Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but if time or money are in short supply, or you simply feel like appreciating Australia’s own wonders, you don’t always have to go far to recharge and discover all that our planet has to offer!
Luckily Wotif, the Australian-born travel company, has revealed the 2025 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year winner and finalists, based on a survey, trending traveller interest, affordability, accommodation quality, and reviews. And the runner up is none other than Queensland’s own Cairns! This should come as no surprise, not just because it won first place back in 2021, but thanks to its incredible location as one of the ultimate gateways to the Great Barrier Reef.
Hidden gem Mackay brought up the rear at number 10, so if you’re looking for untamed nature and an off-the-beaten-path escape, you can do no better than this slice of paradise.
Kick back in Cairns
A short flight from Brisbane — unless you’re more of a long road trip person — this lush tropical playground packed to the brim with stunning vistas and things to do is a must-visit for snorkelling enthusiasts, beach lovers, and waterfall seekers. Or, if you prefer a waveless swim, the beautiful esplanade is home to a man-made lagoon, which means year-round safe swimming, not to mention the picturesque boardwalk and incredible dining spots.
And it’s not all nature, the town itself has plenty of charm with a lively nightlife, the immersive Cairns Art Gallery, open-air markets, and even small coastal towns like nearby Palm Cove to explore.
Vacay in Mackay
It may fly under the radar, but the Sugar Capital of Australia — Mackay produces over a third of our sugar — is not just close to the breathtaking Whitsundays, whose Whitehaven beach was recently named the world’s best beach, but for being an amazing place to visit in its own right.
A short 90-minute drive away sits Eungella National Park, known for its cheeky platypus and abundance of spectacular native wildlife, with hundreds of bird species alone making it their home. There are also some incredible hikes in the vicinity, like the multi-day Mackay Highlands Great Walk, whose unspoiled beauty is well-worth its 56 kilometres.
If you’re in holiday chill mode, however, the city also has a gorgeous regional gallery, Artspace, dedicated to its art and history. Not to mention, obviously, some incredible sweet treats at its many delicious cafés and restaurants.
Wotif’s Aussie Towns of the Year
1. Port Stephens, NSW
2. Cairns, QLD
3. Mandurah, WA
4. Denmark, WA
5. Beechworth, VIC
6. Port Campbell, VIC
7. Murray Bridge, SA
8. Kingscliff, NSW
9. Yamba, NSW
10. Mackay, QLD
Need more inspo? See the full list here!