Time Out Australia Travel Awards 2026: Best Destination Nominees

Located just 20 minutes by car from the city centre, this cool climate region is full of charming villages, world-class wineries, lush forests and five-star stays. Every season justifies another visit – whether you’re picking strawberries at Beerenberg Farm in summer, strolling through fiery foliage at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden in autumn, sipping red wine by the fire in winter, or having a picnic amongst the vineyards in spring.

Referred to by various monikers including "Willyama", "The Silver City", the "Oasis of the West", and the "Capital of the Outback", Broken Hill is Australia’s longest-operating mining town. It's also made its name as the queer capital of the outback, after Priscilla Queen of the Desert pulled up outside the Palace Hotel in all her glittery glory. During a visit, you can watch the sun set over a spectacular sculpture park, ride camels through the outback, drink at classic tavern-style pubs and explore galleries and museums whose collections could put city establishments to shame.

As an island off an island, Bruny ticks all the boxes with artisanal goods, stunning hiking trails and wondrous wildlife encounters. Despite its tiny permanent population of around 1,000, Bruny Island draws more than 150,000 visitors annually – all chasing a slice of the good life, even if just for a day. Once there, the world is your (Bruny Island) oyster. You can explore the 60-kilometre stretch of land at your own pace, over a few hours, a weekend or an entire week. 

Exmouth is one of the most spectacular places in Western Australia. Yes, this slice of paradise is remote – we’re talking over 1,270 kilometres north of Perth (a 13-hour drive or a two-hour flight) – but once you get there, the experience is priceless. You can swim with whale sharks (the world's largest fish), search for elusive black-footed rock wallabies at Yardie Creek, hike through the ancient, fossil-lined Mandu Mandu Gorge, and snorkel in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef – one of the few places on earth where the reef begins just metres from the shore.

Spanning 123km in length, the World Heritage-listed K’gari isn’t just the largest sand island on Earth, but it sparkles with the fourth most crystal-clear waters in Oceania. The adventures are endless, both on and off the water. You can climb ancient sand dunes, swim in crystalline lakes, trek through tropical rainforests, spot humpback whales, and even catch a glimpse of the world’s purest dingo colony.

Home to towering Norfolk pine trees, a buzzing food and arts scene, and a postcard-perfect red and white lighthouse, Port Fairy has everything you could want from a dreamy, underrated coastal destination. This charming fishing village is about three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne and the final stop along Victoria’s famed Great Ocean Road. Linger for a while to soak up the rugged beachside scenery and check out the antique shops and historic 19th-century cottages. 

If the name didn’t already give it away, the Scenic Rim is truly a spectacular sight. Just an easy 60-minute drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, this hinterland region is known as Brisbane’s World Heritage-listed backyard, boasting stunning national parks, lush rainforests and dramatic mountain ranges. Hike to hidden waterfalls, enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas, meander through boutique vineyards and stay in one of the secluded bushland retreats.