Coffs Harbour Is 2020 Australian Town Of The Year!

Coffs Harbour has topped the top ten Aussie towns for 2020, as announced today by travel website Wotif.com. 

Being the first NSW town to top the list in it's history, Coffs is recognized for being a fantastic destination for all ages by Wotif Managing Director Daniel Finch. 

“Competition was tough, but Coffs Harbour was the pick of the bunch and a deserving winner of the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award for 2020. Size matters, and when it comes to hospitality, scenery and community, there’s nowhere bigger than the home of the Big Banana.

We hope that it ‘apeels’ to many and encourages Aussies to get travelling to this coastal gem!” says Finch

It's expected 2020 will be a record-breaking year for tourism in Coffs, with 12.6 million Aussies predicted to travel domestically and visit bushfire-affected regions.

A.B & Ben caught up with Travel Expert Chris Milligan to find out just how the competition was judged.

Wotif 2020 Aussie Town of the Year Awards

1. Coffs Harbour, NSW: Bananas aside, there’s something for everyone in Coffs. From intimate beaches to untamed rainforests, and perched halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is NSW’s very own paradise of attractions.
2. Mackay, QLD: The inaugural winner of Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year awards in 2018, the historic town of Mackay is firmly on the radar for travelling Aussies. Located at the centre of the Queensland coast, Mackay boasts lush subtropical rainforests, national parks and a thriving public arts scene.
3. Airlie Beach, QLD: Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is an aquatic playground offering stunning views by day and a bustling, vibrant nightlife.
4. Batemans Bay, NSW: Named in 1770 by Australian explorer Captain James Cook, Batemans Bay is in the heart of the Oyster Coast. It offers fresh local seafood and a great base for exploring the wonders and natural beauty of the NSW South Coast.
5. Cairns, QLD: Famed for its access to the  and the Daintree Rainforest, these world-heritage sites stamp Cairns on the map as Australia’s nature capital with some serious adventure game.
6. Port Fairy, VIC: Delivering old-world charm with a modern twist, Port Fairy sits on the doorstep of the famed Great Ocean Road, boasting a rich history, excellent restaurants and a charming seaside community.
7. Albany, WA: As close as you’ll get to a historic European city in WA, Albany is the western state’s oldest European settlement, with a rich history and fantastic family appeal.
8. Katoomba, NSW: Oh hey (three) sisters! A vibrant and historic town at the heart of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba spoils its guests with spectacular walks and lookouts, rich cultural heritage and great restaurants and bars.
9. Margaret River, WA: You had us at Cab Sav. The Margaret River region is known for its wine, beaches and sense of adventure, all tucked away in Australia's south-west corner.
10. Maroochydore, QLD: With its funky cafes, multicultural cuisine and thriving live music scene, Maroochydore is the cultural capital of the Sunshine Coast, where you can easily transition from an ocean dip to an evening cocktail.