If your holiday wish list could use a little inspiration, Time Out Australia has just done the legwork for you. The trusted travel and lifestyle guide has launched its inaugural Travel Awards in partnership with Wise, celebrating the country’s most impressive places to stay, explore and unwind.
Time Out is no stranger to an awards season, having run its much loved Food & Drink Awards for decades. Now the spotlight turns to the hotels, destinations, experiences and operators making travel around Australia truly memorable.
The Editors’ Choice nominees have officially been announced across 10 categories: Best Luxury Stay, Best Boutique Stay, Best Affordable Stay, Best Family Friendly Stay (presented by Scenic World), Best Holiday Home, Best Attraction, Best Adventure Experience, Best Destination, Best Eco Tourism and Best Wellness Travel.
What sets these awards apart is how the shortlist comes together. Venues can’t nominate themselves. Instead, Time Out editors have personally visited every stay, destination and experience on the list, selecting only those that genuinely impressed them. The result is a diverse lineup spanning multiple states, price points and travel styles, with every nominee a place the team would happily recommend to anyone.
Leading the charge is Melissa Woodley, Editor of Time Out Australia at Vinyl Media, who has clocked up more than 100 flights and visited every state and territory in the two and a half years since Time Out launched its Australia wide travel guides.
“Here at Time Out, we’re all about getting Australians, as well as international audiences, inspired to get out and discover all the hidden gems that our remarkable country has to offer,” says Woodley.
“I truly believe Australia is one of the most diverse places on Earth,” she adds. “These awards are our way of championing the people and places making our travel landscape unforgettable, and giving everyone an excuse to book their next getaway.”
Travellers also have the chance to weigh in through the People’s Choice Awards, which are decided entirely by public vote. There are three categories up for grabs: Favourite Hotel, Favourite Destination, and Favourite Travel Experience or Attraction. Everyone who votes will go into the draw to win a $500 Visa gift card, with voting open until November 13, 2026.
Winners of both the Editors’ Choice and People’s Choice Awards will be revealed on November 23, 2026. Follow @timeoutaustralia on Instagram for updates, and head to the Time Out Australia website to browse the full list of nominees and cast your vote.
