The Best Big Thing In Australia And Other Uniquely Aussie Award Winners

With the crazy year we’ve had and the restrictions that have kept us state-bound, Aussies have come to appreciate the incredible places we have a little bit closer to home and we're going bananas for some of the amazing hidden gems in our own backyard. 

To help lift the lid on some of these unique local finds, Australian travel site, Wotif have released the results of their annual Uniquely Aussie Awards. From the crunchiest schnitty to the best local bowlo, Aussies have shared their favourite places  to encourage us to celebrate all there is to love about the land down under.

While we love a cracker holiday park and an artsy community market, we are proudest of our Insta-worthy national icons - The Big Things - that truly make us grand!

Here is their guide to the country’s most underrated wonders.

Wotif 2020 Uniquely Aussie Award National Winners

Best Potato Scallop: Blue Lips Fish & Chips, Exmouth, WA
We’re talking serious potato business here – home made with mashed potato, leek and cream, Blue Lips don’t mess around.

Best Bowls Club: Merthyr Bowls Club, New Farm, QLD
Said to have the best view in Brisbane, this Bowls Club isn’t your run of the mill bowlo, with a delicious menu to boot.

Best Markets: Eumundi Markets, Eumundi, QLD
Voters sure had a lot to say about Eumundi – the quality, variety, delicious food, vibing entertainment and locally-made wares are just a few reasons to visit, plus did we mention it’s a short drive to the beach?

Best Big Thing: The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW
An Australian icon, as many put it. Australia’s first Big Thing and one that continues to reinvent itself with its toboggan, laser tag arena and water park. Plus, you can’t go past those choc-covered bananas.

Best Holiday Park: BIG4 West Beach Parks, Adelaide, SA
The perfect family spot, located on the beach with endless activities for the kids and walking steps to great eateries and shops.

Best Schnitty: Schnithouse, Adelaide, SA
With a dish called ‘Schnit Faced’ and over 20 varieties on the menu, you know these guys are serious about their schnitty, with gluten-free options also available.

Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards – NSW Finalists

Best Markets: Bangalow Markets, Bangalow

Best Bowls Club: Clovelly Bowls Club, Clovelly

Best Potato Scallop: Heathcote Fish & Chips, Heathcote

Best Holiday Park: BIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort

Best Schnitty: Una’s, Darlinghurst

Best Big Thing: The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour

Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards – VIC Finalists

Best Markets: Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne

Best Bowls Club: Torquay Bowls Club, Torquay

Best Big Thing: The Big Koala, Dadswells Bridge

Best Potato Scallop: Hunky Dory, South Melbourne

Best Holiday Park: BIG4 Queenscliff Beacon Resort

Best Schnitty: Mrs Parma’s, Melbourne

“Whether it’s visiting one of Australia’s 150+ oversized roadside attractions or discovering a local market, the thousands of votes received this year made clear that every Aussie knows a local gem worthy of the spotlight. With the Australian sense of community at an all-time high, this year Wotif is encouraging Aussies to fuel this pride by taking the time to discover and support as many local businesses as possible on their next Aussie adventure,” Wotif Managing Director, Daniel Finch said.

“By now, many Aussies have realised travelling further afield is currently off the cards, however what 2020 has highlighted is the incredible local hospitality available in their own backyard.”

“The bowlo, fish and chip shop and Big Things may not be as far flung and worldly as a trip overseas, but they sure are uniquely Aussie experiences that Aussies are privileged to have in this country. With summer in reach, many of these businesses need Australia’s support so for those that can, now is the time to start planning your next local state-cation.”  

While the Coronavirus curveball has derailed many of our holiday plans, it has given us the opportunity to discover a treasure trove of local experiences within reach from our city centres to our regional hubs. It is these hidden wonders and unique quirks that road trip memories are made of.

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