Latest consumer poll reveals local tourists are shunning the skylines of our major cities for a taste of the experiential.
Australia’s top 10 destinations for 2014 have been announced following a national consumer poll conducted by leading travel experience provider Experience Oz. The national poll, now in its second year, revealed Western Australia’s spectacular Rottnest Island as the number one destination to experience in Australia for 2014, closely followed by last year’s winner, Queensland’s stunning Whitsundays. Western Australia’s Margaret River was recognised in third place.
In conducting the survey, Experience Oz received just under 2000 votes, with a number of regional tourism offices getting their local communities involved to vote.
Pictured: The azure blue of the Whitsundays.
During the poll, participants were asked to consider among other factors, the overall ‘Aussie nature’ of the destination, the variety of experiences on offer, the destination’s unique geographical features, attractions and activities, and culture or history in or around the destination.
“This year’s list would make a great bucket list of places to experience in Australia,” Experience Oz Digital Marketing Manager, Matt Hobbs said.
The top ten destinations, according to those surveyed, also included Queensland’s Gold Coast, Northern Territory’s, Queensland’s Cairns and Sunshine Coast, South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and South Australia’s Kangaroo Island.
“While in a way it’s surprising that iconic destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth did not make the list, the poll has indicated that a number of Aussies have already experienced these capital cities and are looking towards more regional, escapist destinations to experience this year,” Hobbs said.
Rottnest Island Authority CEO, Paolo Amaranti said they were thrilled to have received the coveted number one position in the poll.
“We are working hard to ensure the Island’s naturally outstanding beauty is kept at its best all year round and welcome visitors from home and overseas to join the happiest animals on earth, our quirky quokkas, in the world’s most distinctive Island paradise,” he said.
Rottnest Island Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Michael Sier said he looks forward to welcoming visitors to experience the Island.
“The Island’s business community is delighted and we look forward to even greater visitor experience as the RIA’s 20-year vision rolls out, offering world-class accommodation options so more people can enjoy the pristine beauty of Rottnest and its cultural heritage,” he said.
2014 Australia’s Top Ten Destinations to Experience List:
1. Rottnest Island, WA – 2014 Winner
2. Whitsundays, QLD – 2014 Runner Up
3. Margaret River, WA
4. Gold Coast, QLD
5. Uluru / Ayers Rock, NT
6. Cairns, QLD
7. Sunshine Coast, QLD
8. Barossa Valley, SA
9. Ningaloo Reef, WA
10. Kangaroo Island, SA
Here’s a taste of number eight, Barossa Valley:
http://youtu.be/MoMp-V_CRdc