Two Australian country towns win big gongs in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards - alongside world-famous destinations like the Caribbean
Two small Australian gems are big winners in this year's TripAdvisor travel awards, a relief for Australian holidaymakers who can only dream of overseas jaunts.
New South Wales' Shoalhaven and the wine region town Mudgee have made spots eight and ten on TripAdvisor's top emerging destinations category.
The nods are likely to boost tourism in the regions, as Australians seek glamorous staycations in their own backyard.
Two Australian towns are shock winners in this year's TripAdvisor travel awards, a relief for Australian holidaymakers who can only dream of overseas jaunts (pictured, Seven Mile Beach just south of Gerringong in the Shoalhaven area of New South Wales - which got a nod)
New South Wales' Shoalhaven and Mudgee have made spots eight and ten of TripAdvisor's top emerging destinations category (pictured, View of Gerrigong from Mount Pleasant Lookout, Shoalhaven)
The 'emerging destinations' list features places international travellers haven't caught wind of yet, TripAdvisor's Hayley Coleman told Escape.
'These are destinations that travellers want to visit next – whether an existing tourism gem, or an off-the-radar spot not yet firmly on the map,' she said.
Of number eight, Shoalhaven, Tripadvisor said it 'might not be the first place to come to mind when thinking of Australia—but it should be.'
The travel company described the coastal region is ideal for anyone wanting to surf 'sparkling turquoise waters', walk 'verdant trails' or explore 'caverns and sea cliffs'.
The sapphire view of Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and stunning vineyards were also noted as highlights of the region.
Small regional town Mudgee , which came in at number ten, was described by TripAdvisor as a history lover's playhouse
Gold Rush-era buildings' and the Gulgong Pioneers Museum, alongside 'moss-covered rocks and oversized ferns in Ferntree Gully' are drawcards of Mudgee
Small regional town Mudgee, which came in at number ten, was described by TripAdvisor as a history lover's playhouse.
'Gold Rush-era buildings' and the Gulgong Pioneers Museum, alongside 'moss-covered rocks and oversized ferns in Ferntree Gully' are drawcards of the town.
Cyclists should not hesitate in hopping on their bikes to visit Mudgee as it offers both 'gentle rides through the countryside' and 'dirt back roads for mountain biking'.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico won the top 'trending destination' spot for its 'crashing waves' and 'calm water'
Although the closest most Australians can get to international destinations is through obscure zoom calls to overseas friends, Cabo San Lucas and Martinique should be put on the mood board.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, won the top 'trending destination' spot for its 'crashing waves' and 'calm water'.
An adventure lover's paradise, Cabo offers big game fishing, diving and kayaking alongside beach laying and even its nightlife is crash-hot, Tripadvisor said.
Once they've conquered the Mexican coast, travellers might want to catch a flight east for a 'laid back' holiday in French foothold Martinique in the Carribean, which won best emerging destination.
After guests have hopped off the plane in their vertically striped tees, they can enjoy the very chic black sand beaches and French dash West Indian cuisine and culture on the Caribbean island.
TRIPADVISOR'S TOP TEN EMERGING DESTINATIONS 2021
1. Martinique
2. Panama City Beach, Fla., United States
3. Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil
4. Holbox Island, Mexico
5. St Ives, United Kingdom
6. Mazatlan, Mexico
7. Colorado Springs, Colo., United States
8. Shoalhaven, Australia
9. Wroclaw, Poland
10. Mudgee, Australia