Something really big, the local bowlo, a schnitty or a scallop - they're Aussie through and through... and here are our absolute favourites.
Leading travel site Wotif.com has recognised the country's most under-rated gems in its Uniquely Aussie Awards.
"Whether it's visiting one of Australia's 150-plus oversized roadside attractions or discovering a local market, the thousands of votes received this year made clear that every Aussie knows a local gem worthy of the spotlight," said Wotif managing director Daniel Finch.
"With the Australian sense of community at an all-time high, this year Wotif is encouraging Aussies to fuel this pride by taking the time to discover and support as many businesses as possible on their next Aussie adventure."
When it comes to the best big things, Coffs Harbour's Big Banana took the (banana) cake, being applauded for continually reinventing itself with its toboggan, laser tag arena and water park. Of course, there's also the choc-covered bananas!
For the Best Potato Scallop, the accolade went to Blue Lips Fish & Chips in Exmouth, WA - home made with mashed potato, leek and cream.
Merthyr Bowls Club at New Farm in Queensland took out the Best Bowls Club gong. Said to have the best view in Brisbane, this isn't your run of the mill bowlo, with a delicious menu to boot.
Queensland was again in favour when it came to the Best Markets - Eumundi. Voters had a lot to say about Eumundi - the quality, variety, delicious food, vibing entertainment and locally-made wares are just a few reasons to visit, plus it's a short drive to the beach.
The BIG4 West Beach Parks, Adelaide, was voted Best Holiday Park. it was described as the perfect family spot, located on the beach with endless activities for children and close to great eateries and shops.
Adelaide also had the winner's hat on for the Best Schnitty courtesy of the Schnithouse Rundle St. With a dish called Schnit Faced and more than 20 varieties on the menu, these guys are serious about their schnitty, with gluten-free options also available.
When it comes to the perfect schnitty, voters said the crispiness of the crumb and crunch of the schnitty are mandatory. Size also matters. The accompanying chips are also a deal-breaker - chips underneath, or chips on the side so they don't get soggy? The ruling is yet to be decided.
When it comes to potato scallops, they must be crisp and fluffy, should melt in your mouth and not be too greasy.
Markets were the most popular category, proving our community markets punch well above their weight and are home to some of the best producers and artisans in the world.
And, of course, Australians are proudest of their Big Things - consistently referred to as national icons, where selfies are obligatory, if not a rite of passage.
"The bowlo, fish and chip shop and big things may not be as far flung as a trip overseas, but they sure are uniquely Aussie experiences that Aussies are privileged to have," Mr Finch said.
"With summer in reach, many of these businesses need Australia's support so for those that can, now is the time to start planning your next local trip."
Your favourite not on the winner's list? Here are the national finalists in each category... maybe your fave is there:
Big Things: The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW; The Big Pineapple, Woombye, Qld; The Big Prawn, Ballina, NSW; The Big Merino, Goulburn, NSW; The Big Koala, Dadswells Bridge, Vic; The Big Lobster, Kingston SE, SA; The Big Melon, Chinchilla, Qld; The Big Penguin, Penguin, Tas; The Big Rocking Horse, Gumeracha, SA; The Big Golden Guitar, Tamworth, NSW.
Best Schnitty: Schnithouse, Rundle St, Adelaide, SA; Mrs Parma's, Melbourne, Vic; Shamrock Hotel, Alexandra, Vic; Una's, Darlinghurst, NSW; Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga, NSW; North Wollongong Hotel, NSW; Tingalpa Hotel, Qld; Settlers Inn, Port Macquarie, NSW; Palais Hotel, Semaphore, SA; OG Hotel, Klemzig, SA.
Best Potato Scallop: Blue Lips Fish & Chips, Exmouth, WA; Morgan's Seafood Market & Takeaway, Scarborough, Qld; Heathcote Fish & Chips, Heathcote, NSW; Coffs Harbour Fishermen's Co-op, NSW; Sea Salt Fish & Chips, Sawtell, NSW; Banana Coast Seafood, Coffs Harbour, NSW; Ballina Fishermen's Co-op, NSW; Hunky Dory, South Melbourne, Vic; Cadell Street Fish & Chips, Goolwa, SA; Wellington Point Takeaway, Wellington Point, Qld.
Best Markets: Eumundi Markets, Qld; Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne, Vic; Salamanca Markets, Tas; Adelaide Central Markets, SA; South Melbourne Markets, Vic; Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin, NT; Fremantle Markets, WA; Bangalow Markets, NSW; Port Douglas Sunday Markets, Qld; Glebe Markets, Sydney, NSW.
Best Bowls Club: Merthyr Bowls Club, New Farm, Qld; Chermside Bowls Club, Q ld;Clovelly Bowls Club, NSW; Broadbeach Bowls Club, Qld; Moama Bowling Club, NSW; The Greens North Sydney, NSW; Mooloolaba Bowls Club, Qld; Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, Qld; Torquay Bowls Club, Vic; Club Kawana, Wurtulla, Qld.
Best Holiday Park: BIG4 West Beach Parks, Adelaide, SA; Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, Qld; BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Qld; BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Qld; Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore, WA; BIG4 Queenscliff Beacon Resort, Vic; Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park, Busselton, WA; BIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort, NSW; Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Yamba NSW; BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park, Kiama, NSW.
