Category 2: Regional Destinations

This category encompasses the many hidden gems and smaller-scale holiday hotspots around Australia. Smaller in size yet no less big on character, Australia's regional destinations offer some of the most unique landscapes and charming experiences our country has to offer - without all the additional fanfare. If you're looking for a quality getaway, none of these destinations shall disappoint.

Why Echuca-Moama made the list:

This duo of charming towns on the banks of the Murray River owe much of their extensive and interesting history to their raw physical location on Australia's longest waterway, having been initially established in the mid-1800's to take advantage of the Murray's flowing waters. Paddlesteamer vessels that plied their trade from each town became symbolic of Echuca-Moama, and even in the present it remains home to the world's largest fleet of these boats - several of which still continue to operate.

Rich in history to this day, numerous historic buildings and businesses appeared as the towns of Echuca-Moama developed, and in the present era they serve as a wonderfully-preserved snapshot that is widely recognised as one of the country's finest heritage icons.

Why Kangaroo Valley made the list:

The Kangaroo Valley is a slice of scenic countryside offers everything one could ask for in a peaceful countryside getaway; it's relatively underrated and lacks excessive crowding, it's renowned for delectable produce for visitors to relax and enjoy, it has a mild and comfortable climate, and, perhaps most importantly, it's strikingly beautiful. A visit to Kangaroo Valley is akin to stepping back in time for all the right reasons, and as a result it's a great place in NSW to simply "unplug" and enjoy the finer things in life.

This is a land of vineyards, rolling fields fringed by rugged mountains, culturally significant buildings and quaint cottages.

Why Gladstone made the list:

Located on the southern Queensland coast, Gladstone is a gateway to the beautiful southern Great Barrier Reef and a haven for those pining for tropical getaways without all the rampant commercialism that can sometimes plague them. With a number of islands just off the coastline and various wildlife reserves and conservation parks inland, visitors can explore two sides of Queensland from one central location.

Gladstone also thus doubles as a seafood-lover's paradise, highlighted by local specialty of fresh mud crab which makes a regular appearance on menus around town.

Why Hahndorf made the list:

South Australia's strong European heritage is embodied to the fullest by the charming town of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, with everything from its architecture to its food having a delightful touch of "Deutcsh" influence. What Australia's oldest German settlement lacks in size it more than makes up for in character, with plenty to see and do.

Its Elm trees, beautiful buildings and range of premium craft shops selling everything from beer to Belgian chocolates make a visit here akin to a trip overseas all within 25 minutes of Adelaide, and the town's main street is nearly continually buzzing with life.

Why Bundaberg made the list:

An underrated and occasionally overlooked - yet quality - Queensland base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef's southern portions (as well as home to a fantastically warm climate) Bundaberg is mostly famous throughout Australia for its signature rum, yet provides so much more for the aspiring traveller. The city offers a number of quality cultural attractions in addition to being a springboard to one of Australia's greatest natural wonders.

Built upon the back of the sugarcane industry but developing into a fully-fledged city and a worthy tourist destination in its own right, despite its low-key reputation for travel "Bundy" has a number of key points that make it well worth an inclusion on any Queensland itinerary.

Why Esperance made the list:

Western Australia is home to a number of beautiful little coastal towns each with their own individual character and charm, however in many ways the community of Esperance is a shining gem in the state's crown. Originally discovered by the French ("Esperance" roughly translates to "Hope" in French), this is a coastal spot with vistas that are worthy of postcards that could compete with the offerings of the Whitsundays on the east coast.

Wonderfully blue waters populated by an array of islands, and an inland area that is blanketed by glorious national park with its township situated in an idyllic spot between the two are both jaw-dropping examples of the natural delights Esperance has to offer.

Why Albany made the list:

This little gem that sits right on the Southern Ocean on WA's south coast boasts a remarkable coastline that contrasts significantly with the topographic landscape shifting inland, where tall trees soon give way to open paddocks. This variance combines to make Albany a flexible spot for enjoying a range of aspects of natural scenery, however most will likely gravitate towards the excellent beaches to which Albany plays host.

Albany boasts an interesting blend of terrains that brings to mind verdant parts of England except with the added benefit of beautiful stretches of sand – embodied by the clean shores of Emu, Little and Middleton (with its lovely scenic boardwalk trail) beaches – added in for good measure.

Why Apollo Bay made the list:

One of the key stops on the marvellous Great Ocean Road, Victoria's Apollo Bay exudes charm along with an escapist, relaxed feel. The small town sits in an idyllic location that blends together the best of coast and greenery, with the lushness of the Otways as a nearby backdrop and a wide, sweeping beach just a short walk away. The setting of the town is what truly makes it special, with green hills that extend all the way to the ocean, where its beach forms the focal point of activity for both adults and kids alike.

The beach area boasts a wonderful playground that little ones will love, while adults looking for an additional touch of romance can instead opt to hop on horseback and experience a magical ride on the waterfront.

Why Mission Beach made the list:

This Queensland gem located in the Cassowary Coast region is a tropical oasis and viable alternative away from the larger, more populated tropical north Queensland destinations. Mission Beach has a small resident population of around 4,000 - meaning you'll feel like a local as you lounge on the beach and stroll its gorgeous surrounds. Located between the more well-known Townsville and Cairns, Mission Beach serves as both a popular holiday destination for locals, as well as an up-and-coming one for interstate and international tourists.

It's Mission Beach's lack of commercialisation that gives it its appeal, with a total of four beach villages providing visitors with that isolated, secluded and exclusive feel most yearn for in a tropical getaway.

Why Kununurra topped the list:

Its more famed sister Broome may steal most of the headlines, however your top-voted destination serves as a more isolated springboard from which to launch an incredible Western Australian adventure. While the entire Kimberley region of WA is worth exploring for those with extended time, focusing one's travels around the lovely little hub of Kununurra in the region's far east and using it as a launchpad for a range of potential intriguing travel spots and natural features provides a mixture of both escapism and flexibility. With remoteness as its major drawcard, accessing in may take a combination of time and effort, but in terms of raw escapism the town is hard to beat.

From the enormous expanse of Lake Argyle, to the scenery of Mirima National Park closer to town, to the wonderfully rewarding walk of Emma Gorge, there are numerous locations nearby that you simply can't replicate elsewhere in Australia. If you're looking to explore the Kimberley's incredible offerings, then be sure to bear Kununurra in mind as a base.