Finalists Revealed - The People's Choice Awards 2014 shortlist

The people have spoken… in Australian Traveller magazine’s People’s Choice Awards 2014. After an overwhelming number of nominations here is the finalists shortlist – (in no particular order).

Winners will be announced at our award ceremony to be held at the brand-new InterContinental Sydney Double Bay on Monday, December 1. Follow us on Twitter (using #ATPeoplesChoice) and Facebook for updates. The full list of winners will appear in Australian Traveller ‘Best Holidays of 2015’ edition, out December 4.

Excited? We are! Good luck to all the finalists.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST STAYS

BEST HOTEL

Crown Towers Melbourne, Vic
QT Sydney, NSW
Langham Melbourne, Vic
Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW
Shangri-La Sydney, NSW

BEST LUXURY RESORT

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, NSW
Southern Ocean Lodge, SA
Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania
qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld
One&Only Hayman Island, Qld

BEST AFFORDABLE RESORT

Pinetrees Lord Howe Island, NSW
Emma Gorge at El Questro, Kimberley, WA
Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff, NSW
Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, NT
Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley, NSW

BEST HOTEL SPA

Spa qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld
Salus Spa, Lake House, Daylesford, Vic
The Spa at Byron at Byron, NSW
Crown Spa, Crown Towers Melbourne, Vic
Chuan Spa, Langham Melbourne, Vic

BEST QUIRKY ACCOMMODATION

Atlantic Byron Bay, Byron Bay, NSW
QT Hotel Sydney, NSW
Roar and Snore, Taronga Zoo, NSW
White Cliffs Underground Motel, White Cliffs, NSW
Undara Lava Tubes Wilderness Lodge, Savannah Way, Qld

BEST GLAMPSITE

Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, NSW
Longitude 131, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, WA
Nightfall Wilderness Camp, Lamington National Park, Qld
Eco Beach, Broome, WA

BEST CAMPSITE

Peoples’ Park Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, WA
Clarkes Beach Holiday Park, Byron Bay, NSW
Lake Argyle Caravan Park, WA
Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach, Qld
Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT

AUSTRALIA’S BEST TOWNS

CITY OF THE YEAR

Hobart, Tas
Sydney, NSW
Melbourne, Vic
Perth, WA
Brisbane, Qld

BEST BEACH TOWN

Port Douglas, Qld
Noosa, Qld
Byron Bay, NSW
Lorne, Vic
Coral Bay, WA
Broome, WA
Airlie Beach, Qld
Mooloolaba, Qld
Jervis Bay, NSW
Yamba, NSW

FRIENDLIEST TOWN

Broome, WA
Airlie Beach, Qld
Byron Bay, NSW
Cairns, Qld
Exmouth, WA

COSIEST TOWN

Bright, Vic
Leura, NSW
Margaret River, WA
Daylesford, Vic
Stanthorpe, Qld

BEST KEPT SECRET COUNTRY TOWN

Ballarat, VIC
Mudgee, NSW
Exmouth, WA
Orange, NSW
Broome, WA

AUSTRALIA’S BEST SUMMERS

SEXIEST HOTEL POOL

qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld
Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne, Vic
Palazzo Versace, Surfer’s Paradise, Qld
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, NSW
One&Only Hayman Island, Qld
Lake Argyle Caravan Park, Kimberley, WA
Crown Metropol, Perth, WA
Park Hyatt, Sydney, NSW
Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim, Qld
Peppers Palm Cove, Qld

BEST BEACH

Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
Cable Beach, Broome, WA
Whitehaven beach, Whitsunday Island, Qld
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW
Main Beach, Noosa, Qld

MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND GETAWAY

Hayman Island, Qld
Hamilton Island, Qld
Lord Howe Island, NSW
Kangaroo Island, SA
Fraser Island, Qld

BEST CRUISING EXPERIENCE

Cruising the Kimberly coastline
Bareboating in the Whitsundays
Cruising Sydney harbour
Cruising on a big liner
Sailing on Ningaloo Reef

AUSTRALIA’S BEST EATS

BEST FOOD REGION

Tamar Valley, Tas
Central West NSW
Yarra Valley, Vic
Margaret River, WA
McLaren Vale, SA

BEST WINE REGION

Barossa Valley, SA
Yarra Valley, Vic
McLaren Vale, SA
Hunter Valley, NSW
Margaret River, WA

BEST CITY RESTAURANT

Quay, Sydney, NSW
Vue de Monde, Melbourne
Attica, Melbourne
Rockpool, Bridge St, Sydney
Aria, Sydney

BEST REGIONAL RESTAURANT

Biota, Bowral, NSW
Rick Stein at Bannisters, Mollymook, NSW
Lake House, Daylesford, Vic
Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin, NSW
Hentley Farm, Barossa Valley, SA

BEST REGIONAL CAFÉ CULTURE

Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Qld
Margaret River Region, WA
Byron Bay Hinterland, NSW
Southern Highlands, NSW

AUSTRALIA’S BEST JOURNEYS

BEST ROAD TRIP

Great Ocean Road, Vic
East Coast Escape, Tasmania
Pacific Coast (Sydney, NSW to Brisbane, Qld)
Gibb River Road, Kimberley, WA
The Nullarbor (Ceduna, SA to Perth, WA)

BEST TRAIN TRIP

Indian Pacific, NSW-SA-WA
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Qld
The Sunlander, Qld
The Ghan, SA–NT
Puffing Billy Railway, Vic

AUSTRALIA’S BEST AIR TRAVEL

BEST AIRPORT

Adelaide Airport, SA
Brisbane Airport, Qld
Cairns Airport, Qld
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), Vic
Sydney Airport, NSW

BEST MAJOR AIRLINE

Qantas Airways
Virgin Australia
Jetstar
Tigerair

BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE

AirNorth
QantasLink
REX
Skywest
Skytrans

BEST OVERALL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE OF 2014

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
Seeing Uluru at sunset
Swimming with Ningaloo’s whale sharks
Exploring the Kimberley
Doing the Top End

Thanks to our sponsors

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Finalists Revealed – The People’s Choice Awards 2014 shortlist