Wotif has crowned its ‘2024 Aussie Town of the Year’. The global hotel reservation site and app is in its seventh year of recognising trending Aussie destinations for the year ahead by looking at its data index based on accommodation, affordability, quality and traveller satisfaction. Wotif’s research also revealed that 69% of Australians plan to travel domestically throughout the year. 

Coastal towns have long been Aussie’s go-to when it comes to long weekends and family holidays, but more are swapping the beach for inland experiences, which is what Wotif’s awards showcased. Taking the top spot was the regional Victorian town of Bendigo. 

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Known for its gold rush legacy, dating back to the 1850s, and school excursions or camps based around the gold rush era, Bendigo has cleverly rebranded in the last decade as a gastronomy capital. It boasts everything from vineyards, fine dining restaurants, breweries, orchards, cellar doors, butchers and quality cafes. The regional town is also an easy one-hour and 50-minute drive from Melbourne, making it accessible to Melburnians and visitors alike. Coming in second is New South Wales’ Broken Hill, followed by Queensland’s Stanthorpe. 

Wotif Travel Expert, Sarah King, says, “Aussie travellers are driven by a curiosity to experience the world around them and it’s fantastic to see that pursuit of discovery leading many to find culture close to home. As one in five (20%) Aussies are planning a trip during the upcoming Easter long weekend and over half (56%) plan on taking advantage of school holidays for local getaways, these awards provide the ultimate inspiration for those planning their travels for the year ahead.”

Here are the top 10 ‘2024 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award’ winners: 

1. Bendigo, VIC
2. Broken Hill, NSW
3. Stanthorpe, QLD
4. Katherine, NT
5. Bathurst, NSW
6. Tanunda, SA
7. Griffith, NSW
8. Stanley, TAS
9. Exmouth, WA
10. Coober Pedy, SA

So if you plan to hit the road or travel within Australia this year, add these straight to the top of your bucket list. 

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