Nominations are now closed. Now the counting begins… Watch this space… Winners announced at the beginning of December.
Every year we need your help to uncover and reward Australia’s favourite travel experiences, accommodation and destinations for our People’s Choice Awards. The winners will be revealed in Australian Traveller’s People’s Choice Issue – December/January special edition on sale 4 December.
As a reward for your time, your nomination will be in the running to win a Outback to Reef luxury prize for two people. The $11,000 Dream Escape prize for two includes:
* Two nights’ in a Courtyard Suite at Crystalbrook Lodge
* Two nights’ in a North Beachfront Suite at Orpheus Island
* All gourmet meals, selection of Australian wines and beers, daily experiences
* Light aircraft transfers between Cairns and Crystalbrook Lodge provided by Independent Aviation
* Helicopter transfers between Cairns and Orpheus Island operated by Nautilus Aviation
Terms and conditions:
Nominations close Wednesday 5 November 2014. The winner will be announced in Australian Traveller’s December 2014/January 2015 issue (on sale 4 December). The prize is for two people and is valid until 4 December 2015. Vouchers cannot be used during event periods, block-out dates apply (which includes school holiday periods) and all redemptions are subject to availability. Stays are non-transferable and non-redeemable for cash. Light aircraft and helicopter transfers are at scheduled flight times only, and must be accompanied by other passengers. Upgrades, longer stays and private transfers are accepted at an additional charge to the prize winner. Prize is valued at $11,200 AUD for two guests only.
From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. (Image: Matt Donovan)
From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.
Murray River
The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)
A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.
Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell
The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)
These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.
You Yangs, Geelong
Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.
Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.
Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland
Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)
The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.
Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges
Enigmatic Hanging Rock. (Image: Visit Victoria/ Rob Blackburn)
This six-million-year-old volcanic rock was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.
The Great Stupa, Bendigo
The Great Stupa in Bendigo. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.
Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.
