As anyone who is a born and bred Victorian will tell you, our regional towns have a lot going for them. From incredible restaurants to top-notch galleries and amazing hotels to breathtaking natural surrounds, our state has it all. Not to mention, we're home to the best vanilla slice in the country, a title we should wear with utmost pride.
If that wasn't enough, now Victorians have been handed another badge of honour – with one of our most popular countryside destinations earning the title of Aussie town of the year. Bendigo, take a bow, you've earned it.
The award was bestowed upon the Gold Rush town by leading travel app Wotif, which has chosen an Aussie Town of the Year for the last seven years running to recognised trending travel destinations. The travel website uses its data index, which includes search data, reviews and stats on accommodation quality and affordability all from the previous year, to choose the top towns.
If you're not familiar with the regional Victorian gem that is Bendigo, we suggest you rectify this ASAP. Nestled in central Victoria, Bendigo is renowned for its gold rush legacy and has a rich history. Visitors can venture underground at the Central Deborah Gold Mine, explore the local Indigenous culture at the Djaa Djuwima First Nations Art Gallery and visit one of the largest and most innovative regional galleries, the Bendigo Art Gallery. Plus, Bendigo’s cultural and food and beverage scene led to the city being recognised as Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy. Needless to say, the town has a very impressive CV.
Nine other regional towns also got a shout out as part of the top ten list of Aussie towns, but Bendigo was the only one to make the cut from Victoria. Read the full list below.
The 2024 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award winners:
- Bendigo, VIC
- Broken Hill, NSW
- Stanthorpe, QLD
- Katherine, NT
- Bathurst, NSW
- Tanunda, SA
- Griffith, NSW
- Stanley, TAS
- Exmouth, WA
- Coober Pedy, SA