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Australian Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions

Credit: C J Maddock

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
Terms and conditions of entry for the Australian Traveller 2026 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 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

By entering, I agree to have my personal information shared with Australian Traveller Media. By opting in, I consent to receiving marketing communications from and having my name, email and phone number shared with and handled by the prize suppliers in accordance with their respective privacy policies.

You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Swim with manta rays on a 5-night Coral Coast escape for 2, worth up to $4500

Bookings via Carnarvon Visitor Centre, subject to availability. Minimum 30 days advance booking required.

Prize not transferable or redeemable for cash. Travel within the specified period only. Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. The weather may impact tours. Travel insurance not included. Additional costs at the winner’s expense unless stated.

Blackout dates: School holidays, public holidays, and major event periods, including WA Tourism Conference dates (25–27 May 2026), and other peak periods as advised.

A 2-night stay at The Westin Brisbane, worth $4259

The prize is valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of issue. Any unused portion of the prize will be forfeited after the expiry date.

Valid dates: August 2026-August 2027

The stay must be completed within the stated validity period and is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Advance reservations are required and must be made directly with the hotel, quoting the prize details.

Blackout dates may apply, including but not limited to public holidays, special events, and peak periods.

The offer must fall within the valid dates and is only redeemable within the designated stay window.

Any additional costs, including but not limited to taxes, incidental charges, meals, and upgrades, are the responsibility of the guest. Taxes are additional where applicable.

The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and cannot be redeemed for cash or other services.

The hotel reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time without prior notice.

Other restrictions may apply.

A 3-night escape to the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, worth $4000

The winner will be provided with a gift voucher detailing the inclusions.

Subject to availability. The voucher must be redeemed within one year of receiving.

Blackout dates apply, including the festive period, school holidays, public holidays and Resort buyouts.

Flights are not included in this prize.

This certificate is non-transferable or redeemable for cash.

An overnight luxury beachfront stay at The Langham, Gold Coast, worth $1500

The offer is subject to availability and within the valid dates.

Standard cancellation policy applies, and all incidentals are to be covered by guests on departure.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

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

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A night at The Langham, Melbourne for 2, worth $1353

Vouchers are non-refundable, non-transferable, non-discountable, and cannot be exchanged for cash.

Vouchers must be presented to redeem.

Vouchers cannot be partially redeemed; any unused balance will not be refunded or credited.

All vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or special events.

Accommodation voucher reservations shall be made through the hotel reservation office directly; redemption is subject to room availability, blackout dates may apply and may not be used on special dates and public holidays.

In case of disputes, The Langham, Melbourne reserves the right to make the final decision.

Terms and conditions are subject to change.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

Savour a foodie getaway to Geelong, worth $1298

Not transferable or redeemable for cash.

No public holidays or 21 Dec 2026 – 10 January 2027.

An off-grid cabin stay and sauna session in Denmark, worth over $1200

Minimum 2-night booking

Valid for Denmark location only

Cannot be exchanged for cash

Cannot be used during WA Public Holiday long weekends

Travel between August 2026 – July 2028

A $1000 Accor gift card to use on your next getaway

The gift card is redeemable across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji participating hotels for a validity period of 36 months. Bookings are subject to availability.

2 nights of calm, coastal glamping in Gippsland worth $800

Prize is for two (2) nights’ accommodation for two (2) adults at The Inverloch Glamping Co, Inverloch, Victoria.

Prize is subject to availability and must be booked in advance.

Blackout dates may apply, including peak periods, public holidays and school holidays.

Prize must be redeemed within 12 months from the date of issue.

Accommodation type (bell tent, safari tent, cabin or dome) will be determined by the provider, subject to availability.

Prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and not redeemable for cash.

Travel to and from Inverloch, meals, and any additional expenses are not included.

Guests must comply with all booking terms, conditions of stay and property rules set by The Inverloch Glamping Co.

Any additional costs incurred during the stay (e.g. upgrades, extras, damages) are the responsibility of the winner.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Nat valid for Victorian long weekends (including Labour Day, King’s Birthday, AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup), 20 December – 31 January (summer peak period) or the Easter long weekend (dates vary annually).

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

1 night in a harbour view room at The Langham, Sydney, worth $800

Subject to availability at the time of booking, blackout dates apply.

Valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

1 night in a water view room at Pier One Sydney Harbour, worth $750

The prize will be issued as a digital voucher. To redeem, the winner must contact the hotel reservations team to book their stay, subject to availability. The voucher must be quoted at the time of booking and presented at check-in.

Valid for travel for 12 months from the date of issue.

Not valid 30–31 December and during special event periods. Additional blackout dates may apply.

An overnight escape at The Anchorage Port Stephens, worth $699

The winner will be presented with a physical voucher.

Voucher will be valid for three years once received.

Valid for mid-week stays (Sunday-Thursday), excludes public holidays and NSW school holidays.

A weekend getaway for 2 at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, worth $675

Must book at least 7 days prior to arrival. Weekday bookings are also permitted. Not available on Public Holidays or Special Event dates. may apply.

Voucher valid for stays until 31st December 2027.

Blackout dates include public holidays and Hotel Special Event Dates. All stay dates are subject to availability.

A Hawkesbury Valley weekend getaway for 2, worth $625

Must book at least 7 days prior to arrival. Weekday bookings are also permitted. Not available on Public Holidays or Special Event dates. may apply.

Voucher valid for stays until 31st December 2027.

Blackout dates include public holidays and Hotel Special Event Dates. All stay dates are subject to availability.

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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike. Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track, where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

    Australian Traveller 2026 Readers' Choice Awards terms and conditions - Australian Traveller