Wotif typically announces the winner of the Aussie Town of the Year award at the start of the year.

The event is designed to shine a spotlight on the best towns in Australia, and it is becoming increasingly popular with travelers while encouraging Aussies to explore more of their beautiful country.

If you cannot wait to find out what destination will receive the honor next, keep reading for the latest details on Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year 2026 award, including its potential date, the voting process, and the announcement channels.

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When Will Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year Be Announced?

Wotif.com typically announces the Aussie Town of the Year in early January or February. As a result, it is likely to officially announce the 2026 recipient in one of those months.

The site will provide a top 10 list of trending destinations to showcase the increasingly popular destinations worthy of people’s time and money.

The list typically features an eclectic mix of inland towns, coastal hidden gems, and destinations bursting with unique activities, natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and fun cultural experiences. It’s a must-read if you’re planning one or more trips across Oz in 2026.

How is the Winning Town Decided?

Many factors will determine the proud winner of Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year 2026.

For example, the team at Wotif.com will analyze traveler interest in a specific destination on the site, comparing the data to previous years.

In addition to reviewing a boost in accommodation searches, they will analyze the quality and quantity of accommodation available in a specific town, its lodging options, affordability, and traveler satisfaction based on Wotif.com reviews.

What Towns Have Recently Won the Award?

Various towns across Australia have earned Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year award in recent years.

For example, Port Stephens in New South Wales earned the title in 2025 for its beautiful national parks, ample marine life, gorgeous beaches, and exciting culinary scene. Also, the town had received a substantial increase in accommodation searches compared to previous years.

The 2024 recipient was Bendigo in Victoria, which received the honor due to its gold rush legacy, many cultural attractions, and for achieving the status of Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.

What Will the Winner Receive?

While the winning recipient will not win a physical prize, the honor of being named Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year will benefit the winner in various ways.

After all, it will boost local pride, helping create a greater sense of community for residents.

Also, the award will lead to national (and potentially international) coverage, which can raise a town’s profile, improve its reputation, and increase tourism.

As a result, it could lead to a stronger local economy and further investment, transforming a destination for the better by creating jobs, supporting restoration, and enhancing its culture and attractions.

Where Will the Winner Be Announced?

Wotif will announce the winner of the 2026 Aussie Town of the Year, and its top 10 list, on its various official online channels.

For example, it is likely to make the announcement on its official website, wotif.com, and it’ll likely appear on its blog section.

What’s more, you could learn about the winner via the booking site’s official social media channels, as they’re likely to confirm the winner on Instagram, X, Facebook, etc.

Also, the hotel booking site will submit an official press release to major national or regional media outlets and travel publications to generate greater press attention. As a result, the winner will likely be published on ABC News, The Age, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

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