Celebrating NSW's Top Tourism Town Winners of 2025

Huge congratulations to the winners of the 2025 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, announced at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Tweed Heads.

Celebrating exceptional storytelling, visitor appeal, and community spirit, these standout towns offer unforgettable experiences across New South Wales. This year also debuts the NRMA People’s Choice Awards, with all winners featured in the spring edition of Open Road magazine.

NSW's Top Tourism Town

KIAMA - Just two hours south of Sydney, the Kiama region offers golden beaches, lush rainforests, ocean pools, and breathtaking coastal trails. Its natural beauty sets the stage for a thriving food scene, outdoor adventures, and vibrant local events. With postcard-perfect views and a welcoming community spirit, Kiama invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect—where every moment captures the essence of coastal charm and laid-back living.

NSW's Small Tourism Town

MERIMBULA - Nestled on the Sapphire Coast of NSW, Merimbula is the perfect family escape, offering pristine beaches, sparkling waters, and unforgettable experiences. Reconnect through whale watching, coastal hikes, and relaxing by the sea. Explore National Parks, enjoy fresh local oysters, and soak up the laid-back charm. A destination that captures hearts, Merimbula invites you to create lasting memories—and keeps you coming back for more.

NSW's Tiny Tourism Town

HUSKISSON - The jewel of Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast, is a charming coastal town with 16 stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. Relax on white sands, enjoy a buzzing foodie scene, or dive into adventure with water sports, dolphin cruises, and whale swims. With cultural experiences and beach-hopping kangaroos, Husky offers the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and connection to nature and Country.

Congratulations to all NSW Top Tourism Town 2025 winners!

Top Tourism Town (Towns with population of 5,000 of more)

GOLD: Kiama

SILVER: Shellharbour

BRONZE: Ballina

PEOPLE's CHOICE: Newcastle

Small Tourism Town (Towns with population between 1,500 and 5,000)

GOLD: Merimbula

SILVER: Robertson

BRONZE: Gloucester

PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Robertson

Tiny Tourism Town (Towns with population under 1,500)

GOLD: Huskisson

SILVER: Broke

BRONZE: Millthorpe

PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Millthorpe

2025 Top Tourism Town -Winners Gallery

2025 NSW Top Tourism Town and NRMA People's Choice Award Winners

NSW Top Tourism Town & Top Tour Guide Awards

The NSW Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide awards are searching for the best towns and tour guides across the state, as they compete to be crowned the best in their class.

The awards program, run by the NSW Tourism Association, brings a focus to regional tourism highlighting gems from coast to country, outback, mountains and river communities, and the tour guides that bring these towns to life.

Local Councils and Accredited Visitor Information Centres are encouraged to nominate their town, followed by submitting an entry showcasing an itinerary, a video and a website with bookable product.

Towns can enter one of three categories depending on their size:

• Top Tourism Town Award – Population over 5,000

• Small Tourism Town Award – Population between 1,500 – 5,000

• Tiny Tourism Town Award – Population below 1,500

Tour Operators and Tour Guides in all environments are encouraged to nominate their best guides to demonstrate their value in delivering the visitor experience.

All gold category winners go on to compete in Australia's Top Tourism Town and Australia's Top Tour Guide awards in this national program to celebrate the best of the best!

Key Dates 2025

Winners Announced: Tuesday 27 May at LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference, The Tweed
Top Tour Guide Winners Announced: 4 June, Journey Beyond, Sydney Harbour Vivid Cruise
Australian Top Tourism Town Winners Announced: 3 September, Parliament House, Canberra

Award Partners

Major Partner

NSW Top Tourism Towns Awards

Newcastle ANZAC Walk. 2023 NSW Top Tourism Town winner.

About the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards

The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards showcase the exceptional destinations from across that state and those that guide guests through them. Winners progress to the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards.

New for 2025 is the NSW Top Tour Guide category. This award honours the significant contribution quality tour guides make, in providing memorable experiences to visitors through interpretation of the natural and cultural environment in a responsible manner.

WINNERS OF AUSTRALIA’S TOP TOURISM TOWN AWARDS 2024

The winners of the 2024 Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards

Gold Winners:

Huskisson, NSW – Tiny Tourism Town

Exmouth, WA – Small Tourism Town

Devonport, TAS – Australia’s Top Tourism Town
Adam Hinks from Aquascene Magnetic Island, QLD – Australia’s Top Tour Guide

These incredible towns offer unique experiences that showcase the beauty, culture, and community spirit of regional Australia.

Previous Winners

See the previous winners for the NSW Top TourismTown awards.

CLICK HERE