Australian Traveller Readers' Choice Awards terms and conditions

Terms and conditions of entry for the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

In addition to the general terms and conditions of entry for Australian Traveller Media competitions and giveaways, these are the terms and conditions for each of the prizes in the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

By entering, I agree to have my personal information shared with all the major prize suppliers and handled by the major prize suppliers in accordance with their respective privacy policies. By opting in, I consent to receiving marketing communications from each major prize supplier.

Please note: you will not be able to choose which prize you win. The winners will be announced in issue 108 (on sale from 3 November 2025).

You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Skip to the terms and conditions for each below.

Intrepid Travel

Australian Traveller x Intrepid – Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle

Mountain (PZKT) Terms & Conditions

The winner will win two (2) spaces on the 6-day Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle
Mountain (PZKT) tour.
This prize must be redeemed against a new booking by 31 October 2026 and is available
for travel departing before 14 December 2026.
The winner must contact Intrepid Travel (sales@intrepidtravel.com 1300 255 485)
directly to book the prize, quoting the promo code received at the time of winning.
A minimum of four (4) customers must be confirmed on the Intrepid Travel trip for the
prize winner booking to be confirmed on their requested date.
The following blackout periods apply to travel: 14 Dec 2025 – 15 Jan 2026 & 14 Dec 2026
- 31 Dec 2027.
This prize is provided on a twin-shared basis and is subject to availability and
confirmation by Intrepid Travel at the time of booking.
Any request to change to a different Intrepid Travel trip is at the discretion of Intrepid
Travel and is not guaranteed.
If the chosen departure does not operate for any reason or the trip is discontinued
Intrepid Travel will offer an equivalent Vietnam trip of same value to the prize winner.
This prize applies to the land element of trip only and cannot be redeemed against
flights, accommodation, meals, domestic transfers, travel insurance, single supplement
payment, activities, spending money or local payments/kittys not covered by the
The prize, or any unused portion of the prize, is not exchangeable or transferable,
cannot be extended, and cannot be taken as cash if the prize is not fulfilled.
Once booked, any changes made to the prize winner booking may incur a cancellation
fee or amendment fee, at the cost of the winner.
The total prize is valued at up to $6,430AUD. Prize value is based on high season
2025/2026 trip departures. The prize value may fluctuate based on trip availability.
Except as set out expressly above, Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions apply.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Vouchers are only redeemable at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
Bookings are subject to availability. Blackout dates apply.
The total voucher amount must be redeemed in one transaction only
Vouchers are digital and paperless. A physical voucher is not available unless you print it yourself.
Vouchers sales are final, non refundable, non transferable and non replaceable if lost, stolen or destroyed. Any unused parts of this voucher cannot be transferred or redeemed for cash. It will be forfeited.
Vouchers are to be used only for personal gifting and cannot be used for promotional or commercial awards and/or purposes. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa reserves the right to cancel or refund any unauthorized use of vouchers.
Vouchers cannot be redeemed online through Marriott.com or any 3rd party website.

Pair’d Margaret River

The prize includes a 3-night stay for two adults at Smiths Beach Resort in the Margaret River Region from 21–24 November 2025, a selection of festival event tickets, return flights to Busselton from major Australian airports, and official Pair’d festival merchandise.
Entrants must be 18 years or older.
Flights will be arranged from most major Australian airports. If regional flight paths are unavailable or difficult to coordinate, travel arrangements will be discussed with the winner.
The prize is valid only for the specified dates: 21–24 November 2025.
Blackout period: 22 December 2025 to 15 January 2026.
The prize is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
All bookings are subject to availability.
Accommodation policies apply and must be adhered to by the prize winner and their guest. Please include blackout dates, transfer policy, etc
The winner agrees to all third-party terms and conditions, including those of the accommodation provider, airline, and festival organisers.
If the winner is unable to attend or redeem the prize on the specified dates, the prize will be forfeited and no alternative offered.
The winner must comply with all Pair’d Margaret River Region event terms and any local regulations in place at the time of travel and attendance.

Kingfisher Bay Resort

This voucher is valid until 14th December 2026.
This voucher is subject to availability at the time of booking and cannot be taken during Australian school holiday periods, public holidays, or long weekends.
Hotel accommodation and additional voucher inclusion upgrades are available at own expense unless stated above and subject to availability at time of booking.
This voucher is not valid with any other offer, is not transferable or redeemable for cash and must be taken intact. If lost or misplaced, vouchers will not be replaced.
Inclusion(s) not utilised, is non-refundable. Monetary value of the inclusions cannot be used for any upgrades or in replacement of services not included in the voucher.
The recipient of this voucher cannot on-sell or auction the prize for any monetary benefit. Kingfisher Bay Resort reserves the right to revoke the validity of the voucher, if such an incident occurs.
Any alterations to travel plans may incur a rebooking fee.
Kingfisher Bay Resort may, without notice to the holder of this voucher, substitute any services or the mode of carriage to carry the passenger.
Kingfisher Bay Resort may, without notice to the holder of this voucher, cancel any services without penalty, if services offered in this voucher are no longer offered as a product at time of redemption or they are cancelled due to circumstances outside of their control for example, but not limited to inclement weather.
Food, beverages, and incidental expenses will be at the expense of the holder of this voucher unless otherwise stated, please be aware not all restaurants are open year-round.
Please keep your voucher for presentation to reception staff on check-in.

Prancing Horse

Valid for 12 months, from 01/01/2026.
Bookings are subject to availability. The prize is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
The winner of this competition agrees to adhere to all third-party terms and conditions when claiming and using the prize package.
Eligible drivers must be at least 30 years of age and possess a complete and valid driver licence. Comprehensive vehicle insurance and cover for third party property damage is included on the provision that a maximum ‘at-fault’ insurance excess of $20,000 applies to each driver individually. A security deposit or bond is not required. Conditions Apply*

Star RV

Travel Dates: 04 July 2025 – 04 July 2026 (subject to availability).
Vehicle Type:
Length of Hire: 7-day rental (inclusive of pick-up and drop-off days).
Prize Valuation: Based on peak season pricing (1–7 Feb 2026), for travel from Star RV Christchurch. Rates are accurate as of 4 July 2025.
Blackout Dates:
- New Zealand:
  - 01 Jan – 26 Jan 2025
  - 12 Apr – 27 Apr 2025
  - 28 Jun – 13 Jul 2025
  - 20 Sep – 05 Oct 2025
  - 20 Dec 2025 – 26 Jan 2026
- Australia:
  - 01 Jan – 02 Feb 2025
  - 05 Apr – 27 Apr 2025
  - 28 Jun – 20 Jul 2025
  - 20 Sep – 12 Oct 2025
  - 13 Dec 2025 – 01 Feb 2026
- Booking Conditions:
  - Subject to availability.
  - Minimum hire periods and one-way fees may apply.
  - Valid for pick-up and drop-off from any Star RV branch in Australia or New Zealand. Cross-country hires are not permitted.
  - Flights not included.
- Inclusions:
  - Basic Risk Taker excess reduction cover
  - Unlimited kilometres
  - 24-hour roadside assistance
  - Camping chairs and table
- Redemption:
  - Voucher must be presented at time of booking and provided at vehicle pick-up.
  - Bookings must be made via our Reservations Team.
- General Conditions:
  - Non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
  - Cannot be split across multiple hires.
  - No refund will be issued for unused portions.
  - Not valid in conjunction with any other Star RV promotion, offer, or discount.
  - Standard Star RV terms and conditions apply.

Lancemore

Block out dates apply. Not available injunction with any other offer.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Room reservations are subject to availability.
The Gift voucher is valid for 6-months from the date of issue
Gift voucher may not be exchanged for cash or other hotel services.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions or on the eve of and on Public Holidays or any festive promotional days and blackout dates.
No resales are allowed. Voucher is only valid for one-time use.
Please refer to the gift voucher when making your advance booking and present the voucher at the reception or restaurant upon your arrival.
Validity is as specified and shall not be extended.
The hotel reserves the right to substitute a suitable replacement should the offer be unavailable. · The hotel will not be responsible for the loss of this gift voucher.
For inquiries, please email fsy.reservations@fullertonhotels.com. Minimum 3-working-day notice is required.

Glenayr Farm

Available mid-week and not during school holidays. Valid one year from date of Auction
Please note that the $500 cleaning fee is not included and is the responsibility of the winner

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

Valid until 31 October 2026
Bookings are subject to availability
The prize is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash
Blackout periods apply 20Dec25-27Jan26; 14Feb26, 03Apr26-07Apr26, 26Apr26,
Prize inclusions are strictly as described. Any additional costs, such as food and beverage, mini-bar usage, or supplementary zoo expenses, will be the sole responsibility of the winner.
The winner of this competition agrees to adhere to all third-party terms and conditions when claiming and using the prize package

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions