{"id":11079,"date":"2020-10-07T16:30:17","date_gmt":"2020-10-07T06:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=11079"},"modified":"2020-11-11T12:29:14","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T02:29:14","slug":"the-best-of-the-rest-the-uniquely-aussie-award-state-finalists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/australia\/uniquely-aussie-award-finalists-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"The best of the rest: the Uniquely Aussie Award state finalists"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019re excited to share the state finalists for the 2020 Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards<\/a>. 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!<\/p>\n

1. New South Wales <\/strong><\/a>
\n 2. Queensland <\/strong><\/a>
\n 3. Victoria <\/strong><\/a>
\n 4. Tasmania <\/strong><\/a>
\n 5. Northern Territory <\/strong><\/a>
\n 6. South Australia <\/strong><\/a>
\n 7. Western Australia <\/strong><\/a>
\n 8. Australian Capital Territory <\/strong><\/a>
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

NSW<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Schnitty
\nUna\u2019s<\/a>
\nDarlinghurst<\/a><\/h3>\n

Who can resist a schnitty the size of your face, washed down with cold beer? Not the people of Sydney, clearly. Una\u2019s menu is inspired by the food and flavours of Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Hungry and they\u2019ve been serving their signature dish \u2013 their famous schnitzels – to hungry locals since 1970. It\u2019s so popular, Una\u2019s is open seven days a week and now offers both dine in and online ordering options.<\/p>\n

Best Markets
\nBangalow Market<\/a>
\nBangalow<\/a><\/h3>\n

Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Bangalow Markets are, to quote a voter, the \u201cperfect mix of amazing food, stalls, musicians and friendly faces.\u2019\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Best Bowls Club
\nClovelly Bowling & Recreation Club<\/a>
\nClovelly<\/a><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Best Potato Scallop
\nHeathcote Fish and Chips<\/a>
\nHeathcote<\/a><\/h3>\n

With potato scallops that are crunchy on the outside and soft enough inside to melt in your mouth, we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Best Holiday Park
\nBIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort<\/a>
\nBatemans Bay<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s something for every member of the family.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

QLD<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Schnitty
\nTingalpa Hotel<\/a>
\nTingalpa<\/a><\/h3>\n

Schnitty connoisseurs won\u2019t 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!<\/p>\n

Best Potato Scallop
\nMorgans Seafood<\/a>
\nScarborough<\/a><\/h3>\n

Morgans has a reputation for serving up quality seafood right off the trawler \u2013 how fresh is that? But what people don\u2019t know is that in addition to fresh seafood, they also serve one of the best potato scallops in the country. You\u2019ll crunch into a super crispy shell and be greeted by tender, hot and delicious potato inside, that with a perfect sprinkling of chicken salt \u2013 what could be better?<\/p>\n

Best Big Thing
\nThe Big Pineapple<\/a>
\nWoombye<\/a><\/h3>\n

Loads of Aussies have childhood memories of The Big Pineapple and still she stands, like a yellow beacon of tropical hope. It\u2019s not just the fruit that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Best Holiday Park
\nCairns Coconut Holiday Resort<\/a>
\nWorre<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019t sell you, the resort grounds certainly will. On site, you\u2019ll 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\u2019re always just a few minutes from the town centre.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

VIC<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Schnitty
\nMrs Parma\u2019s<\/a>
\nMelbourne<\/a><\/h3>\n

Technically speaking, it\u2019s 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\u2019s a traditional schnitty or the saucy parma variety, you guys sure are passionate about Mrs Parma\u2019s 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\u2019ll need the support more than ever \u2013 and what better way to show it than to order a schnitty (or several?) Whether it\u2019s the gluten-free option or the popular Parma-geddon, you won\u2019t be disappointed.<\/p>\n

Best Markets
\nQueen Victoria Markets<\/a>
\nMelbourne<\/a><\/h3>\n

With a history stretching back to the late 19th century, the Queen Victoria Markets is full of heritage. It\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

Best Bowls Club
\nTorquay Bowls Club<\/a>
\nTorquay<\/a><\/h3>\n

A regular favourite with both locals and holidaymakers, it\u2019s the strong family focus as well as the incredible views over Torquay Beach that draws a crowd. It\u2019s an ideal spot for barefoot bowls and the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Best Potato Scallop
\nHunky Dory\u00a0<\/a>
\nSouth Melbourne<\/a><\/h3>\n

There are outposts all over Australia\u2019s east coast but it\u2019s 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 \u2018n\u2019 chips on the beach, you can have this uniquely Aussie experience, too – Port Melbourne Beach is just down the road.<\/p>\n

Best \u2018Big Thing\u2019
\nThe Giant Koala <\/a>
\nDadswells Bridge<\/a><\/h3>\n

Not to be confused with Gundagai\u2019s 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\u2019s not just the size of this Koala that makes it a deserving finalist, though \u2013 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\u2019s declining and precious koala population, which, particularly after the most recent bushfire season, many Aussies can appreciate.<\/p>\n

Best Holiday Park
\nBIG4 Queenscliff Beacon Resort<\/a>
\nQueenscliff<\/a><\/h3>\n

Magnificent customer service, top quality accommodation and excellent facilities for the kids \u2013 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\u2019t offer? There are indoor and outdoor playgrounds, go-karts, bikes and a swimming pool for the kids and for the adults, there\u2019s the a day spa, indoor heated spa and fitness studio, with regular yoga and Pilates classes.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

TAS<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Schnitty
\nThe Cascade Hotel<\/a>
\nSouth Hobart<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s prime meeting points for local music events and community gatherings. Over the years, they\u2019ve mastered their menu and go above and beyond the classic \u2018pub meal\u2019, serving up the best schnitty on the island \u2013 tender, crisp, cooked to perfection and oh-so mouth-watering!<\/p>\n

Best Markets
\nSalamanca Markets<\/a>
\nHobart<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s a decades-old warmth to the place, giving locals and visitors alike a true taste of Tasmania.<\/p>\n

Best Bowls Club
\nKingborough Bowls Club<\/a>
\nMargate<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s the best bowlo in Tassie.<\/p>\n

Best Potato Scallop
\nMykonos Takeaway<\/a>
\nHobart<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019re known down this end of the country) are simply not to be missed.<\/p>\n

Best \u2018Big Thing\u2019
\nThe Big Penguin<\/a>
\nPenguin<\/a><\/h3>\n

Located in the delightful seaside town of its namesake on Tasmania\u2019s north coast, the Big Penguin is one of island\u2019s most photographed tourist attractions. Built in 1975 as part of the town\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

Best Holiday Park
\nBIG4 St Helens Holiday Park<\/a>
\nSt Helens<\/a><\/h3>\n

Located on Tasmania\u2019s 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\u2019s the perfect base to explore the coast or to relax and enjoy a quiet getaway \u2013 the little ones won\u2019t be able to resist Playstations, table tennis and a huge outdoor movie screen for outdoor films.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

NT<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Schnitty
\nGillen Club<\/a>
\nAlice Springs<\/a><\/h3>\n

Why try one when you can try many? Alice\u2019s The Gillen Club doesn\u2019t just serve the standard schnitty, oh no. In addition to the traditional type, there\u2019s also the Aloha, a schnitty homage to a ham and pineapple pizza and the jalape\u00f1o-spiked Mexicana. (A gluten free option is also on the menu, too!)<\/p>\n

Best Markets
\nMindil Beach Sunset Markets<\/a>
\nDarwin<\/a><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Best Bowls Club
\nDarwin Bowls Club<\/a>
\nDarwin<\/a><\/h3>\n

Bowls and beers on the bay? Can\u2019t get much better than that! Established in 1959, this iconic Darwin spot is one of the Territory\u2019s oldest bowls clubs and, with Korean BBQ on the menu, one of the best for a beer and a bowl.<\/p>\n

Best Potato Scallop
\nFrying Nemo Fish and Chips<\/a>
\nDarwin<\/a><\/h3>\n

The name might scare the kids but the food definitely won\u2019t. 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\u2019t stop here without trying a potato scallop (or 10).<\/p>\n

Best \u2018Big Thing\u2019
\nCharlie the Water Buffalo<\/a>
\nAdelaide River<\/a><\/h3>\n

Unlike most of Australia\u2019s \u2018big things\u2019, this one isn\u2019t made of fibreglass \u2013 it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Best Holiday Park
\nDarwin FreeSpirit Resort<\/a>
\nDarwin<\/a><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re 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.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

SA<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Market
\nAdelaide Central Markets<\/a>
\nAdelaide<\/a><\/h3>\n

Fresh fruit, crisp veggies, exotic cheeses, top-quality meat and seafood as well as tempting sweet treats \u2013 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 \u2013 it\u2019s a must visit for anyone who considers themselves a serious foodie. As voter Tim put it: \u201cThere is no better \u2013 this is the bar that everyone else needs to get to.\u201d Boom!<\/p>\n

Best Bowls Club
\nBrighton Bowls Club<\/a>
\nBrighton<\/a><\/h3>\n

The official club opening and the first game of bowls played at Brighton Bowls Club was held in March 1920 \u2013 making 2020 the club\u2019s centenary year! Home to both professional championships and amateur social bowls, the Brighton Bowls Club has everything you\u2019d expect from your neighbourhood green \u2013 perfect lawns, great menu and friendly faces.<\/p>\n

Best Potato Scallop
\nCadell Street Fish & Chips<\/a>
\nGoolwa<\/a><\/h3>\n

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: \u201cmaybe add a Chiko and a potato cake for a delicious meal.\u201d 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 \u2018chip guide\u2019 on their menu.<\/p>\n

Best \u2018Big Thing\u2019
\nThe Big Lobster<\/a>
\nKingston SE<\/a><\/h3>\n

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.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

WA<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Schnitty
\nCaptain Stirling Hotel<\/a>
\nNedlands<\/a><\/h3>\n

The schnitty may be the highlight but you\u2019ll 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\u2019s a stellar local hotel, with everything you\u2019d expect from a neighbourhood pub including a buzzing sports bar, daily specials, bottle shop and hotel for when it\u2019s time to rest your head. Plus, dogs are allowed in the beer garden \u2013 we\u2019re sold!<\/p>\n

Best Markets
\nFremantle Markets<\/a>
\nFremantle<\/a><\/h3>\n

As one voter said, Fremantle Markets is where you can get \u201cthe best doughnuts, ramen and coffee in one place.\u201d The muffles (no, that\u2019s not a typo \u2013 it\u2019s a waffle that\u2019s \u2018more than a waffle\u2019!), 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.<\/p>\n

Best Bowls Club
\nMosman Park Bowling Club<\/a>
\nMosman<\/a><\/h3>\n

Self-named as \u201cthe club with the million-dollar view\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n

Best ‘Big Thing’
\nThe Big Lollipop<\/a>
\nRavensthorpe<\/a><\/h3>\n

The world\u2019s 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\u2019s a bit of fun and definitely worth checking out, but if giant roadside structures aren\u2019t your thing (who are you?), the neighbouring Yummylicious Candy Shack might just be the sweet temptation you need.<\/p>\n

Best Holiday Park
\nDiscovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore<\/a>
\nBunbury<\/a><\/h3>\n

Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore has everything you\u2019d 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 \u2013 what a treat!
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

ACT<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

Best Schnitty
\nThe Canberra Labor Club<\/a>
\nBelconnen<\/a><\/h3>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Best Markets
\nCanberra Handmade Markets<\/a>
\nLyneham<\/a><\/h3>\n

With almost 300 stalls, there\u2019s 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 \u2013 there\u2019s a whole hall full of street food vans, offering a feast for the senses. You\u2019ll have to plan carefully – it runs just four times a year.<\/p>\n

Best Bowls Club
\nThe RUC Turner Bowls Club<\/a>
\nTurner<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s always something to do: there\u2019s Thursday trivia nights and \u2018burger, bowls and beer\u2019 Sundays so any day of the week is a great day to visit.<\/p>\n

Best Potato Scallop
\nLittle Theos<\/a>
\nKambah<\/a><\/h3>\n

A family-owned business, Little Theos prides itself on having the best potato scallops in the ACT \u2013 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?<\/p>\n

Best Holiday Park
\nAlivio Tourist Park<\/a>
\nCanberra<\/a><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/i> PLAN YOUR NEXT AUSSIE GETAWAY <\/a>\n

Heads up!<\/strong> 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.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\u2019re 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 …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":11144,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[740],"tags":[891,394],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11079"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11079"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11620,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11079\/revisions\/11620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11144"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}