The list was compiled from travellers’ ratings and reviews of their most recommended destinations.

The Hunter Valley’s fine wine, world-class accommodation and revolving door of international rock concerts has put Cessnock on the map.

Hunter Valley Visitor Centre coordinator Melissa George isn’t surprised Cessnock has made the list.

“It’s great to see Cessnock being recognised for its place as one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in the world,” Ms. George said.

“The Hunter Valley Visitor Centre received approximately 900 visitors a day over the Christmas and New Year period, so word of our proud and vibrant city is certainly spreading.”

It’s not the first time Cessnock has rated highly by TripAdvisor – last April the city was voted the 12th best tourist destination in the South Pacific region in its Travellers’ Choice awards.

The TripAdvisor website connects the largest travel community in the world, reaching nearly 260 million unique monthly visitors in 2013.

“TripAdvisor is arguably the world’s largest travel site, so to have exposure of this kind to such a wide audience is great for attracting tourists to the area,” Ms. George said.

Wine, food, golf and concerts are among the attractions that has drawn visitors to the city.

World-renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and Elton John have played in the vineyards, drawing concert-goers from all over Australia.

The roll call continues this year with Paul Simon and Sting, Roxette, The Eagles, Billy Idol, Rod Stewart, The Black Keys, John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John and Neil Diamond all set to perform.

The city also proved its worth as an international sporting venue this month when the Japanese national football team used Cessnock as its base for a pre-competition camp for the Asian Cup.

TRIPADVISOR’S BEST OF 2014 AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

1. Sydney

2. Melbourne

3. Brisbane

4. Port Douglas

5. Hobart

6. Cessnock

7. Airlie Beach

8. Byron Bay

9. Canberra

10. Darwin