December/January issue on sale 4 Dec

Uluru voted Destination every Australian should see in annual Australian Traveller People's Choice Awards.

• Melbourne Favourite City and Best Travel Experience of 2015
• NSW takes out the most awards
• Kimberley voted Ultimate Travel Destination
• Gold Coast favourite for families
• More than 4000 Australians surveyed, biggest ever poll of Australian Travellers

Sydney 1 December: The prestigious annual Australian Traveller People's Choice Awards were announced last night at an exclusive event in Sydney. The awards, voted for by more than 4000 Australian travellers recognise the best travel experiences and destinations for 2015. This year's results highlight the domestic tourism renaissance sweeping the country. Australian Traveller editor Lara Picone says: “Just the sheer number of votes shows how engaged Australians are right now with their own country. We have started to fall in love with our great continent again.”“It's not an accident, either.” Picone continues. “The investment that places such as Uluru, the Gold Coast, Margaret River, Hamilton Island and thousands of other destinations have made is paying off for businesses and travellers. There are more guests and the guests are loving the experience.” The winners and runners-up of this survey, the largest poll of Australian travellers, is published in the December/January issue of the magazine. The results are in…

…MELBOURNE IS THE FAVOURITE DESTINATION OF 2015
Beating Tasmania and Sydney to take the lead, our readers told us that of all their Australian travels in the past year, Melbourne with her enviable food culture, arts scene and festivals, was their = favourite. The city also took out the 'Best City Break' category, proving we love her laneways and laid-back style.

…THE GOLD COAST IS THE HOLIDAY SPOT OF CHOICE FOR FAMILIES
“With incredible beaches, great accommodation, and some of the best entertainment in the country for kids, it's no surprise to see the Gold Coast top this list – there's something for the whole family,” says editor, Lara Picone.

…HAMILTON ISLAND WINS MOST DESIRABLE ISLAND ESCAPE FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING
Aussies find it hard to resist the sparkling turquoise waters, casual elegance and whitesand beaches of this consistently remarkable island escape.

…OUR READERS BELIEVE EVERY AUSTRALIAN SHOULD SEE ULURU
“We love our vast, ochre Outback and the Red Centre and Uluru will always draw in Aussies to experience the wonder of the rock,” says Picone.

…BYRON BAY CONTINUES TO LURE BEACHGOERS
It's not the first time Byron Bay has won 'Best Beach Town' and it's easy to understand why when you discover her vibrant, relaxed culture and dazzling beaches, but Noosa is hot on the heels of this iconic surf town coming in at a very close second this year.

…BIRDSVILLE ATTRACTS INTREPID AUSSIES
“When it comes to getting off the beaten track our readers love the remote character of Birdsville – home of camel pies and desert racing. What more could you want from an Outback experience?” says editor Lara Picone.

This year's awards were announced on the evening of Monday 30 November at the spectacular Water @ Pier One, Pier One Sydney Harbour and were sponsored by booking.com. Alcohol sponsors on the night included United Cellars, Lord Nelson Brewery and Willie Smiths cider.

Gift bag contents included: The Awards (Dec/Jan) issue, Aveda Smooth Infusion styling creme, Kennedy & Wilson chocolate, Leif Blue Cypress travel shampoo & conditioner, Whileaway Guides, Corban & Blair Travel Conversation cards, Solar D Sunscreen, Vittoria Coffee, Matso's Broome Brewery Company beer, Perfect South green tea, Willie Smiths organic cider and a bottle of Voyager Estate wine.

For further information, full quotes or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Lara Picone
Editor
(02) 9698 7072
lpicone@australiantraveller.com

Tobi Cornwell
Marketing Manager
0414 700 409
tcornwell@australiantraveller.com

WINNERS OF THE 2015 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS

Best travel experience in the past year: Melbourne, Vic
Perfect city break: Melbourne, Vic
Best family holiday spot: Gold Coast, Qld
Best Beachside town: Byron Bay, NSW
Most desirable island escape: Hamilton Island, Qld
Cosiest winter destination: Blue Mountains, NSW
Best town off the beaten track: Birdsville, Qld
Best affordable hotel: Mantra on Salt Beach, NSW
Best luxury hotel: Crown Towers, Melbourne, Vic
Hotel that best caters to kids: Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, ACT
Best place to camp: Jervis Bay, NSW
Top airline for service: Qantas
Best Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith, NSW
Best bushwalking journey: Blue Mountains, NSW
Most scenic driving holiday: Great Ocean Road, Vic
Must-visit food region: Margaret River, WA
Best wine region: Hunter Valley, NSW
Best aquatic activity and place to experience it:
Snorkelling/diving the Great Barrier Reef, Qld
Ultimate dream experience: Exploring the Kimberley, WA
Destination every Australian should visit: Uluru and the Red Centre, NT