The preference for short domestic holidays amid the rising cost of travel has worked in Ballarat’s favour, being named top ten in the Aussie Towns of the Year Awards.
The poll by travel website Wotif is based on data around trip quality, satisfaction, and accommodation affordability, while finding three-day-stays at a shorter distance from home are proving to be the new sweet spot for domestic holidays.
Wotif found demand for the quainter holiday option grew by more than 30% in 2022, compared to 2021.
Ballarat came in at number 5 on the list, the highest Victorian entry ahead of Echuca at 10.
In its Destination Insights, Wotif described Ballarat as follows:
The largest city of the Central Highlands, Ballarat’s appeal lies in its natural surrounds, heritage and modern culinary scene. Wandering along the laneways, you’ll find countless cafes, restaurants and bars with clever menus offering local produce and tasty brews. Wotif accommodation tip: The Provincial Boutique
2023 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award winners:
- Albury, NSW
- Bundaberg, QLD
- New Norfolk, TAS
- Port Lincoln, SA
- Ballarat, VIC
- Merimbula, NSW
- Toowoomba, QLD
- Dunsborough, WA
- Orange, NSW
- Echuca, VIC
