WOTIF ANNOUNCES 2025 AUSSIE TOWN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Today, leading travel app Wotif announces the winners of its 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards, as new research reveals that 78% of Aussies plan to travel domestically this year, a 9% increase from last year*.

New South Wales is back on top as Port Stephens claims this year’s win, with its must-see beaches, sand dunes, sea life, national parks, and over a 75% increase in accommodation interest**. Rounding out the top three destinations are Cairns in Queensland, and Mandurah in Western Australia.  

Now in its eighth year, the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards recognise trending Aussie destinations for the year ahead and are based on the Wotif data index that looks at accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction**.

The awards come as over a quarter (28%) of Aussies want to visit new destinations in Australia this year, knowing that there is no better place to travel than home. Additionally, short breaks will remain key for many Aussies, with 3 to 5 days being the sweet spot for domestic travel in the year ahead.

Wotif Travel Expert, Rebecca Hurley says: “Aussie Town of the Year is about celebrating the destinations and world class travel experiences in our own backyard. From Cairns to Port Campbell, and Mandurah in the west, Aussies are spoilt for choice and by all accounts, 2025 promises to be a positive year for domestic travel.

We know value for money will continue to be important in 2025 and this year's top ten destinations offer affordable accommodation options, with an average daily rate on Wotif between $175 and $300 per night. With Easter and the school holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to lock in a short break.”

Wotif 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Award winners:

Destination insights included in the Notes to Editor

1. Port Stephens, NSW
2. Cairns, QLD
3. Mandurah, WA
4. Denmark, WA
5. Beechworth, VIC
6. Port Campbell, VIC
7. Murray Bridge, SA
8. Kingscliff, NSW
9. Yamba, NSW
10. Mackay, QLD

For Aussies looking to save on the must-see destinations of the year, Wotif is offering 25% or more off select hotels with Mates Rates #. Visit wotif.com/aussiegems.

Notes to the Editor

Visual Assets for the top 10 destinations: Images and b-roll for all 10 destinations are available for download here.

Destination Insights

1. Port Stephens, NSW: Port Stephens’ popularity is well and truly soaring this year. Just over a two-hour drive from Sydney or a quick 30 min drive from Newcastle airport, the coastal region is home to pristine beaches, the rich Tomaree National Park, and the breathtaking Stockton Sand Dunes - the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Beyond these iconic natural wonders, visitors can experience NSW’s best seafood restaurant, The Poyer's, and award-winning cruises to witness an abundance of sea life. Wotif accommodation tip: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
2. Cairns, QLD: After taking out the win in 2021, Cairns makes its comeback on the awards list this year. As one of the best gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers unmatched snorkeling opportunities, made even better thanks to a new half-day tour, perfect for visitors short on time. Once done on the water, the newly opened social hub, Mexicairns, is the place to be. Wotif accommodation tip: Crystalbrook Riley
3. Mandurah, WA: Less than an hour south of Perth, Mandurah is set against a backdrop of magnificent beaches and an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour. Spending time on the water is a must with new sunrise kayaking tours, water bikes and the circular Kwillena Gabi pool to enjoy. It doesn’t stop on the water - the outdoor art installation Giants of Mandurah by artist Thomas Dambo is on until at least the end of 2026, so be sure to get your visit in before it is gone. Wotif accommodation tip: Nautica Residences Mandurah
4. Denmark, WA: On the Southwest Coast of Western Australia, Denmark is full of natural beauty waiting to be explored – from the turquoise waters of the Greens Pool to the awe-inspiring Elephant Rocks. Beyond that, new tours with bespoke experiences at local vineyards and the newly renovated institution Denmark Hotel make the town a must this year. Wotif accommodation tip: Aiyana Retreat
5. Beechworth, VIC: Beechworth’s spot on the awards list proves there’s more than just the coastline to explore this year. The historic gold rush town sits three hours' drive from Melbourne at the foot of the Australian Alps, the highest mountain range in the country, and offers an unmatched inland experience. Whether it’s a trip to the bakery to sample their famous beestings, visiting local Beechworth wineries, or enjoying the world-class Indigo Epic Mountain bike trails, Beechworth is the ultimate country town getaway. Wotif accommodation tip: Beechworth Motor Inn
6. Port Campbell, VIC: There’s a lot to be excited for in Port Campbell this year. The newly open viewing platform at the iconic 12 Apostles and a trail connecting Port Campbell to Timboon is already impressing travellers, while the soon to open Loch Ard Gorge’s Blowhole lookout is set to revitalise the area. For the foodie lovers, the 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail is a wonderful showcase of fresh local produce, while the Crayfest festival celebrates the region's food and drink, local music and art. Wotif accommodation tip: Sea Foam Villas
7. Murray Bridge, SA: Less than an hour from Adelaide and nestled on the banks of the Murray River, Murray Bridge is full of breathtaking scenery and diverse experiences for everyone. Spend your visit at Murray Bridge feeding lions at the Monarto Safari Park, the biggest open-range zoo in Australia and largest Safari Park outside of Africa, dining riverfront or experiencing one of the best spots to explore the cosmos in South Australia. Wotif accommodation tip: Bridgeport Hotel
8. Kingscliff, NSW: Along Tweed’s stunning coastline in northern NSW, only 15-minutes south of the Queensland border, lies Kingscliff. While many know it as a charming resort town, celebrated for its pristine beaches, there is more to explore with seaside markets, award-winning restaurants, endless aquatic adventures, in addition to being one of the hosts for the new food and drink festival, Savour The Tweed. Wotif accommodation tip: Blue Water Motel
9. Yamba, NSW: At the mouth of the Clarence River on the North Coast of NSW, Yamba is a nostalgic beach town surrounded by national parks, pristine beaches and top surf spots. Whether you want to surf at Main Beach, visit the Yamba markets, kayak the Clarence River, or relax in the region’s first (and new) bathhouse, there is something for everyone. Wotif accommodation tip: The Sands Resort
10. Mackay, QLD: After eight years, the inaugural Wotif Aussie Town of the Year winner returns. Home to Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest and one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife activities, the Cape Hillsborough Wallaby Experience, the secret is well and truly out on this Queensland gem. With so many nature, adventure and cultural experiences at your fingertips, Mackay is the ultimate travel destination, home to some of the best hiking, fishing, events, and mountain biking. Wotif accommodation tip: Quest Mackay on Gordon

# Wotif Aussie Gem sale:

Deals for Wotif members are valid for travel until 8/9/2025. Selected properties only. Book by 31/3/2025 11:59pm in the hotel property’s local time. Stay between 25/02/2025-8/9/2025. Wotif Mates Rates are available to logged in Wotif account holders and Wotif app users. Travel restrictions, limited availability, blackout periods apply.

*About the research:

Wotif research commissioned in collaboration with YouGov. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,024 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th – 15th January 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).

**About the 2025 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award index:

• Trending traveller interest: Based on accommodation searches on Wotif.com in 2024, compared to 2023
• Affordability: Based on the average daily rate for accommodation demand on Wotif from January to November 2024
• Accommodation: Based on accommodation quality and quantity on Wotif in 2024
• Reviews: Based on the average traveller review rating on Wotif for each destination in 2024

About Wotif

Wotif… it’s Aussie For Travel. Wotif offers travellers access to accommodation, flights, packages, activities and car hire both locally and overseas, with verified accommodation reviews from almost two million Australian and New Zealand travellers.