A cafe offering 15 different jaffles on its menu, a hotel with a ‘magical lagoon’ and a restaurant serving the perfect hot chips are some of the most underrated gems that have been voted best in Australia.
Travel site Wotif.com has announced the winners of people’s choice for its Uniquely Aussie Awards, an annual guide to the country’s quintessential experiences across six categories.
The awards highlight the nation’s best kept local secrets – including hot chips on the beach, regional bakeries serving up nostalgic baked goods, country pubs full of colourful characters, and stunning hotel pools in iconic Aussie settings.
New South Wales took home the crown for the Best Jaffles with Miss Jaffles in Cronulla and Best Country Pub with Beechwood Hotel in Beechwood.
South Australia won the Best Hot Chips with Chicken Chef in Blair Athol while Victoria had the Best Vanilla Slice at Bridgewater Bakehouse.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa in Queensland claimed the title for the ‘Best Hotel Pool’ while Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park was named Best National Park’.
Travel site Wotif.com has announced the winners of people’s choice for its Uniquely Aussie Awards, an annual guide to the country’s quintessential experiences across six categories (picture of Australia’s best country pub – Beechwood Hotel in New South Wales)
‘Country charm, cheesy jaffles and creamy vanilla slices – no one does them quite like Australia, and the thousands of nominations we received this year shows Aussies are a passionate bunch,’ Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said.
‘There’s so much to love and discover about Australia, and with a really exciting summer period ahead, we hope to inspire and encourage Aussies to plan their next adventure and support local businesses.’
Now in its fourth year, the awards aim to encourage Aussies to explore their own backyard and support their favourite businesses.
And it’s more relevant than ever following the continued challenges faced by the tourism and hospitality industries over the past 18 months.
Raking in thousands of nominations from all over the country, it’s clear the little things in life often stir the greatest debate.
Whether you prefer chicken salt or gravy on your chips, call it a snot block over a vanilla slice, or demand a savoury rather than sweet jaffle, this year’s awards continue to uncover some of the nation’s best hidden travel gems.
Miss Jaffles in Cronulla, an affluent beachside suburb of Sydney, offers 15 different jaffles on its menu – and there’s one for every occasion
Best Jaffle: Miss Jaffles, Cronulla, NSW
The humble Aussie jaffle has sure come a long way. These days, it’s all about variety, with ‘cool flavour combos’ and ‘fancy fillings’.
Miss Jaffles in Cronulla, an affluent beachside suburb of Sydney, offers 15 types of jaffles on its menu – and there’s one for every occasion.
Jaffles include the savoury Miss Hangover featuring bacon, egg, hash brown and onion relish and the decadent dessert Miss Biscoff – complete with Caramilk, Biscoff, strawberries and ice cream with crimped toasted bread.
Best Vanilla Slice: Bridgewater Bakehouse, Bridgewater, VIC
Bridgewater Bakehouse’s famous back to back award-winning vanilla slice consists of a smooth vanilla flavoured custard centre with a crisp flaky pastry and a sweet glossy icing
Bridgewater Bakehouse is a traditional bakery located in north central Victoria, about a 30 minute drive from Bendigo.
Its famous back to back award-winning vanilla slice consists of a smooth vanilla flavoured custard centre with a crisp flaky pastry and a sweet glossy icing.
The slice offers the perfect ratio of silky-smooth ‘melt in your mouth’ custard and crisp (never soggy) pastry, topped with a ‘can’t help yourself’ layer of icing.
Best Country Pub: Beechwood Hotel, Beechwood, NSW
Beechwood Hotel is a country pub offering some of Australia’s best country hospitality
Beechwood Hotel is a country pub located about 300km north-northeast from Sydney, and it’s said to be at the heart of its community.
With friendly service, great food and a true-blue history (if you feel like ditching the car, there’s a spot out front for your horse), this humble pub offers some of Australia’s best country hospitality.
Best Hot Chips: Chicken Chef, Blair Athol, SA
Chicken Chef’s in Blair Athol, just 15km north of the Adelaide CBD has mastered the crispy on the outside, soft on the inside requirement of any good hot chip
The restaurant’s ‘mouthwatering’ hot chips and famous salt are beloved by locals
Chicken Chef’s in Blair Athol, just 15km north of the Adelaide CBD has mastered the crispy on the outside, soft on the inside requirement of any good hot chip.
The restaurant’s ‘mouthwatering’ hot chips and famous salt are beloved by locals.
The secret to their winning recipe? No short cuts. Handmade with the freshest potatoes and double cooked for that signature crunch.
Best Hotel Pool: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, QLD
The ‘magical lagoon’ at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa on the Gold Coast is anything but your average hotel swimming pool
The ‘magical lagoon’ at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa on the Gold Coast is anything but your average hotel swimming pool.
Whether it’s snorkeling with tropical fish, gliding down the waterslide or cocktails in your cabana, everyone’s a winner here.
Best National Park: Kakadu National Park, Jabiru, NT
Australia’s largest national park is also the best according to Aussies, thanks to its historical and cultural significance, beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife
Australia’s largest national park is also the best according to Aussies, thanks to its historical and cultural significance, beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife.
Kakadu National Park in Jabiru, a town in the Northern Territory offers a ‘truly spectacular experience’ that every Aussie needs to do.