Some of the best: 'Aussie towns of year' according to leading travel app

Now in their seventh year, the awards recognise top trending Aussie travel destinations for the year ahead, focusing on criteria such as accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction.

The Victorian goldrush town of Bendigo claimed top spot, with the outback NSW town of Broken Hill and rural Queensland town of Stanthorpe rounding out the top three.

The full list of winners are:

Renowned for its gold rush legacy and dating back to the 1850s, the central Victorian town of Bendigo is renowned for its gold rush legacy. Visitors can explore sites such as the Central Deborah Gold Mine, while also enjoying cultural experiences such as the Djaa Djuwima First Nations Art Gallery and Bendigo Art Gallery. The town's fantastic food and beverage scene saw it recognised as Australia's first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.

Most famous for being featured in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the hit film's spirit lives on in the form of the annual five-day Broken Heel Festival. Visitors can also enjoy contemporary works by leading Aboriginal artists at the state's oldest regional art gallery, and soak in the rugged landscapes of the Mutawintji National Park, which boasts superb ochre hand stencils and rock engravings.

Nestled in Queensland's south-west corner, two and a half hours west of Brisbane, Stanthorpe is home to one of the state's two recognised wine-growing regions, boasting more than 50 cellar doors. The town's cooler climate and high altitude make it a popular place for winter escapes. Visitors can also enjoy apple and strawberry picking in the warmer months, truffle hunts in winter, hiking trails in Girraween and vibrant street art.

Marking the point where the traditional lands of the Jawoyn, Dagoman, and Wardaman Aboriginal Peoples converge, Katherine is home to spectacular sandstone formations, majestic gorges, misty waterfalls and authentic Aboriginal experiences. The town also boasts a thriving art scene, from street art to the popular Barunga Festival and galleries such as the Godinymayin Yijard Arts and Culture Centre.

Australia's oldest inland colonial settlement offers a wealth of history and heritage experiences such as visiting authentic gold rush villages and gold panning. The town is also the home of Australian Motor Sport with the iconic Mount Panorama located right on its doorstep. Visitors can watch V8 Supercars during major races, drive around the circuit for free, or visit one of four world-class museums located in the CBD.

Known as the 'red heart' of the Barossa, Tanunda is a must for lovers of a good drop. In addition to the spectacular beauty of the Barossa ranges and surrounding vineyards, the town also boasts stunning heritage buildings and a strong European heritage due to the German immigrants who settled there in the 1800s.

Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. A high number of Italian immigrants settled in the area in the 1930s and postwar period, and that Italian influence remains strong to this day. Its vibrant café, restaurant and wine making scene is showcased in the A Taste of Italy, Griffith program - a seven-day celebration that occurs in August each year.

This coastal town boasts beautifully preserved historic cottages and landmarks. Explore the 1830s Highfield Historic Site, wander the Stanley Heritage Walk, and delve into the Stanley Discovery Museum for a rich understanding of the area's history. The backdrop of famous landmark the Nut adds a touch more majesty to this charming coastal gem.

Visitors to Exmouth can discover the culture of the Nyinggulu people as they take in the region's ancient wilderness landscapes. A hotspot for divers and snorkelers, Exmouth offers the world's largest fringing reef with an incredible coastline and some of the most unforgettable marine life encounters to be experienced.

Australia's opal capital, Coober Pedy is an underground town in the heart of the desert, boasting a sun-baked lunar landscape, fascinating history and a unique way of life. Visitors can explore underground houses, hotels, churches, museums and shops. Above ground, they can try their hand at fossicking for opals, watch a movie at the state's last remaining drive-in or take an outback four-wheel-drive tour.

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