Flat whites, breweries, a top quality sanga and beautiful hot springs are among the most underrated and ‘uniquely Aussie’ experiences this year.

The annual Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards are back, with hidden gems from each state acknowledged based on votes from thousands of domestic travellers and locals. 

This year the six categories chosen were the best hot springs, Botanic Gardens, sandwich, hotel room service, brewery and flat white – and while there were finalists from each state and territory, Tasmania and Victoria failed to nab a spot on the list. 

‘With one in seven businesses in Australia directly connected to tourism, the awards are focused on recognising and celebrating some of the very best,’ Wotif MD, Daniel Finch, told FEMAIL.

‘Each year we set out to celebrate the very best in Australia travel and with this year’s awards, we selected categories that highlight classic experiences where Australia punches well above its weight but that are often taken for granted. 

‘Whether it’s a smooth Aussie flat white, artisan sanga or finely brewed beer, there are just some things that nowhere else does quite like Australia.’

BEST FLAT WHITE: The Cupping Room, ACT

While Melbourne is usually the place to go for a brew, this hot spot in Canberra is home to what many believe is the best aromatic flat white.

It’s brewed by award-winning roasters from the highest quality and sustainable green Coffee beans. The café is also one of four in the ACT by Ona, an award-winning roaster that promises unique coffee experiences.

There are three different types of beans on the milk coffee menu, a dark chocolatey option called Black Betty ($4), the caramel and dried fruit-infused Founder ($4.50), and the quirky Raspberry Candy ($5) which has notes of white chocolate and berries.

The team also freezes all individual doses of coffee because beans taste their best two to three weeks after roasting. Once they hit that timeframe the beans are frozen in test tubes to lock in the best qualities.

‘Freezing coffee in individual doses ensures that we do not waste coffee past its best age. All coffee, including espresso and filter single origins or milk based blends can be frozen for a few years,’ they said.

‘We went there twice on a recent visit to Canberra and we’re very impressed by the food, the coffee and the friendly service. The funny thing about coffee is that you think you’re drinking good coffee until you come to a place like this and realise what a great coffee tastes like,’ a customer said.

State finalists: Single O Surry Hills, NSW, Proud Mary Coffee, Collingwood, VIC, Fonzie Abbott, Albion, QLD, Pop Rocket Cafe, Katherine, NT, Haz Beanz Finestkind Coffee, Albany, WA, My Kingdom for a Horse, Adelaide, SA, Bury Me Standing, Hobart, TAS.

BEST BREWERY: Felons Brewing Co, QLD

Voters agreed it’s all about the atmosphere when it comes to a good brewery, which is why Brisbane’s Felons took out the title.

The brewery, which sits under the iconic Story Bridge, offers more than just a wide range of quality beer, has a pirate playground kids and is dog-friendly.

‘This is my personal favourite of the bunch. The atmosphere and friendly hospitality are second to none,’ Mr Finch told FEMAIL.

It’s named after a true tale of ‘four felons’ who were blown off course and shipwrecked on Moreton Island in 1823, on their way to Illawarra from Sydney.

‘Their thirst for adventure and freedom lives on today in our beer – proudly brewed for the people of Brisbane,’ they say.

Beers include an extensive range of pale ales, lagers and mids, as well as adventurous limited releases and a tasting paddle. The ‘Galaxy Haze’ is a big hit in summer – a 4.4 per cent pale ale with pops of citrus and passionfruit.

‘The place to be with friends on the weekend for good beers and food! It serves fresh beers and amazing pizzas. Ordered both Galaxy Haze (fruity) and Crisp Lager – both were good,’ a customer wrote.

State finalists: Modus Brewing Mereweather, NSW, Bright Brewery, VIC, Six Tanks Brew Pub, Darwin, NT, Gage Roads Freo Brewery, WA, Capital Brewery Co, Fyshwick

BEST HOTEL ROOM SERVICE: EOS by Skycity, SA

This hotel earned praise thanks to its on-call mixologist ready to create your favourite cocktail (or mocktail) and the in-room hair and make-up services.

In a prime location in the heart of Adelaide city, EOS describes itself as ‘your springboard to the best of Adelaide’s rich history, world-famous cuisine and the natural beauty of South Australia’.

Referring to guests as ‘travellers and connoisseurs, not tourists’, the award-winning hotel gets to know guests personally and promises on-hand personalised service and unrivalled luxury. Rooms start at $399 a night.

In addition to the intuitive room design and technology including an in-room tablet and keyless entry, services include jet-lag treatments, personal training, curated itineraries and home-cooked meals. 

‘An absolutely phenomenal luxury experience. Staff are friendly, helpful and happy and add so much to the experience. Great selection of local (not mass produced) products in the mini bar and fabulous in room dining experience. A great place to stay, close to everything,’ a guest wrote.

Another added: ‘The staff were so friendly the minute we arrived at the hotel. We came back from going out and they were so nice to turn down our beds and leave us a cup of tea. This is one of the best examples of service I have ever received.’

State finalists: The Langham, Sydney, NSW, The Hotel Windsor, VIC, Emporium Hotel South Bank, QLD, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, NT, Warders Hotel Fremantle, WA, East Hotel, ACT, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, TAS.

BEST SANGA: South Dowling Sandwiches, NSW

This humble family-owned alcove in Darlinghurst and Barangaroo has been perfecting the Aussie sanga for more than 15 years.

Prepared with fresh ingredients and prepared right in front of you, it’s the overloaded fillings at the generous starting price of $11 that makes their sandwiches fan favourites.

Stand-outs include The Biatch – made with chilli chicken, homemade red pesto, homemade herb mayo, lettuce, rocket, pickles, red cabbage, homemade caramelised carrots and bocconcini – and The Banter – made with chicken schnitzel, salad, tasty cheese, caramelised carrots, herb mayo, red pesto and avocado.

‘Absolute value for money! Massive sandwiches, packed with veggies and flavour. The massive lines are totally understandable. Tried both the veggie and vegan options which were both delicious. The caramelised carrots are to die for. Totally worth the hype,’ a customer said.

State finalists: Hector’s Deli, Richmond, VIC, Melt Brothers, Brisbane, QLD, The Black Russian Caravan Bar, Katherine, NT, The Re Store, WA, Little Luxton, Gordon, ACT, Bottega Bandito, Prospect, SA, Pigeon Whole Bakers, Hobart, TAS.

BEST BOTANIC GARDENS: Western Australian Botanic Gardens, WA

This breathtaking hub is home to more than 1,700 unique native species.

The enchanting garden hosts dazzling displays of wildflowers and native bushlands and boasts a stunning outlook of Perth and the Swan River. 

Those who visit can also explore a number of different gardens, walkways and terraces over 17 hectares, as well as enjoy various light shows that are put on throughout the year.

Unlike many botanic gardens, it is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day. It’s also a popular spot for family picnics, live music, education programs and the Kings Park Festival which attracts more than half a million visitors each September. 

‘The most beautiful displays of Australian flora that I’ve ever seen. Incredible views of the city and surrounding bodies of water. Lots of easy walkways and interesting bridges, pretty accessible even for wheelchairs for most of the park (some hills when you get deeper in),’ a visitor said.

State finalists: Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, NSW, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, VIC, Cairns Botanic Gardens, QLD, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, NT, Western Australian Botanic Garden, WA, Australian National Botanic Gardens, ACT, Adelaide Botanic Garden, SA, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, TAS.

BEST HOT SPRINGS: Mataranka Thermal Pool, NT

The Mataranka Thermal Pool is one of two thermal springs in the Northern Territory’s Elsey National Park. 

The stunning natural hot spring has crystal-blue waters that stay at a comfortable temperature of 34 degrees Celsius year-round and are believed to help relieve aches and pains. 

The series of breathtaking pools are near the small town of Mataranka, an hour south of Katherine. The fresh spring-water pools can be found at the end of a 500-metre walking track that winds through the bushland under towering palm trees.

Thermal pools are said to reduce pain and inflammation thanks to the mineral content in the water. It also improves circulation through dilated blood vessels and lymphatic drainage. 

The thermal pools, which are naturally filled with water from the nearby Daly and Georgina basins, make for the perfect Instagram backdrop thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters shaded by tropical palms. 

‘It’s a fantastic place to swim. The water is crystal clear and the temperature is around 32 degrees all year. Its varying depths make it good for people of all ages and it was personally my favourite place to swim whilst in the Northern Territory,’ a visitor said.

State finalists: Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, NSW, Peninsula Hot Springs, VIC, Innot Hot Springs, QLD, Zebedee Springs, WA, Dalhousie Springs, SA, Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, TAS.