The Rum City has gained national recognition, snapping up second place in Wotif’s 2023 Aussie Town of the Year Awards.
In it’s sixth year, the awards recognise trending Aussie destinations for the year ahead and is based on a data index that looks at accommodation affordability, quality and traveller satisfaction.
We’ve been praised for our fresh produce, proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and range of affordable accommodation options.
“The naming of the Bundaberg region in the top 10 of Wotif’s Aussie town of the year for 2023 is certainly a well-deserved tribute for a region that works passionately to present its reef, culinary and nature-based experiences along with warm hospitality from locals in the most refreshing way,” says Bundaberg Tourism CEO Katherine Reid.
“With the first two islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot on our doorstep, our growing culinary scene with produce being grown, brewed, distilled, and caught all year-round, as well as being home to the largest concentration of nesting Loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific, Bundaberg, on the Southern Great Barrier Reef is a destination that is welcoming, sustainably conscious and a great place for a holiday!”
The awards come as 46% of Australians plan to travel in April to take advantage of the public and school holidays.
Three-day-stays prove to be the new sweet spot for domestic holidays, with demand on Wotif growing by more than 30% in 2022, compared to 2021.
Looking to the year ahead, almost half of Australians (49%) plan to take short trips of up to 3 nights with many wanting to explore their own state.
44% of Aussies simply prefer short weekend trips, while another 44% are making this decision for financial reasons, as the rising cost of living impedes household budgets.
“By all accounts, Aussies remain committed to travelling locally in 2023,” says Wotif managing director Daniel Finch.
“While cost considerations are top of mind for everyone this year, it’s clear travellers are not deterred and instead are prioritising accessible, experience-rich getaways. We know 29% of Aussies are open to travelling to new destinations this year to keep costs down and we hope by spotlighting these deserving destinations, all of which are extremely accessible, the awards inspire Aussies to explore and connect with regional destinations beyond the typical tried and tested.”
2023 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award winners:
- Albury, NSW
- Bundaberg, QLD
- New Norfolk, TAS
- Port Lincoln, SA
- Ballarat, VIC
- Merimbula, NSW
- Toowoomba, QLD
- Dunsborough, WA
- Orange, NSW
- Echuca, VIC
