TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, today announced Sydney as the winner of its Travellers’ Choice® awards for Destinations in Australia and South Pacific.
The Gold Coast and Melbourne took second and third spot respectively on the Australia list whilst London is the top destination in the world for 2019.
“With its scenic beaches, thriving café culture and iconic attractions, Sydney’s third consecutive win just goes to show how much of a favourite it is among our global community of travellers,” said Janice Lee Fang, Communications Director for TripAdvisor in Asia Pacific. “Our Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations recognise key cities and islands that offer an exceptional experience all year round. We recommend visiting during shoulder or off-peak seasons when travellers can use TripAdvisor to explore Sydney at a great price but with fewer crowds.”
Travel during Off-Peak Season for Fewer Crowds and Greater Savings
Millions of travellers visit these Australian destinations every year, and those planning trips to one of these places should research the best time to go. Often, a trip during shoulder season means a better experience with fewer people and lower prices on airfare and accommodation. For example, travellers can save up to 25% on hotels in Sydney when visiting in January compared to March for a Summer holiday.1
Experience the Real Sydney
It is worth exploring beyond a destination’s well-known attractions – travellers frequently find a more authentic and memorable experience away from main tourist areas.
- Sydney Bike Tours
Travel like a local, covering more than 30 of Sydney’s popular sights on this city cycling tour. - The Rocks Walking Tour
Discover Sydney’s history on a guided walking tour of The Rocks district, visiting prominent buildings and colonial-era sites. - Hunter Valley Wine and Wildlife Reserve Tour from Sydney
Explore local wineries and eateries in the Hunter Valley on a full-day tour from Sydney. - Blue Mountains Nature and Wildlife Day Tour from Sydney
Take a scenic day trip to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Destinations in Australia:
- Sydney, New South Wales
Best known for its distinctive Opera House, Sydney is one of Australia’s largest and most vibrant cities. A destination for city and beach lovers alike, travellers can wander the cobblestone streets of The Rocks, enjoy the scenic coastal walk from , or hang ten at . To complete the Sydney experience, travellers can head to popular restaurants or , and book a night’s stay at the .
- Gold Coast, Queensland
Whether it’s sunning, swimming or surfing, travellers can choose from 21 beaches in Queensland’s Gold Coast, including the famous Surfers Paradise Beach and Burleigh Heads Beach. A family favourite, Gold Coast is home to well-known theme parks such as Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild Gold Coast. Nature-lovers can opt to hike up Tamborine Mountain, visit the Glow Worm waterfalls or take a day trip to world-heritage Springbrook National Park. For city-centre accommodation at 55 levels high, reach for the Meriton Suites Southport and enjoy views of the surrounding hinterland.
- Melbourne, Victoria
As lively as it is laid-back, Melbourne is a mecca for multicultural dining, vibrant cafés, haute boutiques, street art and a gateway to Victoria’s world-class wineries in the Yarra Valley. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance, a memorial that honours Australian men and women in war and peacekeeping, or head to Melbourne Cricket Ground, the nation’s largest stadium, to discover Australia’s rich sporting history. Relive the 19th century with a stay at Treasury on Collins, a refurbished landmark building transformed into a boutique hotel.
- Brisbane, Queensland
Blessed with idyllic subtropical weather 365 days a year, Brisbane is Queensland’s thriving riverside capital city flanked by the ocean and rugged national parks. Despite being a cosmopolitan hub for arts, culture and dining, Brisbane keeps nature close with its numerous botanic gardens, riverside parks, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Mount Coot-Tha lookout. Reserve a table at Bacchus, for an indulgent fine dining experience in the city.
- Hobart, Tasmania
Fringed by wilderness on Tasmania’s south-eastern coast, Hobart is a quaint port town of contrasts, offering 19th century charm and 21st century vibrancy. Travellers can drive or hike up Mount Wellington for spectacular city and harbour views, get close to nature at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, or head to Salamanca Market, where locally-made goods are sold every Saturday. For fresh and quality seafood on Hobart’s waterfront, make a beeline for the Blue Eye restaurant.
- Cessnock, New South Wales
The largest town in one of Australia’s oldest wine region, Cessnock is the perfect base for exploring Hunter Valley’s acclaimed wineries, vineyards and cellar doors. A wine lover’s paradise, Cessnock boasts of over 100 wineries in the area. Rounding out its classy appeal are the chic cafes, gourmet eateries, boutique accommodation and world-glass golf courses. Families can also make a trip out to the Hunter Valley Zoo and Werakata National Park.
- Port Douglas, Queensland
Tropical resort town Port Douglas, is where two World Heritage-listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, meet. With easy access to the reef, travellers do not have to snorkel far for the sheer beauty and marine biodiversity of the Reef. On land, beachgoers can bask in the sun at the award-winning Four Mile Beach. Located on the Esplanade, adults-only Peninsula Boutique Hotel overlooks the South Pacific Ocean and offers breathtaking views.
- Perth, Western Australia
Get the best of both worlds in Perth, where long stretches of coastline and national parks meet a flourishing metropolis of bespoke bars, gastronomic delights and curated street art. Head to family-friendly Cottesloe for some sun and surf, or take a scenic river cruise down Swan River that meanders its way inland from Fremantle. Home to over 40 vineyards in Western Australia’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley offers a variety of warm-climate wines. For an exquisite luxury experience, book a table at Friends Restaurant and a night’s stay at COMO The Treasury.
- Adelaide, South Australia
The now cosmopolitan coastal city Adelaide is a treasure trove of culinary delights, fine arts, events and entertainment. The numerous galleries and museums dotting the capital is testament to its brimming art and culture scene. Travellers can savour fresh farm produce at Adelaide Central Market that has been around for more than 140 years, or traipse into nearby wine regions like the famed Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale for a tipple.
- Cairns, Queensland
Cairns is where nature meets modern city. Travellers can go island hopping or take the Kuranda Scenic Railway for exceptional rainforest and waterfall views. The city’s thriving café and bar scene is another reason why travellers love Cairns and they can indulge in the fresh, local seafood at Prawn Star, located on the picturesque Cairns Marlin Marina.
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Destinations in the World:
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Crete, Greece
- Bali, Indonesia
- Phuket, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Award winners were determined using an algorithm based on reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and experiences in destinations worldwide over a 12-month period. The methodology takes into account quality and volume of reviews to surface destinations that consistently deliver the best overall experience for travellers.
For the complete list of Travellers’ Choice award-winning destinations for 2019, visit: www.TripAdvisor.com.au/TravellersChoice-Destinations.
Methodology
Award winners were determined using an algorithm based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period, as well as traveller booking interest on TripAdvisor.
1Hotel savings prices were determined by comparing average hotel prices in a peak travel month versus a shoulder season month.
