Australia Travel: Cairns Named Aussie Town of the Year for 2021

The results are in! We love finding out what the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year is and this year's results couldn't come at a better time for all use eager-to-travel individuals! Here at ellaslist, we're not too fussed that we can't travel internationally in 2021 because Australia is home to so many incredible destinations, and the 2021 Aussie Town of the Year and Wotif's winning destinations for 2021 proves just that.

Get ready to start packing because the Aussie Town of the Year for 2021 isn't too far from Sydney and the town in second place is right in our backyard! 

Introducing The Wotif 2021 Aussie Town of the Year Award Winners

1. Cairns, Qld 

Home to 2 World-Heritage-Listed sites (the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest of course), it's no wonder Cairns was named the Aussie Town of the Year. Yes, there's amazing scenery on offer but did you know there's also tonnes of fun stuff for the kids to do in Cairns? Worth a family holiday, we say!

2. Pokolbin, NSW

Number 2 on the list is right here in NSW, thank you very much! Pokolbin is just over 2 hours north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley and offers rolling hills, luxury accommodation and picturesque vistas.

3. Apollo Bay, Vic

Home of the Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay comes in third and offers true outdoors exploration with endless beaches and walking trail, not to mention some utterly delicious produce. 

4. Mudgee, NSW

Heritage, hospitality, rolling fields, and some of the finest vineyards in the country are on offer in Mudgee. Another must-visit town that we happily claim our own, Mudgee is just 4 hours away from Sydney - not bad for a weekender!

5. Lakes Entrance, Vic

Where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean, Lakes Entrance is a water-lovers destination for water-loving families.

6. McLaren Vale, SA

Fancy a glass of vino? You'll find some of the best wine in the country in South Australia's McLaren Vale, which boasts over 70 fabulous cellar doors, plus 31 kilometres of pristine coastline for the kids to run free.

7. Hervey Bay, Qld

Another vote for Queensland, you can't go wrong when booking a family holiday in Hervey Bay. Reliable sunshine, kid's activities, plenty of swimming plus some of the best local seafood you'll ever taste is how they run things in Hervey Bay. 

8. Exmouth, WA

Exmouth comes in at number 8 in the Aussie Town of the Year Awards and is the home of the world-famous Ningaloo Reef plus epic canyons compliments of Cape Range National Park - Exmouth really is an adventure-seekers paradise.

9. Port Macquarie, NSW

A buzzing city centre, foodie scene, NSW's best beaches, and home of the beloved Koala Hospital - there really is something for everyone in Port Macquarie.

10. The Entrance, NSW

Another one for NSW! Number 10 in the Aussie Town of the Year Awards goes to The Entrance in the Central Coast. The Entrance is only 1.5 hours north of Sydney and is the ideal weekend or school holidays escape for Sydney families.

Want More Family Travel Inspo?

The Best Zoo Sleepovers In Australia
Australian Islands That Are Great For Kids
The Best Family Farm Stays Near Sydney

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!