Melbourne Favourite City and Best Travel Experience of 2015

The prestigious annual Australian Traveller People's Choice Awards were announced at an exclusive event in Sydney. The awards, voted for by more than 4000 Australian travellers recognise the best travel experiences and destinations for 2015. This year's results highlight the domestic tourism renaissance sweeping the country. Australian Traveller editor Lara Picone says: “Just the sheer number of votes shows how engaged Australians are right now with their own country. We have started to fall in love with our great continent again.” “It's not an accident, either.” Picone continues. “The investment that places such as Uluru, the Gold Coast, Margaret River, Hamilton Island and thousands of other destinations have made is paying off for businesses and travellers. There are more guests and the guests are loving the experience.” The winners and runners-up of this survey, the largest poll of Australian travellers, is published in the December/January issue of the magazine. The results are in…

…MELBOURNE IS THE FAVOURITE DESTINATION OF 2015

Beating Tasmania and Sydney to take the lead, our readers told us that of all their Australian travels in the past year, Melbourne with her enviable food culture, arts scene and festivals, was their = favourite. The city also took out the 'Best City Break' category, proving we love her laneways and laid-back style.

…THE GOLD COAST IS THE HOLIDAY SPOT OF CHOICE FOR FAMILIES

“With incredible beaches, great accommodation, and some of the best entertainment in the country for kids, it's no surprise to see the Gold Coast top this list – there's something for the whole family,” says editor, Lara Picone.

…HAMILTON ISLAND WINS MOST DESIRABLE ISLAND ESCAPE FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING

Aussies find it hard to resist the sparkling turquoise waters, casual elegance and whitesand beaches of this consistently remarkable island escape.

…OUR READERS BELIEVE EVERY AUSTRALIAN SHOULD SEE ULURU

“We love our vast, ochre Outback and the Red Centre and Uluru will always draw in Aussies to experience the wonder of the rock,” says Picone.

…BYRON BAY CONTINUES TO LURE BEACHGOERS

It's not the first time Byron Bay has won 'Best Beach Town' and it's easy to understand why when you discover her vibrant, relaxed culture and dazzling beaches, but Noosa is hot on the heels of this iconic surf town coming in at a very close second this year.

…BIRDSVILLE ATTRACTS INTREPID AUSSIES

“When it comes to getting off the beaten track our readers love the remote character of Birdsville – home of camel pies and desert racing. What more could you want from an Outback experience?” says editor Lara Picone.

This year's awards were announced on the evening of Monday 30 November at the spectacular Water @ Pier One, Pier One Sydney Harbour.