<p>There can only officially be one crown jewel in a country of hidden gems, and luckily, we have an awards ceremony to help decide it — the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards.</p> <p>Australia is blessed with an abundance of ridiculously beautiful places, with small country towns often forming the heartbeat of the nation, or offering the perfect setting for a well-earned holiday escape.</p> <p>With a star-studded field of nominees and contenders vying for the title of Aussie Town of the Year, we’ve listed a selection from each state and territory that we think could go all the way — and why they might come out on top.</p> <p>So, start your engines and join us for a lap around the country, as we visit some favourite spots and hidden gems while delivering our tips and predictions for the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award for 2026.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award 2026 - Tips &amp; Predictions</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Yamba</h3> <p>The laid-back coastal gem has surged into equal favouritism for the award, and it’s easy to see why.</p> <p>Set where the Clarence River meets the ocean, Yamba offers unspoilt beaches, quality surf, riverfront beauty and a relaxed pace that makes time slow down in this Northern Rivers treasure.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Port Stephens</h3> <p>Last year’s winner — and for very good reason.</p> <p>Just over two hours from Sydney, this coastal paradise delivers the wow factor, boasting pristine beaches, epic lookouts and the jaw-dropping Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.</p> <p>Currently sitting on the second line of betting, Port Stephens looms as a genuine chance to claim back-to-back titles. It remains one of Australia’s true coastal standouts</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Launceston</h3> <p>Equal favourite at the time of writing, this charming northern Tasmanian city blends historic character with modern innovation.</p> <p>A haven for food and wine lovers, Launceston could quickly become your new favourite escape — provided you’re prepared to embrace the cooler climate that comes with life on the Apple Isle.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Ballarat</h3> <p>With the lure of gold-rush history never far away, there’s always the temptation to dream of striking it rich in the ‘Rat’.</p> <p>Brave the chill and you’ll find Ballarat has evolved into a bustling regional centre, seamlessly blending its famous past with a vibrant modern identity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Bendigo</h3> <p>They have the Spirit and the soul.</p> <p>One of Victoria’s major regional hubs, Bendigo, has undergone a remarkable revival. Ornate Victorian architecture and rich heritage now sit comfortably alongside thriving arts, food and cultural scenes, making it an increasingly popular destination for day trips and weekend stays.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Cooper Pedy</h3> <p>It’s niche, but that’s exactly the point.</p> <p>If underground living appeals, Coober Pedy offers something truly different. It may not be for everyone, but its unmistakable character and outback charm are sure to resonate with a certain breed of voter.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Port Lincoln</h3> <p>Anyone you’ve ever met from Port Lincoln will proudly tell you where they’re from — and then spend the next half hour explaining why it’s the best place on earth.</p> <p>They’re not wrong. From natural beauty and coastal charm to its reputation as the go-to destination for shark cage diving, Port Lincoln leaves a lasting impression.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Dunsborough</h3> <p>Don’t sleep on this southern WA gem.</p> <p>Here, calm turquoise bays meet ancient forests, creating the perfect blend of relaxed beaches, surf breaks, wineries and whale watching — all framed by a rich Indigenous cultural landscape.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Broome</h3> <p>This northern WA town is a tourist hotbed — both in popularity and temperature.</p> <p>Broome is famed for its Cable Beach sunsets, ancient dinosaur footprints, pearling history and unique meeting point of tropical wilderness and cultural heritage, where red desert sands meet the turquoise Indian Ocean.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Alice Springs</h3> <p>Alice. Alice — the name on everyone’s lips.</p> <p>In recent years, Alice Springs has sprung into action, emerging as a standout tourism destination and transforming the once-sleepy Red Centre into a thriving and confident bush town.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Noosa</h3> <p>Where else but Queensland, eh?</p> <p>While we’d love to credit the England cricket team for this nomination, Noosa’s appeal speaks for itself. Its beaches, resorts and enviable lifestyle continue to draw hundreds of thousands north each year, keeping the Sunshine Coast economy humming.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Port Douglas</h3> <p>If you’re a fan of humidity, Port Douglas might be calling.</p> <p>This Far North Queensland resort town serves as a relaxed gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef — and if you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to pack the golf clubs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Final Prediction</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With such a strong and diverse field, crowning a single winner is no easy task — but if momentum, broad appeal and recent performance are anything to go by, Port Stephens shapes as the town to beat once again in 2026.</p> <p>As last year’s winner, it continues to tick every box: accessibility, natural beauty, tourism infrastructure and year-round appeal. History suggests repeat winners are rare, but Port Stephens has the credentials to buck the trend.</p> <p>That said, Yamba looms as the biggest threat. Its laid-back charm, growing popularity and strong tourism narrative make it a genuine contender, particularly if voters lean towards emerging coastal favourites rather than proven champions.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/novelties-and-entertainment/wotif-aussie-town-of-the-year/2026-aussie-town-of-the-year-9069622">Port Stephens</a></p> <p><strong>Value challenger: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/novelties-and-entertainment/wotif-aussie-town-of-the-year/2026-aussie-town-of-the-year-9069622">Yamba</a></p>