Each year, Wotif pulls together intel from travel-savvy Aussies to spotlight trending towns on the rise.
2023’s winners have been announced, revealing the places that should be on your radar when you’re planning your next weekend getaway. We’ve rounded up this year’s top ten towns – and why each one is worth lingering in.
1. Albury, NSW
The vibe: A cosy country getaway full of arts, crafts and artisanal products made with heart.
This NSW border town nabs the top spot on the list. Sitting pretty on the banks of the Murray River, Albury encapsulates all the joys a country town has to offer.
Albury is known for its thriving arts scene and is home to one of Australia’s best regional galleries, The Murray Art Museum, which collates contemporary and local art. You’ll find lots of buzzy whiskey and wine bars peppered across the town, adding a cosmopolitan flair to the beautiful backdrop of green, velvety hills.
If you’re in the mood for a road trip, Albury is the starting point for the Mighty Murray River Drive. In the past years, Albury has been relegated to a rest stop on the drive between Sydney and Melbourne, but the quintessentially quaint town is finally coming into its own.
2. Bundaberg, QLD
The vibe: A laidback, cruisy town where you can experience sub-tropical nature, wildlife and food at its most vibrant.
Known for its iconic rum distillery, the sun-drenched town of Bundaberg comes in second. However, you’d be mistaken to think that Bundy Rum is Bundaberg’s only foodie offering.
The area surrounding the town is one of Australia’s most abundant fresh produce regions, having been dubbed the ‘Bundaberg food bowl’. In the locality, you’ll find distilleries, breweries and a lively cafe scene, all 15 minutes from beautiful beaches bursting with wildlife.
3. New Norfolk, TAS
The vibe: A cosy heritage town where you can get lost in a treasure trove of antiques and vintage wares.
New Norfolk – one of Tasmania‘s oldest towns located in the heart of the Derwent Valley – closes out the top three entries. If you enjoy getting thrifty, you’ll certainly enjoy New Norfolk’s antique scene, which has earned the town the title ‘antique capital of Tasmania’.
There are plenty of things to do in New Norfolk – don’t miss the Willow Court precinct, where you’ll find Sunday markets with plenty of trinkets to peruse. Those feeling brave can opt for a ghost tour of Willow Court Asylum to uncover its intriguing past.
