Australia is full of fabulous and unique foods, places, and experiences. Each year, with the Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards, we ask you to tell us some of your absolute faves, and once again, you’ve delivered. Today we’re excited to announce the winners and finalists for 2024. From the yummiest finger bun to the most gorgeous view, here are just a few of the things that make Oz such a wonderful place to live and travel.
Best Finger Bun
WINNER: Humble Bakery, Sydney NSW
The classic finger bun has been transformed into a gourmet treat thanks to Humble Bakery in Sydney. Featuring dried cranberries, golden raisins, currants, baby-pink cream cheese frosting — and the most important ingredient, a generous slab of butter from the local Coppertree Farm — this decadent and delicious finger bun is far from humble.
Finalists: Routley’s Bakery, Geelong, VIC; Bushman’s Bakery, North Mackay, QLD; Parap Bakery, Parap, NT; Tas’s Bakery, Dunsborough, WA; Cakery Bakery, Wanniassa, ACT; Dulwich Bakery, Dulwich, SA; Cripps Bakery, Glenorchy, TAS.
Best Hotel Bar
WINNER: The Terrace Rooftop Bar at Emporium Hotel South Bank, Brisbane QLD
Owned and operated by a local Brisbane couple, the Terrace Rooftop Bar is an architectural wonder not to be missed. At the Terrace you won’t just enjoy drinks, but also panoramic views of the city and beyond, all framed by an innovative retractable ceiling and expansive doors that open out onto South Bank Parklands.
Finalists: Aster at InterContinental Sydney, NSW; Rooftop at QT at QT Hotel Melbourne, VIC; Zen Rooftop Lounge, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin, NT; The Cordial Bar at Premier Mill Hotel, Katanning, WA; The Howling Moon at Rex Hotel Canberra, ACT; Sol Rooftop at Eos Hotel, Adelaide, SA; Evolve Spirits Bar at MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart, TAS .
Best Surf Club
WINNER: Henley Surf Life Saving Club, Henley Beach SA
The first of its kind in South Australia, Henley Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2025. With its strong family and community values, Henley SLSC is more than your usual surf club. Its new Italian-inspired bistro, Ocean Bar & Kitchen, from celebrity chef Adam Swanson and his business partner Josh Harkin, showcases the freshest local ingredients and is served with spectacular 180-degree views from the club’s first floor. What better way to end a day at the beach?
Finalists: Cudgen Surf Life Saving Club, Kingscliff, NSW; Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, Anglesea, VIC; The Surf Club Mooloolaba, Mooloolaba, QLD; Darwin Surf Life Saving Club, Darwin, NT; Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club, Mullaloo, WA; Devonport ‘The Bluff’ Surf Life Saving Club, Devonport, TAS.
Best Lookout Point
WINNER: Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet TAS
One of Tasmania’s most celebrated views overlooks the clear waters and shimmering white sands of Wineglass Bay. It’s stunning to behold at any time of year, but particularly wonderful from May to October, which is the best time to spot migrating humpbacks, Southern right whales and playful dolphins. A beautifully constructed 1.3km track takes you up through the coastal woodland, past striking granite boulders, to the lookout point.
Finalists: Echo Point Lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW; Point Ormond Lookout, Elwood, VIC; Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout, Mount Coot-tha, QLD; Nawurlandja Lookout, Kakadu, NT; Kalbarri Skywalk Lookout, Kalbarri, WA; Mount Ainslie Lookout, Mount Ainslie, ACT; Mount Lofty Summit, Cleland, SA.
Best Sausage Roll
WINNER: Kenilworth Bakery, Kenilworth QLD
Located in a World Heritage listed building, Kenilworth Bakery is truly an Australian icon, tucked away in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It offers an abundance of baked goods, including an excellently flaky and flavourful sausage roll. If you’re feeling extra hungry, why not have a shot at the 1kg Sausage Roll competition? Eat it all in one sitting and you’ll get your money back — and maybe even make it onto the leaderboard 🏆
Finalists: Bourke Street Bakery, Sydney, NSW; Rolling Pin, Geelong, VIC; Ben’s Bakehouse, Darwin, NT; Emu Lane, Katanning, WA; Three Mills Bakery, Fyshwick, ACT; Banana Boogie Bakery, Belair, SA; Summer Kitchen, Ranelagh, TAS.
Best Regional Museum
WINNER: National Wool Museum, Geelong VIC
Geelong has been known as the ‘wool centre of the world’ for many years, and at the National Wool Museum you can find out why. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century wool store, the museum showcases the history of the Aussie wool industry, as well as an exciting and diverse program of temporary exhibitions. Before you leave, be sure to check out the museum shop, where you’ll find fantastic wool garments and gifts — perfect for a souvenir (or three).
Finalists: Eden Killer Whale Museum, Eden, NSW; Cobb+Co Museum, East Toowoomba, QLD; Katherine Museum, Katherine, NT; National ANZAC Centre, Mount Clarence, WA; National Museum of Australia, Acton, ACT; Birdwood Motor Museum, Birdwood, SA; Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Invermay, TAS.
Nominations for Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards were open to the public via www.wotif.com between 9th of June – 3rd of July.
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