What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!
The Australian Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are back, and your opinion matters. Got 10 minutes? That’s all it takes to vote for your favourite Australian travel experiences, operators and destinations – and enter the draw to win 1 of 15 ultimate Aussie holidays.
We know your time is precious, and we really appreciate you giving us 10 minutes of it. In return, it’s your chance to shape the awards, tell us exactly what content you want to see more of, and score an unforgettable getaway. A win-win-win, really. And let’s be honest, you’ve spent longer trying to pick something on Netflix. At least this could end in a holiday.
Please note: Winners will not be able to choose which prize they win. Winners will be contacted via email after the competition closes and announced in Issue 112 and on our socials.
Swim with manta rays on a 5-night Coral Coast escape for 2, worth up to $4500
Explore the Coral Coast for 5 nights. (Credit: C J Maddock)
Swim with manta rays in the wild.
Discover WA’s incredible coastal beauty with three nights in Carnarvon and two nights in Coral Bay. The prize includes accommodation, passes to Carnarvon’s three iconic attractions, a dining voucher, a tour with Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys and a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with majestic manta rays in Ningaloo’s pristine waters.
What’s included?
Accommodation in Canarvon (3 nights)
Accommodation in Coral Bay (2 nights)
Dining voucher
Exclusive Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys tour voucher
Passes to Carnarvon’s 3 iconic attractions
Manta Ray experience
A 2-night stay at The Westin Brisbane, worth $4259
Wind down in luxury at The Westin Brisbane.
Indulge in a luxurious two-night escape at The Westin Brisbane. Stay in the elegant Renewal Suite with valet parking, club lounge access and daily buffet breakfast. Enjoy dinner for two at The Westin Signature Restaurant, then unwind with a 60-minute signature massage for two at Heavenly Spa by Westin. A revitalising city stay designed around total wellbeing.
What’s included?
2 nights in the Renewal Suite
Valet parking
Daily breakfast buffet
Dinner for 2 at the Westin signature restaurant
60-minute massage for 2 at Heavenly Spa by Westin
A 3-night escape to the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, worth $4000
Escape to one of Australia’s most iconic retreats.
Snorkel, sail and soak up the beauty of Hayman Island with a glamorous three-night island stay at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. Located in the Whitsundays, this iconic retreat invites two guests to stay in a One Bedroom Pool Ocean View Suite, complete with sweeping Coral Sea views. Daily breakfast and return boat transfers from Hamilton Island Airport are included.
What’s included?
3-night stay in a One Bedroom Pool Ocean View Suite
Daily breakfast for 2
Return transfers for 2 from Hamilton Island Airport
The ultimate coastal wellness escape to Wollongong, worth $1688
Win a wellness holiday in Wollongong.
Experience the coastal goodness of Wollongong with a packed wellness itinerary. Enjoy a clifftop getaway perched above the ocean and surrounded by rainforest at the boutique Tumbling Waters Retreat. When hunger strikes, head to the iconic Imperial at Clifton for a delicious meal steeped in history. Wind down in the afternoon with stunning ocean views and live music at the Headlands Hotel. Round out your day with a full-body workout at Limber Co, then melt away any remaining tension with a rejuvenating treatment at ibah Spa.
10-pack class pass for Limber Co with Liber tote and socks
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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An overnight luxury beachfront stay at The Langham, Gold Coast, worth $1500
Enjoy a taste of beachfront luxury at The Langham, Gold Coast.
Dive into absolute beachfront luxury with an overnight stay in a Junior Ocean Suite at The Langham, Gold Coast. Enjoy daily buffet breakfast at Akoya restaurant, valet parking and direct access to the Gold Coast’s iconic shoreline – where spectacular ocean views come standard.
What’s included?
A 1-night stay in the Junior Ocean suite
Daily buffet breakfast at Akoya
Valet parking
Direct beach access
A night at The Langham, Melbourne for 2, worth $1353
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, enjoy an overnight getaway in elegance at The Langham, Melbourne.
Experience the buzz of Melbourne with a swish overnight stay in a One Bedroom Suite at The Langham, Melbourne. Enjoy breakfast at Melba Restaurant, club lounge access and a complimentary glass of house wine – all wrapped in the hotel’s signature elegance on the banks of the Yarra.
What’s included?
1-night stay for 2 in a 1-bedroom suite
Breakfast at Melba Restaurant
Club lounge access
1 complimentary house wine
Savour a foodie getaway to Geelong, worth $1298
Experience all Geelong has to offer with the luxury of bay front views.
Treat yourself and a plus one to a premium waterfront escape in Geelong. Stay overnight in a Bayview Room at the newly opened Crowne Plaza Geelong, complete with buffet breakfast and sweeping views across the bay. The experience continues with a perfume-making workshop at Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances, Asian fusion dining at Two Noble and a nightcap at Geelong Cellar Door, home to one of the region’s largest collections of local wines. A perfectly curated taste of Geelong.
What’s included?
Overnight stay in a Bayview Room at Crowne Plaza Geelong
Buffet breakfast for 2
Perfume-making workshop at Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances
Dinner at Two Noble
Night Cap at Geelong Cellar Door
An off-grid cabin stay and sauna session in Denmark, worth over $1200
Take a relaxing break in nature with Heyscape.
Set on the breathtaking Raintree Estate, Heyscape immerses guests in the wild beauty of Denmark, WA. Enjoy a two-night stay in your choice of either a one-bedroom cabin or a four-person cabin, complete with premium bedding and an outdoor barbecue. Slow things right down with a private sauna session for two at The Fieldhouse amid towering trees and coastal calm.
What’s included?
2-night stay in a 1-bed cabin or 4-person cabin in Denmark
A private sauna session for 2 people at The Fieldhouse
A $1000 Accor gift card to use on your next getaway
Redeem your next getaway with Accor.
Where will you go next? Put a dream escape on the calendar with a $1000 accommodation gift card, redeemable across participating Accor hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. From city stays to resort escapes, this versatile prize lets you choose the getaway that suits you best, with plenty of time to plan, thanks to a generous 36-month validity period.
What’s included?
A $1000 gift card to select Accor hotels
36-month validity period
2 nights of calm, coastal glamping in Gippsland worth $800
Go glamping in style in Gippsland.
Designed for couples seeking a slower pace, this two-night boutique glamping escape at The Inverloch Glamping Co. is set on rolling farmland just minutes from Inverloch’s beaches in Gippsland. Spend your days exploring the Bunurong Coast or simply staying put with a coffee in hand. Come evening, unwind by the firepit or under open skies, then enjoy plush bedding in a safari tent, bell tent, dome or cabin.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
What’s included?
A 2-night stay glamping at The Inverloch Glamping Co
Access to the camp kitchen
Private bathroom
1 night in a harbour view room at The Langham, Sydney, worth $800
Take in the beauty of of Sydney Harbour right outside your window.
Wake to Harbour Bridge vistas with a night in a Deluxe Harbour View Room at The Langham, Sydney. Located in The Rocks district, this heritage hotel blends historic charm with indulgence. Enjoy an included breakfast for two and serene harbour surrounds.
What’s included?
Overnight stay in a Deluxe Harbour View room for 2
Breakfast for 2
1 night in a water view room at Pier One Sydney Harbour, worth $750
Wake to sparkling water views beneath the Harbour Bridge.
Live out your five-star harbourfront dreams with a one-night stay in a Water View Room at Pier One Sydney Harbour. Wake to sparkling water views beneath the Harbour Bridge and enjoy breakfast for two, then get lost in Walsh Bay’s vibrant waterfront precinct, home to cultural attractions, dining hotspots and iconic Sydney scenery.
What’s included?
1-night stay for 2 in a Water View Room
Breakfast for 2
An overnight escape at The Anchorage Port Stephens, worth $699
The Anchorage is a Port Stephens icon.
Escape to a private marina haven in Port Stephens, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney. This one-night stay in a Loft Suite for two guests includes breakfast and access to The Anchorage’s postcard-perfect surrounds, where white sands meet gentle waves. A refined waterfront escape designed for pure relaxation.
What’s included?
A 1-night stay in a loft suite for 2
Breakfast for 2 included
Private waterfront access
A weekend getaway for 2 at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, worth $675
Enjoy an unforgettable getaway to the Hunter Valley for two.
Escape to wine country with an overnight stay at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley in a King Grand Valley View Room. The package includes buffet breakfast for two, a bottle of wine on arrival, free parking and wi-fi. An ideal base for exploring the flavour-filled Hunter Valley region at a relaxed pace.
What’s included?
Overnight accommodation at voco in the King Grand Valley view room
Buffet breakfast for 2 adults
Bottle of wine on arrival
Free parking
Free wi-fi
A Hawkesbury Valley weekend getaway for 2, worth $625
The Hawkesbury Valley is the perfect weekend getaway to switch off.
Flee the city for a relaxing night at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, located around an hour’s drive from Sydney. Bed down in a King Bed Junior Suite, complete with a bottle of wine on arrival, buffet breakfast for two adults and complimentary parking and wi-fi. Set amid peaceful surroundings, this weekend retreat is perfect for slowing down and switching off.
What’s included?
Overnight stay in a King Bed Junior Suite at the Crowne Plaza
Buffet breakfast for 2
Bottle of wine on arrival
Free parking
Free wi-fi
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Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
