Australia's Best Holiday Getaway 2016

The winners of the Best Getaways in Australian Traveller’s 2016 People’s Choice Awards 2016 are…

1. Best city for a short break: Melbourne

Why you love it… The ever-present battle between Sydney and Melbourne sees Victoria’s capital pip the harbour city at the post again this year. This urban oasis exudes cosmopolitan charm with a European vibe, charismatic laneways, enviable coffee, a host of cool rooftop bars and restaurants, an energetic cultural calendar… and unpredictable weather.

Our hot tip… Melbourne is the ultimate destination for culinary capers. A must-visit is restaurant and bar, Eau De Vie, which houses 700-plus spirits and boasts the perfect balance of class and grunge. And you can’t leave the city without seeing Hosier Lane, the ‘Holy land’ of street art.

If you love this, your next short break should be… Strathalbyn, SA. The dining in this quaint town echoes Melbourne in a more intimate and cosy way, with Smith Tapas Bar a local favourite.

You also rate… Sydney, NSW / Perth, WA / Brisbane, QLD / Adelaide, SA

2. Best family holiday spot: Gold Coast

Why you love it… The Gold Coast is almost a holiday no-brainer when kids are in tow. With a host of family-friendly accommodation, beautiful beaches, and more hyper-fun entertainment than you can poke a bored kid at, the Gold Coast is also embracing a new confidence and cool that will have you falling in love with it all over again.

Our hot tip… Away from boisterous Surfers Paradise, don’t miss the natural swimming oasis of Currumbin Rock Pool, Tamborine Mountain in the hinterland with its spectacular hikes and quaint village, and Tallebudgera Creek, which hides a secluded beach.

If you love this, your next family holiday should be… Perth, WA. With postcard-worthy beaches, Perth is a fun-in-the-sun family holiday spot. Kids will love Adventure World, while Shoalwater Islands Marine Park has a beautiful reef peppered with shipwrecks. ]

You also rate… Sunshine Coast, Qld / Byron Bay, NSW / Cairns, Qld / Port Douglas, Qld

3. Best beach? Whitehaven Beach, Qld

Why you love it… Whitehaven Beach is the stuff of daydreams. Located on the largest of the salt-kissed Whitsunday islands, this beach’s natural purity is otherworldly, with white silica sand that extends more than seven kilometres.

Our hot tip… Head to the lookout at Tongue Point for the most breathtaking views of Hill Inlet, where the ocean tide manipulates the sand and water into mesmerising patterns and colours.

If you love this, your next beach day should be… Turquoise Bay, WA. As part of Ningaloo Reef, Turquoise Bay boasts some of the best snorkelling in the country and, with its sugar-white sand and (as the name suggests) turquoise water, it’s a serious contender to rival the beauty of Whitehaven.

You also rate… Noosa, Qld / Bondi, NSW / Cable Beach, WA / Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW

4. Most desirable island escape: Hamilton Island

Why you love it… Amid its immaculate beaches and pristine atolls, Hamilton Island is the perfect base to discover the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Whitsundays. But life on the island is what really sets it apart from others.

With accommodation to suit every budget, great dining spots from cheap and cheerful to world-class, and fun for kids including mini golf, bowling, go-karting and the like, it’s an all-round crowd pleaser.

Our hot tip… Take a voyage to the Hidden Cove, a beach that separates the Coral Sea from the lush backdrop of foliage – ahhh the serenity!

If you love this, your next island escape should be… Rottnest Island, WA. Just as with Hamilton Island, Rottnest Island has everything at your fingertips including accommodation from camping to boutique stays, a host of restaurants, a heap of fun for the kids (Segways, an aqua park, archery and so on), 63 beaches and 20 bays, and – the best bit – an adorable local quokka population.

You also rate… Hayman Island, QLD / Lord Howe Island, NSW / Kangaroo Island, SA / Fraser Island, QLD

5. Cosiest winter destination: Tasmania

Why you love it… No need to go into specifics, you felt that anywhere on the Apple Isle made for a cosy winter escape. Quaint towns, puffing swirls of smoke from chimneys, trails of whisky to discover, rolling hills and woodlands to wander, Tassie offers everything needed to do winter right.

Our hot tip… Hire a car and wind your way from Hobart up to the Huon Valley dotted with cider houses, wineries, orchards and sweet little towns.

If you love this, your next winter destination should be… Bowral, NSW. Bowral is home to old vineyards, antique merchants, eclectic dining destinations, boutique art galleries and the iconic Bradman Centre, where visitors can revel in the glory of this iconic Australian.

You also rate… Blue Mountains, NSW / Cradle Mountain, Tas / Thredbo, NSW / Dinner Plain, VIC

6. Best regional escape: Barossa Valley

Why you love it… You could say the presence of more than 150 wineries explains the appeal of this region, but that would be a bit too simplistic. The Barossa is also loved for its beautiful produce, passionate people and rich Silesian and Prussian history.

Our hot tip… Be sure to head to the Barossa Farmers Market and fill your basket with mettwurst, fresh cream, preserves and breads. If you’re a kitchen novice and keen to try out a cooking class, try Casa Carboni.

If you like this, your next regional escape should be… Berrima, NSW. Dating back to 1830 this petite village in NSW’s Southern Highlands has an array of dining choices, but for something simple (and simply delicious), the Berrima cafes are known to cook up a mean pie.

You also rate… Hunter Valley, NSW / Orange, NSW / Daylesford, VIC / Blue Mountains, NSW

7. Best outback destination: Uluru

Why you love it… The 500-million-year-old sandstone monolith at the core of Australia’s rusty-red outback is a spectacle of immense proportions and with it comes stories swathed in the magic that is the aboriginal Dreamtime.
Our hot tip… Stargazing at Uluru – it really doesn’t get much better than that. Located far away from the light pollution of towns and cities, you can marvel under the vast southern sky decorated with the constellations.

If you love this, your next outback destination should be… Karijini National Park, WA. Presiding in Western Australia’s vibrant Pilbara region, Karijini National Park is a wild wonderland of plunging creeks, weaving gorges and brilliant rockscapes.

You also rate… Kimberley, WA / Alice Springs, NT / Kakadu, NT / Flinders Ranges, SA

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 Experiences Finalists

Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.

Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.

Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.

If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.

The Murray Farm Gate Trail

The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.

1. Rich Glen

Rich Glen Provedore and Rich Glen Skin & Beauty — Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.

2. How Now Dairy

A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy , lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.

3. Cactus Country

Cactus Country in the murray — Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.

4. The Olde Creamery

The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries

The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.

1. Squires Winery

a couple sitting at the bar at squire's winery, sun country on the murray — Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.

2. Cape Horn Vineyard

Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.

3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery

A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.

4. Monichino Wines

Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.

5. Corowa Distilling Co

Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.

Farm-to-table dining

If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.

1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine

O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.

2. Stock and Barrel

a couple eating at Stock and Barrel victoria — Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.

3. The Bend

With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.

4. Blacksmith Provedore

If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore . Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.

5. Broken Willow

As soon as you enter Broken Willow ’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.

While you’re there

Thompson Beach in sun country on the murray — Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.

Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.

If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail .

In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.

Start planning a tasty getaway to Sun Country on The Murray at suncountryonthemurray.com.au.

Best Getaway winners – 2016 People’s Choice Awards