HERVEY Bay has been featured in the top ten Aussie Towns of the Year by leading travel website Wotif.com.
The whale watching capital of the world ranked 7th for the second consecutive year.
NOW READ: Fraser Coast among QLD’s top holiday destinations for December
Launceston in Tasmania took home the top honours in the 2022 instalment.
The Aussie Town of the Year Awards, now in their fifth year, are determined by a Wotif data index that looks at accommodation affordability, quality and traveller satisfaction.
Wotif said the awards highlight the best of Australia’s diverse destinations to encourage Aussies to make the most of the year ahead and explore their own backyard.
Travel interest for Hervey Bay has grown by nearly 55 per cent on the website in the past 12 months.
ALSO READ: More international recognition for Hervey Bay tourism sector
Wotif said the city remains affordable, with the average accommodation rate sitting at $193 per night.
Swimming, hiking, whale watching and a trip to K’gari (Fraser Island) were identified as some of the main attractions appealing to a diverse selection of travellers, making Hervey Bay a “must-visit” destination.
CEO of Fraser Coast Tourism and Events Martin Simons said the top ten ranking was testament to the hard work and dedication of the local tourism industry.
“This pristine, natural environment is the perfect place to reboot for a weekend, a week or a month after the journey we have all been on since 2020,” Mr Simons said.
“There is room to spread out and connect with nature in a way that is impossible in the cities – and we are within easy driving reach of 70 percent of the State’s population.
“Our position within three to four hour’s driving distance for 70 percent of Queensland population has been a major benefit for the region, particularly during the pandemic when people have been reluctant to travel in large groups on planes or busses.”
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the exposure generated by the Wotif ranking will help the local travel and tourism industry rebuild after a difficult period.
Meanwhile, Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch said 2022 will be an important year for domestic tourism.
WATCH: They’re here! First whales spotted off Fraser Island ahead of the 2021 season
“While many Aussies have travelled over the last 24 months, few have had the chance to really explore and travel across state borders. It’s incredibly promising to see that 88 per cent of Aussies planning to travel this year are looking to stay within Australia and our hope is that these awards inspire Aussies to try something new and get back to exploring this beautiful country,” he said.
2022 winners below:
- 1. Launceston, TAS
- 2. Caloundra, QLD
- 3. Tamworth, NSW
- 4. Yarra Valley, VIC
- 5. Adelaide Hills, SA
- 6. Bright, VIC
- 7. Hervey Bay, QLD
- 8. Halls Gap, VIC
- 9. Batemans Bay, NSW
- 10. Busselton, WA
Maryborough’s attractions are also flying the region’s flag high on the tourism front.
The Maryborough Mural Trail has been announced as a finalist in the Australian Street Art Awards for the second year in a row.
ALSO READ: Maryborough Mural Project grabs the nation’s attention – again
The impressive Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial in Queens Park took home top honours in the Best Monument or Memorial category at the street art awards last year.
The memorial and the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival are both finalists at the 2021 Grey Nomad Awards.
Hashtags: #goodnewsfrasercoast | #frasercoastnews | #frasercoast | #frasercoastbusinessdirectory
Keywords: Good News Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast News | Hervey Bay news | Maryborough news | Fraser Coast Business Directory