Australia’s Town of the Year: Port Stephens gets nod as top 10 list of 2025 getaway spots revealed

Waterside favourites are still top of the pops when it comes to Australian travel destinations after the top 10 list of Australia’s Town of the Year was released.

Travel app Wotif announced the winners of its 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards on Wednesday, with research showing a staggering 78% of Aussies planning to travel domestically in 2025.

New South Wales has claimed the number one position with Port Stephens coming out on top.

The beachside town with access to the famous Stockton Dunes , national parks and plenty of pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants has seen a massive 75% increase in accommodation interest in the past year.

Rounding out the top three destinations are Cairns in Queensland, and Mandurah in Western Australia.

“The Aussie Town of the Year Awards is about celebrating the destinations and world class travel experiences in our own backyard. From Cairns to Port Campbell, and Mandurah in the west, Aussies are spoilt for choice,” said Wotif’s Rebecca Hurley.”

“We know value for money will continue to be important in 2025 and this year’s top ten destinations offer affordable accommodation options, with an average daily rate between $175 and $300 per night.

“With Easter and the school holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to lock in a short break,” Ms Hurley added.

Australia’s Town of the Year Top 10

1 - Port Stephens, New South Wales

Just over a two-hour drive from Sydney or a quick 30 min drive from Newcastle airport, the coastal region is home to cracking beaches, the Tomaree National Park, and Stockton Sand Dunes - the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visitors can experience NSW’s best seafood restaurant, The Poyer’s, or jump on a whale-watching cruise.

2 - Cairns, Queensland

After taking out the win in 2021, Cairns makes its comeback on the awards list this year. As one of the best gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers unmatched snorkeling opportunities, made even better thanks to a new half-day tour, perfect for visitors short on time. Once done on the water, the newly opened social hub, Mexicairns, is the place to be.

3 - Mandurah, West Australia

Less than an hour south of Perth, Mandurah is set against a backdrop of magnificent beaches and an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour. Spending time on the water is a must with new sunrise kayaking tours, water bikes and the circular Kwillena Gabi pool to enjoy. It doesn’t stop on the water - the outdoor art installation Giants of Mandurah by artist Thomas Dambo is on until at least the end of 2026, so be sure to get your visit in before it is gone.

4 - Denmark, West Australia

On the Southwest Coast of Western Australia, Denmark is home to Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

With plenty of local vineyards and the newly renovated institution Denmark Hotel the Western town is a great pitstop.

5 - Beechworth, Victoria

The historic gold rush town sits three hours’ drive from Melbourne at the foot of the Australian Alps and the highest mountain range in the country.

Beechworth offers some super local wineries, mountain bike and hiking trails.

6 - Port Campbell, Victoria

The newly open viewing platform at the iconic 12 Apostles and a trail connecting Port Campbell to Timboon is a must for travellers, while the local Crayfest festival celebrates the region’s food and drink, local music and art.

7 - Murray Bridge, South Australia

Less than an hour from Adelaide and nestled on the banks of the Murray River, Murray Bridge is full of breathtaking scenery.

Spend your visit at Murray Bridge feeding lions at the Monarto Safari Park, the biggest open-range zoo in Australia and largest Safari Park outside of Africa.

8 - Kingscliff, New South Wales

Along Tweed’s stunning coastline in northern NSW, only 15-minutes south of the Queensland border, lies Kingscliff.

A charming resort town with pristine beaches, seaside markets and award-winning restaurants.

9 - Yamba, New South Wales

At the mouth of the Clarence River on the North Coast of NSW, Yamba is a nostalgic beach town surrounded by national parks, pristine beaches and top surf spots.

10 - Mackay, Queensland

Home to Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest and one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife activities, the Cape Hillsborough Wallaby Experience, the secret is well and truly out on this Queensland gem.