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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).

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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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5 of the best day trips from Hobart

(Credit: Samuel Shelley)

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
    Continue
    Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

    In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

    Where to stay

    Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick hotel
    Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

    Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

    For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart. Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline, and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique from your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

    For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles. Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

    1. Bruny Island

    Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island.
    Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Credit: Elise Weaver)

    Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

    Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

    Catch a rare glimpse of the white-furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked. Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

    2. Mount Wellington

    Mount Wellington Summit tasmania
    Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Credit: Samuel Shelley)

    At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

    Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes, which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

    For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

    2. Port Arthur

    Port Arthur tasmania
    Wander through convict-built grounds and gardens. (Credit: Alastair Bett)

    Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

    The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

    Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

    3. Launceston

    Duck Reach Power Station Bridge Cataract Gorge launceston
    Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Credit: Nick H Visuals)

    You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

    Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

    Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo, for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

    4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

    woman with wombat at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
    Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

    Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

    Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

    5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

    Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart.
    Trace the river through history and wine country. (Credit: Alastair Bett)

    Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol, said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

    Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.