Finalists Revealed – The People’s Choice Awards 2014 shortlist

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The people have spoken… in Australian Traveller magazine’s People’s Choice Awards 2014. After an overwhelming number  of nominations here is the finalists shortlist – (in no particular order).

Winners will be announced at our award ceremony to be held at the brand-new InterContinental Sydney Double Bay on Monday, December 1. Follow us on Twitter (using #ATPeoplesChoice) and Facebook for updates. The full list of winners will appear in Australian Traveller ‘Best Holidays of 2015’ edition, out December 4.

Excited? We are! Good luck to all the finalists.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST STAYS

BEST HOTEL

  • Crown Towers Melbourne, Vic
  • QT Sydney, NSW
  • Langham Melbourne, Vic
  • Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW
  • Shangri-La Sydney, NSW

BEST LUXURY RESORT

  • Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, NSW
  • Southern Ocean Lodge, SA
  • Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania
  • qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld
  • One&Only Hayman Island, Qld

BEST AFFORDABLE RESORT

  • Pinetrees Lord Howe Island, NSW
  • Emma Gorge at El Questro, Kimberley, WA
  • Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff, NSW
  • Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, NT
  • Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley, NSW

BEST HOTEL SPA

  • Spa qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld
  • Salus Spa, Lake House, Daylesford, Vic
  • The Spa at Byron at Byron, NSW
  • Crown Spa, Crown Towers Melbourne, Vic
  • Chuan Spa, Langham Melbourne, Vic

BEST QUIRKY ACCOMMODATION

  • Atlantic Byron Bay, Byron Bay, NSW
  • QT Hotel Sydney, NSW
  • Roar and Snore, Taronga Zoo, NSW
  • White Cliffs Underground Motel, White Cliffs, NSW
  • Undara Lava Tubes Wilderness Lodge, Savannah Way, Qld

BEST GLAMPSITE

  • Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, NSW
  • Longitude 131, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
  • Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, WA
  • Nightfall Wilderness Camp, Lamington National Park, Qld
  • Eco Beach, Broome, WA

BEST CAMPSITE

  • Peoples’ Park Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, WA
  • Clarkes Beach Holiday Park, Byron Bay, NSW
  • Lake Argyle Caravan Park, WA
  • Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach, Qld
  • Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT

 

AUSTRALIA’S BEST TOWNS

CITY OF THE YEAR

  • Hobart, Tas
  • Sydney, NSW
  • Melbourne, Vic
  • Perth, WA
  • Brisbane, Qld

BEST BEACH TOWN

  • Port Douglas, Qld
  • Noosa, Qld
  • Byron Bay, NSW
  • Lorne, Vic
  • Coral Bay, WA
  • Broome, WA
  • Airlie Beach, Qld
  • Mooloolaba, Qld
  • Jervis Bay, NSW
  • Yamba, NSW

FRIENDLIEST TOWN

  • Broome, WA
  • Airlie Beach, Qld
  • Byron Bay, NSW
  • Cairns, Qld
  • Exmouth, WA

COSIEST TOWN

  • Bright, Vic
  • Leura, NSW
  • Margaret River, WA
  • Daylesford, Vic
  • Stanthorpe, Qld

BEST KEPT SECRET COUNTRY TOWN

  • Ballarat, VIC
  • Mudgee, NSW
  • Exmouth, WA
  • Orange, NSW
  • Broome, WA

 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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AUSTRALIA’S BEST SUMMERS

SEXIEST HOTEL POOL

  • qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld
  • Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne, Vic
  • Palazzo Versace, Surfer’s Paradise, Qld
  • Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, NSW
  • One&Only Hayman Island, Qld
  • Lake Argyle Caravan Park, Kimberley, WA
  • Crown Metropol, Perth, WA
  • Park Hyatt, Sydney, NSW
  • Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim, Qld
  • Peppers Palm Cove, Qld

BEST BEACH

  • Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
  • Cable Beach, Broome, WA
  • Whitehaven beach, Whitsunday Island, Qld
  • Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, NSW
  • Main Beach, Noosa, Qld

MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND GETAWAY

  • Hayman Island, Qld
  • Hamilton Island, Qld
  • Lord Howe Island, NSW
  • Kangaroo Island, SA
  • Fraser Island, Qld

BEST CRUISING EXPERIENCE

  • Cruising the Kimberly coastline
  • Bareboating in the Whitsundays
  • Cruising Sydney harbour
  • Cruising on a big liner
  • Sailing on Ningaloo Reef

 

AUSTRALIA’S BEST EATS

BEST FOOD REGION

  • Tamar Valley, Tas
  • Central West NSW
  • Yarra Valley, Vic
  • Margaret River, WA
  • McLaren Vale, SA

BEST WINE REGION

  • Barossa Valley, SA
  • Yarra Valley, Vic
  • McLaren Vale, SA
  • Hunter Valley, NSW
  • Margaret River, WA

BEST CITY RESTAURANT

  • Quay, Sydney, NSW
  • Vue de Monde, Melbourne
  • Attica, Melbourne
  • Rockpool, Bridge St, Sydney
  • Aria, Sydney

BEST REGIONAL RESTAURANT

  • Biota, Bowral, NSW
  • Rick Stein at Bannisters, Mollymook, NSW
  • Lake House, Daylesford, Vic
  • Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin, NSW
  • Hentley Farm, Barossa Valley, SA

BEST REGIONAL CAFÉ CULTURE

  • Mornington Peninsula, Vic
  • Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Qld
  • Margaret River Region, WA
  • Byron Bay Hinterland, NSW
  • Southern Highlands, NSW

 

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insider tips, offers, and more.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST JOURNEYS

BEST ROAD TRIP

  • Great Ocean Road, Vic
  • East Coast Escape, Tasmania
  • Pacific Coast (Sydney, NSW to Brisbane, Qld)
  • Gibb River Road, Kimberley, WA
  • The Nullarbor (Ceduna, SA to Perth, WA)

BEST TRAIN TRIP

  • Indian Pacific, NSW-SA-WA
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway, Qld
  • The Sunlander, Qld
  • The Ghan, SA–NT
  • Puffing Billy Railway, Vic

 

AUSTRALIA’S BEST AIR TRAVEL

BEST AIRPORT

  • Adelaide Airport, SA
  • Brisbane Airport, Qld
  • Cairns Airport, Qld
  • Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), Vic
  • Sydney Airport, NSW

BEST MAJOR AIRLINE

  • Qantas Airways
  • Virgin Australia
  • Jetstar
  • Tigerair

BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE

  • AirNorth
  • QantasLink
  • REX
  • Skywest
  • Skytrans

 

BEST OVERALL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE OF 2014

  • Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
  • Seeing Uluru at sunset
  • Swimming with Ningaloo’s whale sharks
  • Exploring the Kimberley
  • Doing the Top End

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Goat yoga to gastronomy: The ultimate guide to Wimmera Mallee, Vic

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

    Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating. 

    Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned. 

    Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world. 

    Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

    The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria
    Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

    If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves. 

    The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.  

    Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions. 

    Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.  

    Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

    Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed
    Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

    As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene. 

    Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure. 

    The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po, where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls. 

    Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed, the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles. 

    Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

    pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia
    Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes. 

    Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell, which turns pink during wet and warm conditions. 

    The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden. 

    And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic. 

    Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

    border inn in the Wimmera Mallee
    Meet the locals at Border Inn.

    As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area. 

    The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality. 

    The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green.  For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.  

    A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times. 

    Wimmera Mallee accommodation

    Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee
    Escape to Fulham Homestead.

    If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge, also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway. 

    For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning. 

    The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike. 

    If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre. 

    Annual events

    Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum
    Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

    You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again. 

    Each year, the Lake Chelegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark. 

    Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show, which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj, a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community. 

    From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

    Finalists Revealed - The People's Choice Awards 2014 shortlist - Australian Traveller