Australia is home to some seriously unique foods, places and experiences. And each year, with the Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards, we ask you to tell us some of the best of the best. Well, we’ve crunched the numbers and today we’re excited to announce your winners and finalists for 2022. From the most delicious pie to the best Aussie island, here are some of your favourite things to eat, see and do in Oz.
Best pie
WINNER: Shhmoakesys Gourmet Pies
Kincumber, NSW
It’s no secret there are plenty of good pies in Australia, but Shhmoakesys has come out on top thanks to a smoked meat filling that’s prepared for over eight hours. While the “delicate melt-in-your-mouth pastry” is also a crowd-pleaser, the generous size of the pies is what makes them a crowd favourite.
Finalists: Yatala Pie Shop, Yatala, QLD; Full Throttle BBQ, Beresfield, NSW; Blackbutt Bakery, Blackbutt, QLD; Gumtree Pies, Yackandandah, VIC; Portstop Pies, Lytton, QLD; Pie and Mighty Pakenham, VIC; Pinjarra Bakery, Pinjarra, WA; Port Elliot Bakery, Port Elliot, SA; Brady Road Bakery, Dandenong North, VIC.
Best hotel view
WINNER: Shangri-La Sydney
Sydney, NSW
Ever wanted to feel like you’re “floating above” the “best view in the world”? Shangri-La Sydney is an elegant sanctuary with unparalleled panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the largest windows of any harbourfront hotel in the city.
Finalists: Q1 Resort & Spa, QLD; The Hydro Majestic Hotel, NSW; Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, NSW; Emporium Hotel South Bank, QLD; Reef View Hotel, QLD; Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, WA; Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook, NSW; Coral Sea Marina Resort, QLD; Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, NSW.
Best island
WINNER: Rottnest Island, WA
Home to the iconic quokka, Rottnest is described as a “bucket-list location for every Australian”. Thanks to the island’s sandy beaches, aquamarine-coloured waters and beach cottage accommodation, Rottnest comes out on top as a “very uniquely Australian island getaway”.
Finalists: Hamilton Island, QLD; K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD; Kangaroo Island, SA; Magnetic Island, QLD; Phillip Island, VIC; Lord Howe Island, NSW; Bruny Island, TAS; Heron Island, QLD; Moreton Island, QLD.
Best festival
WINNER: The Adelaide Fringe
Adelaide, SA
Commended for bringing the city “alive for a month”, the festival, running from 17 February – 19 March 2023, stretches from Whyalla all the way across the state to Naracoorte, with eclectic and vibrant events that include cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops, and so much more. With both local and international talent, the festival is praised for having “something for everyone”.
Finalists: Gympie Music Muster, QLD; Bluesfest Byron Bay, NSW; Woodford Folk Festival, QLD; Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW; Mundi Mundi Bash, NSW; Vivid Sydney, NSW; Dark Mofo, TAS; Bass in the Grass, NT; Chinchilla Melon Festival, QLD.
Best ice creamery
WINNER: Planet 72
Hervey Bay, QLD
Home of the largest display of scooped ice cream and gelato in Australia, this family-owned business has been commended for its “friendly” and “down-to-earth” service. Locals will tell you the Snickers-flavoured ice cream tastes like “heaven on a cone”.
Finalists: Van Diemens Land Creamery, Elizabeth Town, TAS; Simmo’s Ice Creamery, Dunsborough, WA; Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon, VIC; Coffee Barn and Gelateria, Moonta, SA; Daintree Ice Cream Company, Diwan, QLD; Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream, Apollo Bay, VIC; Pidapipó Gelateria, Melbourne, VIC; Cow & The Moon, Enmore, NSW; Johnn Johnn’s, Darwin, NT.
Best neenish tart
WINNER: Gumnut Patisserie
Mittagong, NSW
The ultimate neenish tart requires the perfect combination of icing, filling, and pastry base, and at Gumnut Patisserie in Mittagong you can find just that. Bringing together raspberry jam, buttercream, and shortbread pastry, there’s “nothing like them”.
Finalists: Sareven Bakehouse, Thirroul, NSW; Yarragon Bakery, Traralgon, VIC; Coonabarabran Bakery, Coonabarabran, NSW; Lawson Cake Shop, Lawson, NSW; Beechworth Bakery, Beechworth, VIC; Babinda Bakery, Babinda, QLD; Eugenie French Cake Shop, Prahran, VIC; Bush Bakery, Leslie Vale, TAS; Sandy Bay Bakery & Café, Sandy Bay, TAS.
Behind the data: The Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards are based on public nominations via www.wotif.com from 1 to 16 September 2022.
PLAN YOUR AUSSIE GETAWAYHeads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.
