It’s official, Wotif have announced the top Australian towns to visit in 2024. The answers may come as a surprise to some, but these little hidden gems truly are growing hubs of Australian culture, arts, and of course tourism.
Yes, Euro-Summer may be quite appealing, but what better way to break up the months, than by exploring your own backyard.
Keep reading to discover the top boutique accommodation options we’ve found in each destination, so you don’t have to.
01
Bendigo, VIC
Riversdale Retreat
Hidden away in central Victoria, Bendigo is a hub of culture with a growing food and beverage scene. It’s also where The Weekly held an exhibition to celebrate our 90th birthday in 2023!
If you’re planning to visit, give yourself a taste of true regional Victoria. Explore the town during the day, and sneak away to this secluded natural bush oasis in the evening. Heat yourself by the indoor fireplace, pour a glass of Shiraz and watch the sunset.
02
Broken Hill, NSW
Luxury Outback Church Stay
If you’re a fan of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, you may recognise this regional town. Home to some of Australia’s most sacred Aboriginal sites, Broken Hill delivers quintessential outback charm.
For the ultimate experience, close to town, without sacrificing quality; why not spend the night in a refurbished heritage-listed building? This 1911, church has been completely restored and fitted with luxurious additions such as a double spa and a modern mezzanine.
03
Stanthorpe, QLD
Davadi Cottage
Located in one of Queensland’s wine-growing regions, Stanthorpe is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of closer tourist attractions like Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Place yourself at the centre of a dreamy country escape, and stay in this gorgeous restored Queenslander home only five minutes from the main drag. A short drive delivers you straight to the nearby wineries where you could be sipping on a pinot grigio in the Stranthorpe sun, all afternoon long.
04
Katherine, NT
Finches Hideaway
A Top End hub for culture, art, and history, Katherine is known for its sandstone, and natural attractions such as waterfalls and gorges.
The land surrounding Katherine is its biggest attraction, and to get the full experience of the Northern Territory, we recommend staying nearby along the waterway. This large bungalow in Lake Bennett is the perfect sanctuary and meeting point for an adventure,
05
Bathurst, NSW
Tuscan Dream on Keppel
Why go to Italy when the Australian wine scene is one of the best in the world? If you’re not so much of a wine drinker, maybe you’re a history buff. One of the country’s oldest inland colonial settlements, Bathurst is also associated with the gold rush and of course Australian Motor Sport.
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of proximity and rural charm we have just the place for you. Sitting atop a hill overlooking Bathurst and its surrounds sits this stunning Mediterranean-inspired home. Skip Juliet’s Balcony in Verona and overlook the changing colours of Mount Rankin as you appreciate a bottle of wine secured earlier in the day from a local winery.
