Winners of past Australian Traveller giveaways

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Here are the lucky winners of Australian Traveller’s past competitions.

Congratulations to our winners! Don’t forget to subscribe to stay in the loop on our latest giveaways. You could win anything from a luxury escape for two in Australia to the latest travel gear, luggage, experiences and more.

2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

The winner of the Intrepid Travel six-day exploration of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast was Dale Thomas.

The winner of the luxury stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa was Shauna Tracey.

The winner of the Pair’d festival getaway in Margaret River was Andrew Walker.

The winner of the ultimate K’gari adventure was Vicki Fox.

The winner of the supercar escape with Prancing Horse was Peter Gregory.

The winner of the seven-day Star RV motorhome getaway was Sarah Biggs.

The winner of the luxury Red Hill Escape was Prue Phillips.

The winner of the night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney was Pauline K Hanson.

The winner of the luxe glamping stay for eight at Glenayr Farm was Rachel Anderson.

The winner of the Wildlife Retreat experience was Nicole Wincupp.

Christmas giveaway

The winner of the adventurous traveller prize pack was Jennifer Livingstone.

The winner of the beach traveller prize pack was Amanda Fraser.

The winner of the coupled-up traveller prize pack was Jacqueline Johnston.

The winner of the traveller wanting to disconnect prize pack was Carolyne Yeow.

The winner of the family traveller prize pack was Kim May Tini.

The winner of the foodie traveller prize pack was Justine Amy Gardiner.

The winner of the luxurious traveller prize pack was Kylie Servante.

The winner of the outback traveller prize pack was Mairi Taylor.

The winner of the sophisticated traveller prize pack was Amy Cooper.

The winner of the wellness traveller prize pack was Sam Wills.

Father’s Day giveaway

The winner of a Father’s Day prize pack worth over $10,000 was Karoline Willis.

Airnorth giveaway

The winner of an immersive Red Centre escape for 2 worth over $6800 was Jim Coutts.

Federal Group giveaway

The winner of a luxury weekend escape for 2 to Hobart worth over $3000 was Samantha Clifton.

Mother’s Day giveaway

The winner of a $3000 travel gift pack for Mother’s Day was Grace Chamia.

Kakadu National Park

The winner of the 4-night holiday to Kakadu National Park was Holley J.

Mega Holiday Giveaway

The winner of the Royal Caribbean cruise was Dannielle N.

The winner of the Virgin Voyages cruise was Naomi R.

The winners of the 10 double passes to the Josef Chromy Art of Sparkling Experience were Tim M, Millie E, Lou B, Vanessa S, Josh M, Katarina S, Alexia D, Romaine S. Gaylene N and Gina W.

The winner of the Sunshine Coast foodie getaway was Michael M.

The winner of the JW Marriott Gold Coast was Aimee B.

The winners of the 10 $200 vouchers with Qantas Hotels and Holidays were Cyan VG, Lorrae C, Suzanne M, Karen T, Jessica E, Terry C, Savanna Y, Jo B, Andrei D and Masayo U.

The winner of a two-night Lizard Island getaway was Gemma M.

The winner of the Sealink Rottnest Island seafood experience for two was Adam R.

The winners of the three family holidays to Uluru were Bron M, Mandy G and Lynn G.

The winner of the luxurious trip to the tip of Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula was Toni C.

The winner of the long weekend at Noosa Eat and Drink Festival was James S.

The winner of the Crystalbrook Collection luxury escape was Tara L.

The winners of the Quest weekend local experience packages were Monica P, Carla T, Jenny M, Angela R, Kate W, Mary-Anne D, Brent D, Sigrid K, Luana M C and Lisa B.

The winner of the ultimate ‘city meets paradise’ escape to Brisbane was Nicolle P.

The winners of the Victorinox Touring 2.0 Sling Bags were Gabrielle E, Bradley J, Scott S, Matt W, Renaldo R, Charlotte L-J, Larissa S, Claire S, Leanne C and Mayanna D.

The winner of the seven-night escape to Cocos (Keeling) Islands was Rachael A.

The winners of the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park overnight stays were Rebecca M, Ula L, Amelia M, Corinne B and Karen T.

The winners of the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park treatments at On The Park Rejuvenation Day Spa were Kate T, Leanne N, Carolyn F, Nancy H and Stacey M.

The winners of the 6 Accor Hotels experiences were Nikita H, Rebecca K, Angie J, Prue M, Stephanie D and Julie C.

The winners of Samsung’s best tech for travelling were Kiri W and Jenny C.

The winner of the K’gari and Lady Elliot Island adventure for 2 was Russell C.

The winner of the romantic trip for 2 on the legendary Ghan was Chantelle A.

The winner of the culturally immersive overnight package for two at Bundanon was Owen J-H.

The winner of the Wild Bush Luxury experience was Margaret A.

The winner of the AAT Kings tour to discover Tasmania’s wild side was Tahlia C.

The winner of the 5-night stay at Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas was Andrew S.

The winner of the 5 Lancemore Hotels getaways was Zoe T.

The winner of the 7 nights of pure Whitsundays luxury was Perla L M.

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Your summer events guide to Australia’s cultural capitals

Explore the best that Sydney and Melbourne offer over summer, when busy event-packed days stretch into fun-filled nights.

As summer unfolds, Sydney and Melbourne are at the forefront of the most exciting events in Australia. Whether your tastes run to culture, sport, shopping or dining, both offer a host of things to do and places to stay. Discover the best Accor hotels to explore from and how to spend your days to make the most of the warmer months in Australia’s vibrant capitals.

Sydney

Where to stay

suite at Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection
Relax beachside at Manly Pacific. (Image: Manly Pacific)

Sydney has no shortage of fabulous hotels to choose from when attending events in the city, often within reach of either the harbour or the beach.

The glamour and European style of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is hard to beat, whether for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. It’s within walking distance to the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, so everything the city offers is at your feet.

Pullman Sydney Quay Grand is equally central and offers luxury apartment-style accommodation, featuring fully equipped kitchens and laundries. It’s ideal for family stays. Also in the CBD, Swissôtel Sydney gives easy access to some of the city’s top shopping, including the historic Queen Victoria Building.

For beachside vibes, head to Manly or Brighton, where there’s something for everyone. Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection is all about coastal elegance, ocean views and fresh seafood. Hit the rooftop pool or the beach to cool off, or go snorkelling at nearby Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Take the Manly ferry for a scenic trip to the city.

Peppers Manly Beach offers stylish accommodation literally across the road from famous Manly Beach. Grab a free e-bike, take a surfing lesson, walk the foreshore or browse the surf shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes.

For a luxury stay that’s closer to both the city and airport, choose The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Hotel Collection . Hugging the shore of Botany Bay, the hotel is just 20 minutes by train to the CBD, and a 10-minute drive from Sydney airport. Soak up the sea air, or dive into the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor pool.

Events and sightseeing

two people at Sydney Festival
Time your Sydney trip to visit the Sydney Festival. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney loves a party and there are few bigger than Sydney Festival , which has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for 50 years. Running from 8–25 January in 2026, it’s a city-wide celebration of culture and creativity encompassing music, dance, comedy, visual art and edgy experimental performances.

Westpac OpenAir Cinema opens for the summer season on 20 January. Set on the waterfront at Mrs Macquaries Point, with a backdrop of the harbour and city skyline, it features classics and new movies. Grandstand seating (BYO cushion) provides perfect viewing.

A cool oasis of green in the heart of the city, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers much more than just plants and flowers. Escape the heat with a stroll through themed areas, including the romantic Palace Rose Garden and lush Palm Grove, and stop at the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden to learn the story of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Best of all, it’s all free.

Where to eat and drink

Arches on Market bar in Accor SwissôtelSydney
Stop for drinks at Arches on Market. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Fancy a taste of Italy? Flaminia is the new restaurant coming to the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour in November 2025, and it’ll make you feel as though you could be in Portofino – but with the freshest of Sydney’s produce.

Arches , at Swissotel Sydney, is the perfect spot for a classic martini. Head there for afternoon tea or pre- and post-theatre dining delivered with old-school charm. You can even let the bartenders choose your drink for you, based on your mood.

With a $20 lunch menu and a leafy covered terrace, Wentworth Bar , on level five of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, delivers a sophisticated escape from the hustle of the city. An extensive champagne list and Vietnamese-inspired bar menu complete the stylish scene.

Melbourne

Where to stay

view from Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers by accor
Enjoy a luxurious stay at Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers.

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is the epitome of style, elegance and luxury. Appropriately at the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street in the CBD, the Sofitel combines French flair with Australian hospitality.

Like many of the best discoveries in Melbourne, Pullman Melbourne City Centre is tucked away in a laneway. Five-star luxury is the hallmark here; enjoy stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and the city’s best food and fashion finds just steps away.

On the historic South Wharf promenade, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is a contemporary beacon that opens up to everything the precinct has to offer – shopping, dining, entertainment and the arts.

Pullman Melbourne on the Park , on the city’s threshold at East Melbourne, is a ball toss from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne and Olympic Parks. Naturally a favourite with sports fans, it’s only minutes from the CBD by tram and right next door to the cool of Fitzroy Gardens.

The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments of Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers offer stunning views and easy access to the city and Southbank’s dining and shopping district. Head to the rooftop garden or relax in the outdoor heated pool.

Events and sightseeing

spectators watching Melbourne Cricket Ground
Cheer on your team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Image: Visit Victoria)

As the ‘sporting capital of Australia’, Melbourne is the place to catch the best of your favourite game. Whether it’s the Boxing Day test cricket or all the action of the Australian Open tennis in January, book tickets early to ensure the best vantage points.

Find the Summer Night Market, a feast for both the body and the senses, in the Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights in the warmer months. Savour street food from 30 stalls and shop for locally made fashion, jewellery, art and homewares, and pause to watch performances by talented buskers.

The work of two of the most influential fashion designers in history – Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo – are on show at the National Gallery of Victoria  over summer. You can also wander through free exhibitions of First Nations art, colonial paintings and European masters.

Where to eat and drink

Melbourne’s laneway culture and rooftop bar scene set it apart from others. Where better to enjoy extended twilight hours or cheeky cocktails atop one of the city’s tall buildings, or while away long summer evenings in a cosy bar tucked far from the crowds in a hidden alley.

Head to Cleo on the rooftop at Hyde Melbourne from December 2025. Enjoy a cocktail with sweeping views of the skyline, and choose nibbles from a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Under a 15-floor mirrored canopy at The Atrium on 35 , in the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, sip cocktails in an intimate but playful setting. This is the place for l’aperitif hour before or after a night out at the theatre.

Start planning your summer getaway of events, culture and food with at ALL.com.