hero media

2025 Readers’ Choice Awards – here are the results you’ve been waiting for

Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
Thousands of Australian Traveller readers voted in our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The results are in, and here are your winners.

We asked you to vote for your favourite Australian travel experiences, and we received thousands of responses. Here are the results: the most dreamy destinations, incredible hotels and unforgettable journeys around the country. 

Read more about the winners in our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.

Best city to visit

Winner: Melbourne/Naarm, Vic

Runners-up:  
Sydney/Warrane, NSW 
Perth/Boorloo, WA 
Brisbane/Meanjin, Qld  
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA 

Best town to travel to

Winner: Noosa , Qld

Runners-up:   
Byron Bay, NSW  
Port Douglas, Qld 
Mudgee, NSW 
Margaret River, WA 

Best outback destination

Winner: Uluṟu, NT  

Runners-up: 
Broken Hill, NSW
Alice Springs, NT
Longreach, Qld
Broome, WA  

Honourable mentions: South Australian outback; Top End, NT 

Best island escape

Winner: Hamilton Island, Qld

Runners-up:  
Lord Howe Island, NSW 
Tasmania  
Kangaroo Island, SA 
Hayman Island, Qld 

Best family holiday spot

Winner: Gold Coast, Qld  

Runners-up:
Noosa, Qld
Sunshine Coast, Qld
Cairns/Gimuy, Qld
Port Douglas, Qld 

Honourable mentions: NSW coastal towns of Yamba, Port Stephens and Port Macquarie 

Best under-the-radar destination

Winner: Tasmania/Lutruwita

Runners-up:
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA
Kangaroo Island, SA
Yamba, NSW
Canberra, ACT 

 Honourable mention: Newcastle, NSW

Best country escape

Winner: Mudgee, NSW  

Runners-up:   
Hunter Valley, NSW 
Orange, NSW 
Daylesford, Vic  
Margaret River, WA 

Best glamping or off-grid experience

Winner: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA

Runners-up:   
Paperbark Camp, NSW 
Wallaroo Outback Retreat, Qld 
Longitude 131°, NT 
Cockatoo Island, NSW

Best road trip

Winner: Great Ocean Road , Vic

Runners-up:  
Tasmania/Lutruwita
Gibb River Road, WA 
Cairns to Port Douglas, Qld 
East coast of Australia  

Best foodie experience

Winner: Melbourne/Naarm, Vic

Runners-up:   
Tasmania/Lutruwita
Margaret River, WA 
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA 
Hunter Valley, NSW 

Best wine region

Winner: Barossa Valley, SA 

Runners-up:  
Hunter Valley, NSW 
Margaret River, WA 
Yarra Valley, Vic 
McLaren Vale, SA

Best cultural or arts experience

Winner: Melbourne/Naarm, Vic 

Runners-up:  
Mona, Tas
Uluṟu, NT
Sydney/Warrane, NSW  
National Gallery of Victoria, Vic 

Best festival to travel for

Winner: Adelaide Fringe, SA

Runners-up:   
Vivid Sydney, NSW  
Dark Mofo, Tas 
Byron Bay Bluesfest, NSW 
Floriade, ACT

Best First Nations experience

Winner: Uluṟu, NT  

Kakadu, NT   
Darwin, NT   
Alice Springs/Mparntwe, NT  
Garma Festival, NT

Best beach

Winner: Whitehaven Beach, Qld

Runners-up:  
Noosa Main Beach, Qld  
Bondi Beach, Qld 
Hyams Beach, NSW   
Cable Beach, WA

Best walk or hike destination

Winner: Blue Mountains, NSW

Runners-up:  
Cradle Mountain, Tas  
Grampians/Gariwerd, Vic 
Bondi to Coogee, NSW   
Noosa National Park, Qld 

Best rail journey

Winner: The Ghan, SA-NT 

Runners-up:   
Indian Pacific, WA, SA + NSW 
Puffing Billy, Vic   
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Qld   
Spirit of Queensland, Qld 

Best resort

Winner: Hamilton Island, Qld

Runners-up:  
Hayman Island, Qld   
qualia, Qld   
Sea World Resort, Qld   
Saffire Freycinet, Tas  

Best destination for wellness

Winner: Byron Bay, NSW 

Runners-up:  
Daylesford, Vic   
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Qld   
Noosa, Qld 
Hepburn Springs, Vic

Best family accommodation

Winner: Sea World Resort, Qld

Runners-up:   
Paradise Resort, Gold Coast  
Turtle Beach Resort, Qld  
RACV Noosa, Qld  
Wallaroo Outback Retreat, Qld 

Best hotel

Winner: Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW 

Runners-up:  
The Calile Hotel, Qld   
W Melbourne, Vic   
W Sydney, NSW 
Crown Towers Melbourne, Vic

Best accommodation brand

Winner: Accor  

Runners-up:  
Marriott  
Hilton  
Sofitel  
Hyatt  

Best luxury accommodation brand

Winner: Sofitel 

Runners-up:  
Crown  
Hilton  
Hyatt  
Langham 

Best cruise line to sail from Australia

Winner: Royal Caribbean

Runners-up:  
Princess Cruises   
Carnival Cruise Line    
Celebrity Cruises 
Ponant

Best airline

Winner: Qantas

Runners-up:  
Virgin Australia  
Jetstar   
Rex Airlines   

Best airport to spend time in

Winner: Sydney/Warrane, NSW  

Runners-up:   
Melbourne/Naarm, Vic   
Brisbane/Meanjin, Qld   
Adelaide/Tarntanya, SA   
Perth/Boorloo, WA

BONUS: Editors’ Choice

Winner: The Kimberley, WA 

Runners-up:  
Hamilton Island (Race Week), Qld 
Cocos Keeling Islands 
Arnhem Land, NT 
Southern Highlands (Osborn House), NSW 
Arkaba Walk, SA 
Victoria’s High Country (Pedal to Produce Trail), Vic 

Australian Traveller
See all articles
The ultimate guide to summer festivals around Australia
Australia

The ultimate guide to summer festivals around Australia

These are the summer festivals you’ll be talking about long after the season ends.

Read more
Greenly Beach, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Australia

Australia’s most remote and unknown beaches have just been revealed

The wild, little-known shores most travellers never reach.

Read more
Riverboats Music Festival in Echuca-Moama, Vic
Australia

What’s on around Australia in February 2026

February is full of fun – if you know where to look.

Read more
Views from Bishop and Clerk peak in Maria Island, Tasmania, Australia
Australia

Australia’s most loved hikes of the year revealed

Which hikes are you adding to your list in 2026?

Read more
hero media

8 experiences that prove The Bellarine is the ultimate multi-gen getaway

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

    Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

    Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

    1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

    Tuckerberry Hill Farm
    Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.

    There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

    Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

    2. The Oxley Estate

    The Oxley Estate
    Wake up to the neighbours.

    A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

    Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

    Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

    3. Oneday Estate

    Oneday Estate
    Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.

    Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

    The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

    The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

    4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

    BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
    Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.

    BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

    The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

    5. Bellarine Railway

    Bellarine Railway
    Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.

    If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

    The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

    6. The Dunes

    waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine
    Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

    Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

    If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

    7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

    dolphins playing in The Bellarine
    Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

    The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

    Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

    Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

     8. Jack Rabbit

    aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard
    Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

    If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

    If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

    To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au