Gourmet Traveller’s Hotel and Travel Awards celebrate the best hotels and travel experiences in Australia. Our aim is to showcase the properties and experiences that reflect a unique Australian perspective and approach to luxury. We invite submissions from hotels of all sizes to enter, as well cruise lines that operate in Australian waters.
Winners will feature in Gourmet Traveller’s June 2025 issue, celebrating the Best of Australia. The top-rated hotels will feature online in our national guide to Australia’s Best Hotels.
The awards will be judged by a panel of luxury travel experts, led by Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin.
Hotel of the Year
Hotel of the Year is open to properties of all sizes across Australia. In addition to the entry fee, entrants must supply a voucher for one night’s accommodation, valid until 30 April 2025, that can be redeemed on check-in. Properties that have been visited by two or more members of the judging panel in the last 18 months will not be revisited and vouchers will be left to expire.
All entries must be accompanied by a supporting statement, up to 500 words, detailing the unique features of the property, its market positioning, as well as its design and service philosophy.
Boutique Hotel of the Year
Boutique Hotel of the Year is open to hotels with fewer than 50 rooms.
All entries must be accompanied by a supporting statement, up to 500 words, detailing the unique features of the property, its market positioning, as well as its design and service philosophy.
Resort of the Year
Resort of the Year is open to coastal and rural properties, including lodges, situated in regional or remote locations (defined as anywhere outside of a main city centre).
All entries must be accompanied by a supporting statement, up to 500 words, detailing the unique features of the property, its market positioning, as well as its design and service philosophy.
Best New Hotel
Best New Hotel is open to properties that opened after 1 March 2023. Properties that have closed for refurbishment and reopened, within this time period, are also eligible.
All entries must be accompanied by a supporting statement, up to 500 words, detailing the unique features of the property, its market positioning, as well as its design and service philosophy.
Best Hotel Dining
Properties can choose to nominate either a single restaurant or the overall F&B offering of the property. Entries must include links to – or upload copies of – current menus, including pricing.
All entries must be accompanied by a supporting statement, up to 500 words, outlining the scope of hotel dining on offer and its market positioning.
Cruise Line of the Year
Cruise Line of the Year is open to all luxury cruise lines that operate in Australian waters.
All entries must be accompanied by a supporting statement, up to 500 words, detailing the cruise line’s Australian offering, its market positioning and highlights of its Australian itineraries.
Entry Criteria
- Entries cost $250 per entry.
- Entering the awards does not guarantee coverage, however, only properties and experiences that enter the awards will be considered for the Hotel Guide.
- All entries must be accompanied by a link to hi-res imagery of the property or service that is suitable for publication.
- Terms and conditions apply. See gourmettraveller.com.au/hata for details.
Key dates
Entries open: 13 November, 2024
Entries close: 21 December, 2024
Winners revealed: In the June issue of Gourmet Traveller, on sale late-May 2025.
