Australia Wins Top Accolades In Travel + Leisure 2012 World's Best Awards Readers' Survey

NEW YORK, July 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Results of the Travel + Leisure 2012 World's Best Awards readers' survey were announced today, and once again Australia received several top accolades across the country including notoriety for their No. 1 rankings in the Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific region in several categories including Top City in the region, Sydney; Top Resort and Top City Hotel in the region, Southern Ocean Lodge and The Langham, Melbourne, respectively, and Top Island in the region, the Great Barrier Reef. 

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These prestigious awards recognize Travel + Leisure readers' top experiences around the world, revealing the best in cities, hotels, islands and more. Australian nature, cities and resort experiences had impressive showings with Australia placing eight of the Top Ten City Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific category and two of its resorts ranking on the list of Top 100 Hotels overall, with Southern Ocean Lodge placing No. 3 among hotels worldwide.

"Australia provides some of the world's best and most unique experiences across cities, luxury hotel stays and one of a kind nature," said Andrew McEvoy, Managing Director Tourism Australia. "We are honoured that the readers of Travel + Leisure have identified with these experiences and voted Australia among the best in the world."

Many of these 'best of' experiences are featured in next phase of Tourism Australia's global marketing campaign, There's nothing like Australia, which launched a few weeks ago.

As part of the campaign, Tourism Australia has created the There's Nothing Like Australia tablet app to help those planning their Australian vacation to get an immersive look at its top destinations and activities. The app allows travellers to plan an itinerary based on these experiences and share with friends via Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The app is available for both Apple and Android tablets and phones.  

For those ready to head to Australia now, Tourism Australia has partnered with Swain Tours to offer Travel + Leisure readers an experience at Australia's Top Resort. Guests booking four nights at Southern Ocean Lodge in a Flinders Suite by September 15, 2012, will automatically receive a free upgrade to the next available suite as well as two additional free nights at The Louise on the nearby mainland's Barossa Valley wine country. The six-night South Australia Splendour offer includes a savings of $2,500 per person and is available at www.swaintours.com/worldsbest.

AUSTRALIA'S TRAVEL + LEISURE 2012 WORLD'S BEST ACCOLADES

Sydney: Easily recognized by its iconic harbour, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, the Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley and the coastal regions featuring the iconic beaches of Bondi and Manly.

• Sydney: Ranked among the Top Ten Cities Overall
• Sydney: Ranked No.1 on the list of top cities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

Southern Ocean Lodge: Southern Ocean Lodge on Australia's Kangaroo Island is close to Flinders Chase and Kelly Hill National Parks, allowing visitors to experience the unique coastal wilderness and abundant wildlife on the island. Designed by Max Pritchard the suites include local organic materials like recycled timbers and white limestone floors and feature stunning views of the Southern Ocean.

• Southern Ocean Lodge: Ranked No. 3 on the list of Top 100 Hotels overall
• Southern Ocean Lodge: Ranked No. 1 on the list of Top Resorts in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific

Great Barrier Reef: With more than 100 islands, the Great Barrier Reef provides countless experiences from water sports like diving and swimming to relaxing on the white sands of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Travellers can head to Hayman, Qualia and Lizard Island for the utmost luxury while based on an island.

• Great Barrier Reef: Ranked among the Top Ten Islands Overall
• Great Barrier Reef: Ranked No. 5 on the list of Top Ten Islands Overall
• Great Barrier Reef: Ranked No. 1 on the list of Top Islands in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

The Langham, Melbourne: This five star luxury hotel in Melbourne is located on the Southbank Promenade overlooking the Yarra River. Restaurants available at the hotel like the Melba Brasserie provide some of the best dining experiences in Australia.

• The Langham, Melbourne: Voted the Top City Hotel in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

For a full list of Travel + Leisure 2012 World's Best Awards visit: www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest and to find the best of Australia visit: www.australia.com or connect with us via Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE Tourism Australia