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

Australian Traveller 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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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 

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Your guide to feeling rested and reconnected after your holiday

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

    Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

    Destinations like The Grampians: surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

    Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

    1. Practice mindfulness

    Hamilton Gallery, the grampians
    Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

    Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

    If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

    2. Indulge in self-care

    two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains
    Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

    Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

    Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

    For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

    3. Embrace nature

    Boroka Lookout, the grampians
    Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

    Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

    To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

    Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

    4. Prioritise Rest

    outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill
    Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

    Try Wanderlust Glamping, where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

    For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

    For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

    5. Engage Your Senses

    Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down
    Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

    For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

    If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

    6. Connect and reconnect

    The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria
    Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

    Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

    Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

    Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

    For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium. Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

    Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.