Time Out launches Australian Travel Awards with Wise

Time Out Australia has launched its inaugural Travel Awards in partnership with Wise, extending its awards program into accommodation, destinations and travel experiences.

Nominees have been announced across 10 Editors’ Choice categories, with public voting also open for three People’s Choice awards. Time Out will announce winners across both streams on November 23, 2026.

The launch builds on the publisher’s national travel coverage and existing awards activity, including its Food & Drink Awards. Time Out Australia is operated by Vinyl Media.

Editors select nominees across 10 categories

The Editors’ Choice awards cover Best Luxury Stay, Best Boutique Stay, Best Affordable Stay, Best Family-Friendly Stay, Best Holiday Home, Best Attraction, Best Adventure Experience, Best Destination, Best Eco Tourism and Best Wellness Travel.

Scenic World is presenting the Best Family-Friendly Stay category.

According to Time Out, venues do not nominate themselves. Editors select nominees from stays, destinations and experiences they have personally visited, with the shortlist spanning different states, price points and traveller interests.

Melissa Woodley, editor of Time Out Australia, has taken more than 100 flights and visited every state and territory in the two-and-a-half years since launching the brand’s Australia-wide travel guides.

“Here at Time Out, we’re all about getting Australians – as well as international audiences – inspired to get out and discover all the hidden gems that our remarkable country has to offer,” says Woodley.

“I truly believe Australia is one of the most diverse places on Earth – we have world-class experiences for every kind of traveller, whether you’re into adventure, eco-tourism, wellness or pure five-star luxury. These awards are our way of championing the people and places making our travel landscape unforgettable, and giving everyone an excuse to book their next getaway.”

Public voting closes November 13

The People’s Choice awards invite readers to vote for their Favourite Hotel, Favourite Destination and Favourite Travel Experience or Attraction.

Voters can enter a draw to win a $500 Visa gift card, with voting closing on November 13, 2026.

The program gives Time Out another way to engage readers around its travel coverage, with Wise joining as launch partner and Scenic World backing a category.

Time Out will announce the winners on November 23, with updates shared through its @timeoutaustralia Instagram account.

Disclosure: Time Out and Mediaweek are both owned by Vinyl Media