{"id":6424,"date":"2018-09-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-09-23T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=6424"},"modified":"2020-04-02T05:36:00","modified_gmt":"2020-04-01T19:36:00","slug":"is-nsw-nrl-better-vic-afl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/sport\/trending\/is-nsw-nrl-better-vic-afl\/","title":{"rendered":"NSW & NRL or VIC & AFL? Which state (and game) is best?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NRL and AFL grand finals are both on this weekend and some serious questions need to be answered. No, not \u201cWhich team is best?\u201d or \u201cWho will take home the trophy?\u201d And not even \u201cWill Cooper\u2019s shoulder recover in time?\u201d or \u201cDo the Eagles have more Melbournians barracking for them than Collingwood?\u201d What we really need to know is which state \u2013 New South Wales<\/a> or Victoria<\/a> \u2013 and which game \u2013 NRL or AFL \u2013 is the best.<\/p>\n

To answer it, I\u2019ve pitted some of NSW and VIC\u2019s most iconic attractions and destinations against each other in a (not) literal battle to the (not) death. Will your state and game reign supreme? Read on and find out!<\/p>\n

The Best Wine Region<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hunter Valley versus Yarra Valley<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Right, let\u2019s start with a tough one. NSW\u2019s Hunter Valley<\/a> is a 3.5 hr drive from Sydney<\/a>. It\u2019s Oz\u2019s oldest wine region and most famous for its acclaimed S\u00e9millon. On the other hand, VIC\u2019s Yarra Valley<\/a> is just an hour\u2019s drive from Melbourne<\/a> and has earned a rep for world-class Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Both offer hot-air balloon rides, incredible cellar doors, and an obscene number of cheese platters and charcuterie boards.<\/p>\n

The verdict: <\/strong>Too tough to call? Not for me. The Yarra Valley wins this one for its super convenient location. Plus Chardy beats S\u00e9millon any day. Fight me.<\/p>\n

The Yarra Valley, Victoria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

The Superior City Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bondi versus St Kilda<\/strong><\/h4>\n

NSW and VIC are both home to some amazing beaches. But if you\u2019re a city slicker who likes to stay local, where will you find the best urban swimming spot? Sydney\u2019s Bondi Beach<\/a> is iconic \u2013 one of the world\u2019s most famous shorelines. But St Kilda<\/a> is home to Australia\u2019s first Luna Park, as well as a colony of adorable Little\u00a0Penguins.<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Was there ever any doubt? Bondi Beach, all the way. Sorry, Penguins, but no-one wants to swim in your poop. And the Luna Park face is terrifying.<\/p>\n

Bondi Beach, New South Wales.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

The Ultimate Landmark<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Three Sisters versus 12 Apostles<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Two incredible natural sites that look like they were made for postcards. NSW\u2019s Three Sisters are the crown jewel in the Blue Mountains<\/a> National Park\u2019s… uh… crown, while the 12 Apostles are a Great Ocean Road<\/a> must-see. Surely no-one could call one better than the other.<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Pfft, I can. The 12 Apostles beat The Three Sisters, hands down. The combination of sheer cliffs, ancient rock formations, and crashing waves is just spectacular. Look at this view!<\/p>\n

The 12 Apostles, Victoria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

The Most Awesome Big Thing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Big Banana versus Big Ned Kelly<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Full disclosure: These are two of my favourite Aussie Big Things. I love the true-crime history behind VIC\u2019s Big Ned Kelly, but I\u2019m also a fan of waterparks and banana splits, both of which can be found at NSW\u2019s Big Banana. How can I choose a winner between these two?<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Well, when it comes to a choice between history and ice-cream, I choose ice-cream. Story of my life. This one goes to NSW, with the Big Banana. The Banana earned extra points for seniority, too. It was built in 1964, making it one of Australia\u2019s very first Big Things.<\/p>\n

The Least Awful Public Transport<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sydney trains versus Melbourne trams<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Melbourne\u2019s trams are amazing. They crisscross all over the city, come every few minutes, and are really easy to figure out (even if you\u2019re navigationally challenged like me). Whereas Sydney\u2019s trains are overcrowded, understaffed, permanently delayed tubes of madness. So… same-same?<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> No contest. Melbourne\u2019s trams take out an easy point for VIC. Sydney trains make me sob onto my Opal card.<\/p>\n

The Most Amazing Water View<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Circular Quay versus Yarra River<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Yarra River is a Melbourne icon and home to famous events like the Moomba Festival, the Melbourne Festival, and the Head of the Yarra rowing regatta. Whereas Sydney\u2019s Circular Quay has, like, a bridge and a pointy building or something? So, no big deal…<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Just kidding! Circular Quay is probably the world\u2019s most recognisable harbour, with travellers coming from all over the globe just to get a snap with it. Sorry, VIC, but NSW has got this one in the\u00a0bag.<\/p>\n

Circular Quay, New South Wales.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

The Tastiest Coffee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sydney coffee versus Melbourne coffee<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is a trick question. Everyone knows coffee tastes like sour brown sludge<\/a>. Or am I the only one brave enough to admit it?<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Okay, so I\u2019ve quizzed some sick, gross, brown-sludge drinkers and they tell me that Melbourne \u2013 with its cool laneway cafes and specialty roasters and brewers \u2013 is home to the best damn coffee in the world. Another point to VIC!<\/p>\n

Coffee in Melbourne, Victoria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

The King of the Mountains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mount Kosciuszko versus Mount Buller<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Two stunning natural wonderlands, both perfect for hikers and snow bunnies. VIC\u2019s Mount Buller<\/a> is fantastic for skiing, snowboarding, and (if you\u2019re like me) pelting your loved ones with snowballs, while NSW\u2019s Mount Kosciuszko<\/a> seems like it was made for winter picnics and snow shoe trips. Surely this one\u2019s too close to call.<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Size matters, VIC \ud83d\ude0e As Australia\u2019s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko takes this one out for NSW. In summer, the summit walk is surprisingly achievable, making it a serious bucket-list experience.<\/p>\n

The Most Perfect Island<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Lord Howe Island versus Phillip Island<\/strong><\/h4>\n

NSW\u2019s Lord Howe Island<\/a> is a subtropical paradise that combines stunning natural beauty with luxey resorts, fantastic snorkelling, and a world-class golf course. VIC\u2019s Phillip Island<\/a> has a slightly cooler climate, but incredible surf beaches, daily penguin parades, Australia\u2019s largest fur seal colony, a Grand Prix, and a winery.<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Phillip Island, you had me at \u201cpenguin parades\u201d \u2013 and not just because I felt bad about rejecting the St Kilda penguins earlier. Another point to VIC!<\/p>\n

Peekaboo! A little penguin on Phillip Island, Victoria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

The Coolest Caves<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jenolan Caves versus Buchan Caves<\/strong><\/h4>\n

NSW\u2019s Jenolan Caves are Australia\u2019s largest and most famous cave system, as well as the most ancient discovered open cave system in the world. They\u2019re so massive that they\u2019re still being explored and, at present, 11 illuminated show caves are open to the public. VIC\u2019s Buchan Caves are smaller and not as well-known, although the stunning Royal and Fairy Caves are major tourist attractions. Buchan Caves Reserve is also great for wildlife spotting, with bellbirds, lyrebirds, echidnas, goannas, and more.<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Sorry, VIC, but I\u2019ve got to give it to Jenolan Caves for size and seniority. No question!<\/p>\n

Jenolan Caves, New South Wales.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

The Greatest Game<\/strong><\/h3>\n

NRL versus AFL<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is it. We\u2019re tied at five-all. Whichever game \u2013 NRL for NSW or AFL for VIC \u2013
\ntakes this point will also take the victory for their state. So let\u2019s get into it.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t call it on athleticism or passion. With stellar teams \u2013 each with superstar players and diehard fans \u2013 like the Storm and the Roosters on the NRL side, and Collingwood and the Eagles on the AFL side, it\u2019s a lineball (also \u2013 massive shout-out to our WA fans for infiltrating the AFL finals! Don\u2019t let the East Coast hog all the glory). You could try judging by the size of their respective fanbases, but with the NRL scoring more TV viewers overall in 2018 and the AFL consistently putting more bums in stadium seats, the numbers don\u2019t help.<\/p>\n

Hmm. Maybe there\u2019s no comparing two amazing games. But you CAN compare the performance of NSW and VIC in playing them. And with VIC smashing their way into both grand finals \u2013 and the Melbourne Storm completely dominating NSW\u2019s own game by going for back-to-back NRL premierships, an achievement that hasn\u2019t been seen in over 25 years \u2013 I think we know who this point\u2019s going to…<\/p>\n

The verdict:<\/strong> Yep, it\u2019s VIC! Sorry, NSW. Your game\u2019s just as good as VIC\u2019s, but you need to learn how to play it. You mad, bro?<\/p>\n

Footy finals aren\u2019t the only BIG news in town. We\u2019ve just revealed the finalists for Australia\u2019s Next Big Thing and YOU get to help decide what we build. Vote for your fave<\/a> for a chance to WIN $2000 towards your next Wotif holiday.*<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/i> VOTE FOR AUSTRALIA’S NEXT BIG THING <\/a>\n

*AU residents 18+ only. Ends 11.59am AEDT 9\/10\/18. Limit one entry\/vote per person per valid email address. Full terms and how to enter via link<\/a>. Permit NSW LTPS\/18\/27577.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The NRL and AFL grand finals are both on this weekend and some serious questions need to be answered. No, not \u201cWhich team is best?\u201d or \u201cWho will take home the trophy?\u201d And not even \u201cWill Cooper\u2019s shoulder recover in time?\u201d or \u201cDo the Eagles have more Melbournians barracking for them than Collingwood?\u201d What we …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":6426,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[780,765],"tags":[257,256,254,255],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6424"}],"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\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6424"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6442,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6424\/revisions\/6442"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}