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%) of Aussies who plan to travel domestically want to visit new destinations within Australia. In addition, three in ten (29%) are open to travelling to new destinations if it means finding a good deal and over a quarter (27%) 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%) which they’ll find in Broken Hill with its sacred Aboriginal site Mutawintji National Park, places that showcase Australia’s unique outback experiences (84%) such as the underground town of Coober Pedy in SA, and destinations that showcase the arts (76%) such as Godinymayin Yijard Arts and Culture Centre in Northern Territory’s, Katherine.

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.”

2024 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award winners:

Destination insights included in Notes to Editor

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

To read more and see the latest travel deals from this year’s winning destinations, head to www.wotif.com/aussieawards