Today, leading travel app Wotif announces the winners of the 2023 Aussie Town of the Year Awards, as trends show Aussie travellers are carving out their own long weekends on the calendar, opting for shorter, more frequent domestic trips.
The crown returns to New South Wales, as Albury claims this year’s win, proving the border town has become far more than a pit-stop destination. Bundaberg, Queensland, and New Norfolk, Tasmania round out the top three. Now in its sixth year, the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards recognise trending Aussie destinations for the year ahead and is based on a Wotif data index that looks at accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction**.
The awards come as 46% of Aussies plan to travel in April to take advantage of the public and school holidays*. Three-day-stays prove to be the new sweet spot for domestic holidays, with demand on Wotif growing by more than 30% in 2022, compared to 20211. Looking to the year ahead, almost half of Aussies (49%) plan to take short trips of up to 3 nights*, with many wanting to explore their own state. 44% of Aussies simply prefer short weekend trips, while another 44% are making this decision for financial reasons, as the rising cost of living impedes household budgets*.
“By all accounts, Aussies remain committed to travelling locally in 2023,” says Wotif Managing Director, Daniel Finch. “While cost considerations are top of mind for everyone this year, it’s clear travellers are not deterred and instead are prioritising accessible, experience-rich getaways. We know 29% of Aussies are open to travelling to new destinations this year to keep costs down*, and we hope by spotlighting these deserving destinations, all of which are extremely accessible, the awards inspire Aussies to explore and connect with regional destinations beyond the typical tried and tested.”
2023 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award winners:
Destination insights included in Notes to Editor
1. Albury, NSW
2. Bundaberg, QLD
3. New Norfolk, TAS
4. Port Lincoln, SA
5. Ballarat, VIC
6. Merimbula, NSW
7. Toowoomba, QLD
8. Dunsborough, WA
9. Orange, NSW
10. Echuca, VIC
