Harbour Bridge and enjoy breakfast for two, then get lost in Walsh Bay’s vibrant waterfront precinct, home to cultural attractions, dining hotspots and iconic Sydney scenery.
What’s included?
1-night stay for 2 in a Water View Room
Breakfast for 2
An overnight escape at The Anchorage Port Stephens, worth $699
The Anchorage is a Port Stephens icon.
Escape to a private marina haven in Port Stephens, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney. This one-night stay in a Loft Suite for two guests includes breakfast and access to The Anchorage’s postcard-perfect surrounds, where white sands meet gentle waves. A refined waterfront escape designed for pure relaxation.
What’s included?
A 1-night stay in a loft suite for 2
Breakfast for 2 included
Private waterfront access
A weekend getaway for 2 at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, worth $675
Enjoy an unforgettable getaway to the Hunter Valley for two.
Escape to wine country with an overnight stay at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley in a King Grand Valley View Room. The package includes buffet breakfast for two, a bottle of wine on arrival, free parking and wi-fi. An ideal base for exploring the flavour-filled Hunter Valley region at a relaxed pace.
What’s included?
Overnight accommodation at voco in the King Grand Valley view room
Buffet breakfast for 2 adults
Bottle of wine on arrival
Free parking
Free wi-fi
A Hawkesbury Valley weekend getaway for 2, worth $625
The Hawkesbury Valley is the perfect weekend getaway to switch off.
Flee the city for a relaxing night at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, located around an hour’s drive from Sydney. Bed down in a King Bed Junior Suite, complete with a bottle of wine on arrival, buffet breakfast for two adults and complimentary parking and wi-fi. Set amid peaceful surroundings, this weekend retreat is perfect for slowing down and switching off.
What’s included?
Overnight stay in a King Bed Junior Suite at the Crowne Plaza
Buffet breakfast for 2
Bottle of wine on arrival
Free parking
Free wi-fi
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From coast to coast and everywhere in between, our collective backyard offers unforgettable nature experiences for every kind of traveller.
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or prefer to while away the day at the beach, Australia has some of the most incredible landscapes in the world (and some epic Hilton stays to return to after each day of exploring). Slow down, breathe in, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure, and these destinations are perfect for a nature escape.
1. Albany, WA
Climb the Granite Skywalk fora unique nature experience. (Credit: Tourism WA)
Albany, in regional Western Australia, is a paradise for nature lovers, best known for its dramatic, rocky coastline and endless swathes of white-sand beaches. Explore it all from Hilton Garden Inn Albany, with a gorgeous waterfront location and close proximity to some of the most iconic natural landscapes.
Head to Torndirrup National Park, where you can venture out onto a see-through platform to watch the waves batter the shoreline below – if you dare. Further north, marvel at Porongurup National Park’s Castle Rock, an imposing granite range over a million years old that you can scale via the Granite Skywalk.
Between May and December, Albany becomes a whale watchers’ paradise as humpback whales, southern right whales, and even blue whales journey north towards the Kimberley. Pack your binoculars; there’s a good chance you’ll spot them from the shore.
2. Alice Springs, NT
Return from your explorations to enjoy views of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Surrounded by dusty red desert, rolling spinifex dunes, and eerie ghost gums, Alice Springs sits upon a landscape so unique it’s otherworldly. From here, plan a day trip to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, where you can take in the unrivalled majesty of Uluru. While there, check out The Olgas, a cluster of 36 impressive rock formations perfect for hiking. Walking trails offer a mix of easy strolls and trickier hikes that wind through gorges and creek beds.
Other bucket-list-worthy experiences in the area include Stanley Chasm Angkerle Antwatye in the MacDonnell Ranges, best seen at midday for a spectacular view of the sun passing through its crevice, and the rim walk at King’s Canyon, which will leave you feeling breathless as you take in views of the desert from the top of 300m high sandstone walls.
Nestled on the banks of the Todd River with views of the MacDonnell Ranges, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs offers the ideal spot to relax and recharge after a day of adventuring.
3. Busselton, WA
Watch the sunset reflect onto the endless blues at Busselton Jetty. (Credit: Tourism WA)
For a deeply relaxing nature getaway, look no further than Busselton. This charming seaside city is the gateway to the Margaret River Region, where you’ll find no shortage of lush greenery, winding coastlines and unique marine life. Start the day with a stroll and a swim at Busselton or Dunsborough beach, and plan for a sunset walk along the Geographe Bay Foreshore to drink in the changing light. How’s the serenity?
If you’re visiting Busselton in Spring, don’t skip a nature walk through Ambergate Nature Reserve, which is bursting with wildflowers of every colour once the weather begins to warm.
A stay at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton puts the Margaret River region on your doorstep. Sitting on the pristine shores of Geographe Bay, it’s just a handful of steps from Busselton Jetty and underwater observatory, where you can see the vibrant marine life up close without getting wet.
4. Cairns, Qld
Check into Hilton Cairns and soak in the beauty.
There’s no shortage of natural wonders to marvel at from Cairns. Get up close and personal with the underwater wildlife by diving or snorkelling through Australia’s underwater playground, the world-heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Head away from the shore to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest and home to iconic fauna like the cassowary, as well as infamous plants like the Stinging Tree.
Wherever you go, Hilton Cairns or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns make the perfect home base for a Cairns adventure. Both sit so close to the ferry terminal to get out on the reef, and offer easy access to dining and bar options to top off an amazing day.
Australia’s northernmost city has plenty to offer nature lovers. Day trip to Litchfield National Park and hear the thunderous roar of Florence Falls, take in the mangroves at Charles Darwin National Park, or head to Mary River Wetlands to marvel at the rare birdlife that call the wetlands home.
It might be known for being a literal paradise for surfers – it’s in the name, after all – but there’s more to the Gold Coast than initially meets the eye. Check into Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences to take advantage of direct access to iconic beaches, coastal wildlife and the best of Surfers Paradise.
But the hotel is also an easy drive away from the world-heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, a hinterland treasure teeming with walking trails. Make a day of it by stopping off at some of the local food producers that abound in the Gold Coast hinterland.
