The Best Australian Experiences 2016

And the winners of the Best Experiences in Australian Traveller’s 2016 People’s Choice Awards are…

1. Best walk: Bondi to Bronte, NSW

Why you love it… From one of Australia’s most iconic beaches to another, this cliff-clinging walk is an absolute show-stopper, starting or finishing at our cover star, the famous Bondi Icebergs Club. Despite having to dodge the occasional glistening, bronzed local in activewear, this walk never disappoints, especially when Sculptures By The Sea is happening.

Our hot tip… Keep a look-out for ancient aboriginal stone carvings of a shark and a whale on the rocks south of Mackenzies Point. During the humpback migration season between April and December gaze out to sea for a glimpse of frolicking whales.

If you love this, your next walk should be… Next time you feel like stretching your legs in Sydney, hop north of the bridge for the Spit Bridge to Manly walk, which takes in bushland, harbourside trails and stunning beaches.

You also rate… Bibbulmun Track, WA / Cradle Mountain, Tas / Noosa National Park, Qld / the Overland Track, Tas

2. Best food and wine region: Margaret River, WA

Why you love it… Apart from playing host to one of the country’s best food festivals, the always incredible Margaret River Gourmet Escape, this region is brimming with cellar doors, producers and some of the most stunning beaches on the south-west coast.

Our hot tip… While you’re there, scuttle on down to Dunsborough (read more about this fun coastal town here), another gorgeous oceanside town just half-an-hour away, and pop into the celebrated Jake’s Break, WA chef Jake Drachenberg’s casual lunch spot.

If you love this, your next food and wine adventure should be… Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. If the combination of grape vines and the scent of the ocean is what your mini-break dreams are made of, check out this stunning wine region just a short drive from Melbourne.

You also rate… Hunter Valley, NSW / Barossa Valley, SA / Yarra Valley, Vic / McLaren Vale, SA

3. Best outback adventure: Uluru, NT

Why you love it… Australians dream about seeing Uluru in all its ochre-red brilliance at least once in their lives. It’s no secret that the 348-metre-high monolith holds a deep spiritual significance to its traditional owners, the Anangu people, but it has the power to move anyone privileged enough to visit.

Our hot tip… You should see Uluru from as many vantage points as you can: bicycle, scenic flight, camel, or even on a sky dive. Check out ayersrockresort.com.au/experiences

If you love this, your next outback adventure should be… The Devil’s Marbles, NT. Also known as Karlu Karlu, these huge granite boulders, scattered across a wide valley with some balancing on each other, are one of the most intriguing sights in the country.

You also rate… The Kimberley, WA / Kakadu, NT / Flinders Ranges, SA / Birdsville, Qld

4. Best historical site: Port Arthur, Tas

Why you love it… The World Heritage-listed, 19th-century penal station, once home to the most notorious British criminals, is perhaps Australia’s most gripping historic site. It is places like this that bear tales of a time gone by and contribute to our national identity.

Our hot tip… Port Arthur’s convict-era attractions can be quite a chilling experience. If that’s what you’re into and you are of the dauntless and fearless kind, then an after-dark pass comes highly recommended. This spooky version of a golden ticket includes a two-course dinner and Port Arthur’s infamously terrifying, notoriously unsettling Ghost Tour (read about our spooky tour here).

If you love this, your next historical site should be… Bendigo, Victoria. The small rural town, impressing with its heritage streets, dates back to the 1850s, and much like Port Arthur, is a town frozen in time.

You also rate… Uluru, NT / The Rocks, Sydney, NSW / Ballarat, Vic / Fremantle, WA

5. Best cruise line that operates out of an Australian port: P&O

But you also love… Princess Cruises / Silversea / Carnival / Royal Caribbean

6. Most scenic road trip: The Great Ocean Road

Why you love it… What’s not to love about this curvaceous ribbon of road with jaw-dropping views? You consistently vote this drive as Australia’s best, and when you consider its accessibility, beauty and endless things to stop for on the way, such as incredible cellar doors, restaurants and lookouts, we can’t fault your choice!

Our hot tip… Take your time doing this roadtrip and be sure to include a few gourmet stops along the way, but we suggest a night or two at the stunning Drift House in Port Fairy for a little luxury before hitting the road again.

If you love this, your next drive should be… The Southern Ocean Drive in South Australia. Including Kangaroo Island and the gorgeous towns of Robe and Goolwa, this drive offers equal beauty and plenty of incredible food producers along the way.

You also rate… Cairns to Port Douglas, Qld / Tasmania (just anywhere on the island, it seems) / South Coast, NSW / Gibb River Road, WA

7. Must-visit city restaurant: Chin Chin, Melbourne, Vic

Why you love it… As one reader put it: “Chin Chin has instant city buzz and great food. You really know you are in the CBD." With its upbeat but laid-back atmosphere and hit-list of authentic Asian favourites, this Melbourne institution isn’t going anywhere.

Our hot tip… Put your name down for a table and promptly head downstairs to GoGo Bar for a pre-dinner primer.

If you love this, you should try… Lucy Liu, also in the CBD on Oliver Lane. If you can’t get into Chin Chin, you’ll be relieved to know you can book at this vibing Asian eatery.

You also rate… Vue de Monde, Melbourne, Vic / Quay, Sydney, NSW / Rockpool Bar & grill, Melbourne, Vic / Tetsuya’s, Sydney, NSW

8. Best annual festival: Vivid Sydney

Why you love it… This is when Sydney truly shines. From the colourful projections on the Opera House to the artistic displays of abstraction and creativity, the Vivid Sydney festival of light, music and ideas is abuzz with plenty to see and do.

Our hot tip… Get yourself to the ideas fraction of the festival, where you will listen to people in the know who inspire, endeavour and make change in their respective industries. You will leave with a wealth of knowledge from the worlds of art, tech and science, and be moved by the stories of people who daren’t quit.

If you love this, your next festival should be… White Night Melbourne, Victoria. Inspired by the international Nuit Blanche movement, White Night is a one-night only (7pm – 7am) cultural event where artistic expression is celebrated and design is appreciated. The festival also hosts a mesmerising light show over the cityscape, and what’s more… there’s no entry fee.

You also rate… Bluesfest, Byron Bay, NSW / Adelaide Fringe Festival, SA / Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay, NSW / Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW

9. Best guided tour? BridgeClimb Sydney, NSW

Why you love it… This is a bucket-list item for Sydneysiders and visitors alike: climbing the world-famous Coathanger and enjoying incredible views of the pretty harbour and beyond from 134 metres up, while the city traffic zooms below.

Our hot tip… If you’ve already done the day climb or are more nocturnal, try the night climb to see the city lights sparkle under the moon.

If you love this, your next guided tour should be… Story Bridge Climb, Brisbane, Queensland. Brisbane’s Story Bridge is one of only three bridge climbs in the world (the third is the Auckland Harbour Bridge).

You also rate… Port Arthur, Tas / Uluru, NSW / Fremantle Gaol, WA / Kakadu, NT

With so many worthy finalists nominated by our very own AT readers, don’t miss out on finding out where all these amazing places are!

•Best Accommodation Finalists

•Best Getaways Finalists

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Best Experiences winners – 2016 People’s Choice Awards