Aussie city named ‘best’ in the region at top travel awards
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An Australian city has been named the best in the region at a global travel awards ceremony, but another country took the overall honours.
While last year, Melbourne won the Oceania’s Leading City Destination for 2025 at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, it has now been usurped by Sydney.
While last year, Melbourne won the Oceania’s Leading City Destination, it has now been usurped by Sydney. istock
The city is renowned globally for its glittering harbour and beautiful beaches. Melbourne did also get a nod by winning Oceania’s Leading Airport 2026, though.
However, neighbour New Zealand claimed the title for Oceania’s Leading Destination, beating Australia and all the other nations in the region.
Australia snatched back some kudos though, beating New Zealand to be named the best adventure destination.
That’s despite our neighbour across the Tasman being known for everything from skiing and hiking to bungee jumping.
The popularity of Vietnam continues to rise - it was named Asia’s Leading Destination. iStock
The popularity of Vietnam continues to rise as it was named Asia’s Leading Destination.
From buzzing cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to beach resorts like Da Nang, travellers continue to flock there.
The Philippines is also flying high. The holiday haven, famous for tropical islands and affordable hotels, was voted Asia’s Leading Beach Destination.
A raft of other Australian destinations are celebrating too after being named the best.
InterContinental Brisbane was named Oceania’s Leading New Hotel for the year.
Boracay Island is a popular destination in the Philippines. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Luxury hotel the Park Hyatt Sydney was named Oceana’s Leading Hotel 2026.
Air New Zealand has likely upset Qantas by taking out Oceania’s Leading Airline 2026.
While Princess Cruises won Oceania’s Leading Cruise Line 2026.
And if you want a beach holiday, the Yatule Resort & Spa by Kimaya in Fiji scooped Oceania’s Leading Beach Resort 2026.
Princess Cruises won Oceania’s Leading Cruise Line 2026. Callum Snape/Supplied
The Yatule was crowned the best beach resort in 2026. The Yatule Resort & Spa by Kimaya.
Plus, fresh off the back of the area landing on Lonely Planet’s 2027 Top Experiences Hotlist, Ayres Rock Resort near Uluru was awarded the title of Oceania’s Leading Resort 2026.
It offers options from the top-notch Sails in the Desert to more affordable outback Lodge and Ayres Rock Campground.
Ayers Rock Resort’s Sails in the Desert. Ayers Rock Resort
Founder Graham Cooke said they “celebrated the leading lights of travel across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean.”
“Our winners represent the very best in tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for raising the benchmark of achievement across this remarkable region.” he said.
World Travel Awards was set up in 1993 and aims to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
