I say potato scallop, you say potato cake: we all have our own local favourites (and local ways of describing them!). Which is why we’re excited to share the state finalists for the 2020 Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards. Did your favourite make the cut? The finalist list offers plenty of road trip pitstop inspo for a holiday close to home. Time to get planning!
1. New South Wales
2. Queensland
3. Victoria
4. Tasmania
5. Northern Territory
6. South Australia
7. Western Australia
8. Australian Capital Territory
NSW
Best Schnitty
Una’s
Darlinghurst
Who can resist a schnitty the size of your face, washed down with cold beer? Not the people of Sydney, clearly. Una’s menu is inspired by the food and flavours of Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Hungry and they’ve been serving their signature dish – their famous schnitzels – to hungry locals since 1970. It’s so popular, Una’s is open seven days a week and now offers both dine in and online ordering options.
Best Markets
Bangalow Market
Bangalow
Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Bangalow Markets are, to quote a voter, the “perfect mix of amazing food, stalls, musicians and friendly faces.’’ Just 15 minutes by car from Byron Bay, the grounds are ringed by beautiful camphor laurel trees which provide plenty of shade for you to enjoy while sampling the produce and listening to a local band.
Best Bowls Club
Clovelly Bowling & Recreation Club
Clovelly
Located on a cliff edge at Clovelly just around the corner from Bondi and Bronte, this spot is all about the views. Welcoming both members and guests, you can enjoy a game of barefoot bowls with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Best Potato Scallop
Heathcote Fish and Chips
Heathcote
With potato scallops that are crunchy on the outside and soft enough inside to melt in your mouth, we’re not surprised this chippy made it as a finalist! As well as the original (and best) potato scallop, Heathcote Fish & Chips offers a sweet potato and pumpkin variety to test out, too. This little gem is situated on the Princes Highway, which is a perfect stop-off point when travelling on the NSW South Coast.
Best Holiday Park
BIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort
Batemans Bay
Located just five minutes from the ocean on the picturesque South Coast of NSW, this is the perfect spot for your next beach holiday. Seaside fun aside, the park has endless options for fun: from the resort pool to the jumping pillow, mini golf and the tennis court, there’s something for every member of the family.
QLD
Best Schnitty
Tingalpa Hotel
Tingalpa
Schnitty connoisseurs won’t be disappointed with the offering at Tingalpa Hotel. Juicy, thick and mouth-wateringly crispy, this dish has proved so popular that punters can order themselves a one kilo version. Arrive hungry!
Best Potato Scallop
Morgans Seafood
Scarborough
Morgans has a reputation for serving up quality seafood right off the trawler – how fresh is that? But what people don’t know is that in addition to fresh seafood, they also serve one of the best potato scallops in the country. You’ll crunch into a super crispy shell and be greeted by tender, hot and delicious potato inside, that with a perfect sprinkling of chicken salt – what could be better?
Best Big Thing
The Big Pineapple
Woombye
Loads of Aussies have childhood memories of The Big Pineapple and still she stands, like a yellow beacon of tropical hope. It’s not just the fruit that’s of interest to visitors: you can ride on the train (the original from the 50s when it was used to transport sugar cane), enjoy the zoo, take on the treetop challenge or devour an epic dessert. There are some restrictions on activities and climbing the pineapple this year, so make sure you check before you visit.
Best Holiday Park
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Worre
The Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort gives you access to some of the best natural landscapes Queensland has to offer (The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Kuranda village to name a few) but if that doesn’t sell you, the resort grounds certainly will. On site, you’ll find a restaurant and cafe, two outdoor swimming pools, water park, mini golf course, playground, jumping cushion and games room. You can even bring your pets along for some fun. Guests can choose to camp, BYO caravan or stay in a range of cabin options but no matter the accommodation option, you’re always just a few minutes from the town centre.
VIC
Best Schnitty
Mrs Parma’s
Melbourne
Technically speaking, it’s the parmy not the schnitty that make this joint a must-visit but the number of nominations it received made it clear: no matter if it’s a traditional schnitty or the saucy parma variety, you guys sure are passionate about Mrs Parma’s take on the pub classic. Currently closed due to Melbourne coronavirus lockdown laws, this CBD-based restaurant is set to re-open when stage four restrictions ease. That means they’ll need the support more than ever – and what better way to show it than to order a schnitty (or several?) Whether it’s the gluten-free option or the popular Parma-geddon, you won’t be disappointed.
Best Markets
Queen Victoria Markets
Melbourne
With a history stretching back to the late 19th century, the Queen Victoria Markets is full of heritage. It’s still the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and remains a firm Melbourne institution thanks to its delicious food, secretive nooks and crannies and excellent value for money. Nominees suggest the sausages, donuts and a night time visit should all be part of your QVM bucket list. (Check online for information on opening hours).
Best Bowls Club
Torquay Bowls Club
Torquay
A regular favourite with both locals and holidaymakers, it’s the strong family focus as well as the incredible views over Torquay Beach that draws a crowd. It’s an ideal spot for barefoot bowls and the club’s bistro (make sure you check operating info online before working up an appetite) offers a delicious menu full of crowd pleasers like nachos, steaks and burgers.
Best Potato Scallop
Hunky Dory
South Melbourne
There are outposts all over Australia’s east coast but it’s the South Melbourne store that was voted best in the state. Why? Because its thick and crispy, yet light and fluffy potato cakes (yes cakes, for you Victorians) are said to be second to none. And, because nothing compares to fish ‘n’ chips on the beach, you can have this uniquely Aussie experience, too – Port Melbourne Beach is just down the road.
Best ‘Big Thing’
The Giant Koala
Dadswells Bridge
Not to be confused with Gundagai’s own big bear, this sizeable koala stands 14 metres tall and weighs in at 12 tonnes in the picturesque Grampians, between Melbourne and Adelaide. It’s not just the size of this Koala that makes it a deserving finalist, though – since 2009, it has commemorated and been named after Sam, the koala who found fame after a viral video showed her drinking water amid the devastating Black Saturday bushfires. The Big Koala remains a towering effort to raise awareness of Australia’s declining and precious koala population, which, particularly after the most recent bushfire season, many Aussies can appreciate.
Best Holiday Park
BIG4 Queenscliff Beacon Resort
Queenscliff
Magnificent customer service, top quality accommodation and excellent facilities for the kids – all the things that make a holiday park great and all the things you said BIG4 Queenscliff Beacon Resort offers in spades. Is there anything this fab pitstop doesn’t offer? There are indoor and outdoor playgrounds, go-karts, bikes and a swimming pool for the kids and for the adults, there’s the a day spa, indoor heated spa and fitness studio, with regular yoga and Pilates classes.
TAS
Best Schnitty
The Cascade Hotel
South Hobart
Ideally located amidst the quiet charm of South Hobart, the heritage-listed Cascade Hotel has been operating as a licensed pub since 1846. Today, this iconic spot is one of the city’s prime meeting points for local music events and community gatherings. Over the years, they’ve mastered their menu and go above and beyond the classic ‘pub meal’, serving up the best schnitty on the island – tender, crisp, cooked to perfection and oh-so mouth-watering!
Best Markets
Salamanca Markets
Hobart
Set against the backdrops of Mt. Wellington and the Derwent River and sandwiched between the beautiful historic buildings of Salamanca Place, these namesake markets are the perfect blend of wonderful scenery, fresh produce and the finest local wares. Operating every Saturday, there’s a decades-old warmth to the place, giving locals and visitors alike a true taste of Tasmania.
Best Bowls Club
Kingborough Bowls Club
Margate
Established in 1952, the club has seen endless birthdays, family celebrations and gatherings, making it the home of many memories for the local community. Not just a members club, Kingborough welcomes everyone for social and barefoot bowls. With its friendly staff and great food, it comes as no surprise it’s the best bowlo in Tassie.
Best Potato Scallop
Mykonos Takeaway
Hobart
True blue Tassie hospitality is guaranteed at this 20-year-old family-owned and run business. The freshly-made, hot and crispy potato cakes (as they’re known down this end of the country) are simply not to be missed.
Best ‘Big Thing’
The Big Penguin
Penguin
Located in the delightful seaside town of its namesake on Tasmania’s north coast, the Big Penguin is one of island’s most photographed tourist attractions. Built in 1975 as part of the town’s centenary celebrations, it celebrates the large number of fairy penguins that are regularly spotted along this edge of the coast. Keep your eyes peeled on your next visit and you could spot them too!
Best Holiday Park
BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park
St Helens
Located on Tasmania’s picturesque north east coast and a short drive from the stunning Bay of Fires, sits BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, a property with excellent family-friendly facilities and an abundance of space for the kids to run around. It’s the perfect base to explore the coast or to relax and enjoy a quiet getaway – the little ones won’t be able to resist Playstations, table tennis and a huge outdoor movie screen for outdoor films.
NT
Best Schnitty
Gillen Club
Alice Springs
Why try one when you can try many? Alice’s The Gillen Club doesn’t just serve the standard schnitty, oh no. In addition to the traditional type, there’s also the Aloha, a schnitty homage to a ham and pineapple pizza and the jalapeño-spiked Mexicana. (A gluten free option is also on the menu, too!)
Best Markets
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Darwin
A spectacular sunset, over 200 market stalls and an array of local delicacies to sample (hello barra, croc and kangaroo!) makes the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets a definite must-do when visiting the Top End in dry season.
Best Bowls Club
Darwin Bowls Club
Darwin
Bowls and beers on the bay? Can’t get much better than that! Established in 1959, this iconic Darwin spot is one of the Territory’s oldest bowls clubs and, with Korean BBQ on the menu, one of the best for a beer and a bowl.
Best Potato Scallop
Frying Nemo Fish and Chips
Darwin
The name might scare the kids but the food definitely won’t. Even though Frying Nemo Fish and Chips are well-known for their wild-caught local seafood (which they expertly grill, panko and tempura), you shouldn’t stop here without trying a potato scallop (or 10).
Best ‘Big Thing’
Charlie the Water Buffalo
Adelaide River
Unlike most of Australia’s ‘big things’, this one isn’t made of fibreglass – it’s a real taxidermy animal! Charlie the Water Buffalo is famous not only for his serious size but also for his starring role in the classic film, Crocodile Dundee. Grab a beer with Charlie at the Adelaide River Inn, where he never misses a shift at the bar.
Best Holiday Park
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Darwin
If you’re looking for a well-priced, family-friendly resort in Darwin, look no further. With three pools to cool off in, air-conditioned cabins and nightly entertainment in the on-site restaurant, voters say that Darwin Free Spirit Resort is the place to be.
SA
Best Market
Adelaide Central Markets
Adelaide
Fresh fruit, crisp veggies, exotic cheeses, top-quality meat and seafood as well as tempting sweet treats – you name it and this spot has it. The Asian food hall and dumplings are also said to be some of the best. A local institution for over 150 years, these beloved markets continue to be one of the largest and freshest produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere – it’s a must visit for anyone who considers themselves a serious foodie. As voter Tim put it: “There is no better – this is the bar that everyone else needs to get to.” Boom!
Best Bowls Club
Brighton Bowls Club
Brighton
The official club opening and the first game of bowls played at Brighton Bowls Club was held in March 1920 – making 2020 the club’s centenary year! Home to both professional championships and amateur social bowls, the Brighton Bowls Club has everything you’d expect from your neighbourhood green – perfect lawns, great menu and friendly faces.
Best Potato Scallop
Cadell Street Fish & Chips
Goolwa
With a step-by-step guide on their website explaining how your chips, salads and hamburgers are made, you know these guys are legit, especially when the last step is: “maybe add a Chiko and a potato cake for a delicious meal.” For the true potato cake connoisseurs, you can take it one step further and try the Potato Cake Roll. And because you can never be too sure about how many chips to order (better to be safe than sorry, we say), check out the helpful ‘chip guide’ on their menu.
Best ‘Big Thing’
The Big Lobster
Kingston SE
The Big Lobster has a BIG place in our heart, especially after it faced an uncertain future back in 2018. Thankfully, a local Kingston farming hero saved the beloved structure and it now stands proud at the entrance of the fishing town Kingston, SE. Known locally as Larry the Lobster, it stands 17m tall and weighs over seven tonnes and, according to the South Australian Tourism Commission, has been photographed over 10 million times.
WA
Best Schnitty
Captain Stirling Hotel
Nedlands
The schnitty may be the highlight but you’ll find both classic and elevated pub favourites on the menu at the Captain Stirling Hotel, along with a great selection of beer and hard-to-resist cocktails. It’s a stellar local hotel, with everything you’d expect from a neighbourhood pub including a buzzing sports bar, daily specials, bottle shop and hotel for when it’s time to rest your head. Plus, dogs are allowed in the beer garden – we’re sold!
Best Markets
Fremantle Markets
Fremantle
As one voter said, Fremantle Markets is where you can get “the best doughnuts, ramen and coffee in one place.” The muffles (no, that’s not a typo – it’s a waffle that’s ‘more than a waffle’!), gnocchi and bao also look pretty good to us. This bustling market is also located in a grand Victorian building, bursting with friendly stall holders and jam-packed with delicious treats, quirky homewares and funky fashion.
Best Bowls Club
Mosman Park Bowling Club
Mosman
Self-named as “the club with the million-dollar view”, their website says it, as did your nominations; this is a winner of a bowls club. With stunning views of the Swan River and the city skyline, bowling on the greens at sunset admiring the view is surely one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Perth. It also has some of the friendliest hospitality around and live music on Sundays, combining to make Mosman Park Bowling Club worth checking out.
Best ‘Big Thing’
The Big Lollipop
Ravensthorpe
The world’s biggest freestanding lollipop takes pride of place in Ravensthorpe, the perfect pitstop location for anyone on an outback-to-coast adventure. Only a year old, The Big Lollipop came to be as a way to boost local tourism after the local nickel mine was closed for the second time. It’s a bit of fun and definitely worth checking out, but if giant roadside structures aren’t your thing (who are you?), the neighbouring Yummylicious Candy Shack might just be the sweet temptation you need.
Best Holiday Park
Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore
Bunbury
Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore has everything you’d expect from one of the best holiday parks in the country – and more! Across from the beach (for the kids) and close to local wineries (for the adults), this holiday park was recommended for its clean facilities, friendly service and great location. One nominee even said you can see the famous Bunbury dolphins from the park – what a treat!
ACT
Best Schnitty
The Canberra Labor Club
Belconnen
Voters say that The Canberra Labor Club serves up some of the best schnittys in town. Its schnittys are large, juicy and have just the right amount of crunch. In fact, these schnitzels are so good, Tuesdays at the club are dedicated to $12.50 schnitty specials for lunch and dinner to help with demand!
Best Markets
Canberra Handmade Markets
Lyneham
With almost 300 stalls, there’s plenty to keep you occupied at Canberra Handmade Markets. A local favourite for over 10 years now, the stalls celebrate beautiful local handmade crafts and artists, as well as the gourmet food scene – there’s a whole hall full of street food vans, offering a feast for the senses. You’ll have to plan carefully – it runs just four times a year.
Best Bowls Club
The RUC Turner Bowls Club
Turner
Located minutes from the city in the leafy surrounds of Turner, the RUC offers a lovely atmosphere for a relaxed barefoot bowls session. Newly refurbed and ready for visitors, there’s always something to do: there’s Thursday trivia nights and ‘burger, bowls and beer’ Sundays so any day of the week is a great day to visit.
Best Potato Scallop
Little Theos
Kambah
A family-owned business, Little Theos prides itself on having the best potato scallops in the ACT – and you agree! The mission of this takeaway has always been to serve the best and finest food to its customers and the owner has a particular passion for great potato scallops. Right now, 80kgs of potato scallops are made here every week and the recipe took over 18 months to perfect. What could be more tempting than that?
Best Holiday Park
Alivio Tourist Park
Canberra
Just minutes away from the heart of Canberra, at Alivio Tourist Park a scenic escape is achievable quite literally in your backyard! With excellent facilities for the kids including a half basketball court, swimming pool and tennis court as well as outdoor barbeque areas, Alivio Tourist Park is the ideal destination for a family getaway.
PLAN YOUR NEXT 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.
