Wotif reveals the top Aussie Town of the Year

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo at dusk on a warm Spring day.
Edited by Travel Weekly


    The iconic country Victorian town of Bendigo has been announced as the Aussie Town of the Year by Wotif as the application also reveals the top spots for domestic travel in Australia.

    Renowned for its gold rush legacy, dating back to the 1850s, Bendigo claims the top spot this year, as 4.5 million Aussies plan on visiting the state in 2024.

    Rounding out the top three destinations are Broken Hill in NSW and Queensland’s Stanthorpe, each providing unique experiences and primed for seven in ten 69 per cent who plan on travelling domestically in 2024, a 9 per cent increase year-on-year.

    Now in its seventh 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 at the perfect time as over two-fifths 43 per cent of Aussies who plan to travel domestically want to visit new destinations within Australia. Three in ten 29 per cent are open to travelling to new destinations if it means finding a good deal and over a quarter 27 per cent are choosing to travel locally rather than overseas to help keep costs down.

    Swapping classic coastal getaways for inland educational experiences this year’s awards feature a diverse mix of regional towns, reflecting the desire of many to learn more about Australia.

    Local domestic travellers are most interested in exploring historic sites 89 per cent which they’ll find in Broken Hill with its sacred Aboriginal site Mutawintji National Park, places that showcase Australia’s unique outback experiences 84 per cent such as the underground town of Coober Pedy in SA, and destinations that showcase the arts 76 per cent such as Godinymayin Yijard Arts and Culture Centre in Northern Territory’s, Katherine.

    “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 a culture close to home,”

    “As one in five 20 per cent Aussies are planning a trip during the upcoming Easter long weekend and over half 56 per cent plan on taking advantage of school holidays for local getaways, these awards provide the ultimate inspiration for those planning their travel for the year ahead.”

    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

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