Launceston town of the year

WOTIF LAUNCESTON WAS THE AUSSIE TOWN OF THE YEAR?

Leading travel site Wotif.com recently announced the winners of the 2022 Aussie Town of the Year Awards with Launceston taking home the travel crown, marking Tasmania’s inaugural win as travel demand for the island state soars. Go Tassie! With 2022 set to be the year we reclaim our travel freedom with Aussies now free to travel across all states, their research also reveals: • 88% of Aussies planning to travel in 2022 want to stay local • 71% plan to travel interstate as over half (53%) say they haven’t travelled interstate since the start of the pandemic • Close to a third (31%) say that even with international travel reopening, they plan to stay within Australia • A quarter (24%) are planning to visit somewhere new within Australia in 2022 Now in its fifth year, Wotif’s annual Aussie tourism awards are based on a data index looking at affordability, quality, and traveller reviews. Recognising the country’s top destinations for the year ahead, the awards couldn’t come at a better time to encourage Aussie travellers to make up for lost time and explore Australia. With Launceston takes home this year’s crown, parents planning their next great family getaway will find plenty of holiday inspiration from this year’s winners. Whether it’s catching a rare glimpse of Hervey Bay’s (QLD) famed Humpback Whales, enjoying Tamworth’s (NSW) country charm and hospitality, or spending the day at the adventurer enthusiast’s paradise in Halls Gap (VIC).

More reasons than one makes Launceston number one As Launceston claims this year’s top spot, research commissioned by Wotif indicates 21% of Aussies say their desire to travel to Tasmania has grown in the last 12+ months, led by NSW and VIC travellers. Whether it’s fresh air, delicious food or relaxation that you’re after, Tasmania is what so many people have been looking for over the last two years. Launceston’s fresh produce, renowned sparkling wine and commitment to great food is world-famous and with some of Tasmania’s most spectacular natural landmarks just a short drive away, including the Tamar Valley, Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and the Bay of Fire, it’s no surprise that demand for the city has grown by over 125% on Wotif.com. Offering great affordability, with several new hotels in the city and endless experiences on offer, a trip to Launceston is every bit worth the hype.

Chris Griffin, CEO of Visit Northern Tasmania, says: “We’ve always known Launceston is one of the best places in the world. We are so delighted to once again host visitors from the mainland as they return to Tasmania, and we can’t wait to welcome more throughout 2022. Our promise is that you will grow here – whether that’s through close encounters

2022 WINNERS

1. Launceston, TAS Arguably Australia’s newest foodie hub, with a UNESCO City of Gastronomy title to prove it. Boasting world class wineries, restaurants and stunning Cataract Gorge just a short walk from the city centre, you’ll be feeling full and happy. 2. Caloundra, QLD With a string of excellent beaches on offer, the coastal town of Caloundra is paradise for swimmers and surfers alike. The aquatic activities don’t stop there, with kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing also on offer for the perfect summer getaway. 3. Tamworth, NSW Australia’s country music capital is also home to one of the country’s most renowned Big Things: the 12-metre high Golden Guitar. With plenty of country music charm and hospitality, Tamworth also features an award-winning regional playground and marsupial park, galleries. museums and national parks. 4. Yarra Valley, VIC Less than an hour from Melbourne, Yarra Valley offers an abundance of character and charm – historic homesteads, cellar doors, craft distilleries, and a century-old steam train through the Dandenong Ranges. 5. Adelaide Hills, SA A convenient 20-minute drive from South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide Hills still feels like a world away with with our nature and wildlife, reconnecting with loved ones while travelling, indulging in our fresh seasonal produce, or getting outside your comfort zone on an adventure, you will change for the better when you visit us.” To read more and see the latest travel deals from this year’s winning destinations, head to

www.wotif.com/aussietownoftheyear.

rolling landscapes, renowned wineries and the town of Handorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.

6. Bright, VIC Nature lovers need to look no further than Bright, where life is lived outdoors. From rivers and lakes to mountains and valleys, the area offers walking and hiking for all levels and some of the best cycling in Australia 7. Hervey Bay, QLD Whether its swimming, hiking and whale watching, or a trip to K’gari (Fraser Island) that you’re after, Hervey Bay appeals to so many and is a must visit. 8. Halls Gap, VIC An adventure enthusiast’s paradise in the heart of Grampians National park, Halls Gap offers abseiling, rock climbing, bush walking and cycling. In addition to some amazing wildlife and native plants, ancient rock art showcases the region’s Indigenous history. 9. Bateman’s Bay, NSW Crystal blue waters and a laid-back community make Batemans Bay the perfect place to slow down and connect with nature, all while supporting a deserving region. 10. Busselton, WA The gateway to the world-famous Margaret River Wine Region, Busselton’s natural beauty, abundance of space, fine wine and fresh coastal air is the, as the locals call it, “remedy to modern life”.