The prestigious annual Australian Traveller People's Choice Awards were announced yesterday during an exclusive event at Sydney's newest 5-star hotel, Sofitel Darling Harbour. 

The awards, voted for by more than 5900 Australian travellers, recognise the best travel experiences and destinations for 2017. 

“It was wonderful to see Tasmania be domestic travellers' favourite experience of 2017. The island state has such a rich number of experiences and people are responding with their feet and votes,” says Australian Traveller Editorial Director Leigh-Ann Pow.

And I don't just mean MONA. Look at the development of the world class walks, the mountain biking in and around Derby or the luxury retreats like Saffire and The Pumphouse. And we havent even meantioned the food and touring in regions like Bruny Island, Hobart or the east coast.” 

Tasmania picked up two further awards with Port Arthur our best historic site and Cradle Mountain our best walk. 

Uluru was the other big winner from the awards, taking our five of the categories. 'The Rock' took home the coveted Dream  Experience and also the 'Experience Australians' Most Recommend everyone should do'. 

“Uluru's renaissance is very very real. Not only do we love the experience but believe every Australian must make the trip.” Says Pow.

NSW was the state with the most awards and QLD's Hamilton Island a big winner with three awards.

Australia's Best Travel Experiences

City: Melbourne (VIC)
Beach: Whitehaven Beach (QLD)
Island: Hamilton Island (QLD)
Winter Destination: Blue Mountains (NSW)
Region: Hunter Valley (NSW)
Outback Destination: Uluru (NT)
Family Destination: Gold Coast (QLD)
Boutique Hotel: QT, Sydney (NSW)
Sexiest Pool: qualia (QLD)
Luxury Hotel: qualia (QLD)
Romantic Escape: Blue Mountains (NSW)
Budget Hotel: Ibis 
Walk: Cradle Mountain (TAS
Roadtrip: Great Ocean Road (VIC)
Food Wine Region: Hunter Valley (NSW)
Restaurant: Chin Chin, Melbourne (VIC)
Outback Adventure: Uluru (NT)
Festival: Splendor In The Grass (NSW)
Historical site: Port Arthur (TAS
Tour Experience: Uluru (NT)
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Dream Experience: Uluru (NT)
Favourite Australian Experience: Tasmania
Recommended Experience: Uluru