The 19 towns battling it out for NSW's Top Tourism Town Awards

The finalists for NSW’s Top Tourism Town Awards have been revealed. Did your hometown make the cut?

NSW is home to a range of beautiful and diverse towns, offering everything from coastal beauty and beachside vibes to mountain magic and regional charm.

Each year, Business NSW endeavours to find the cream of the crop with the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards. Battling it out across three categories – tiny, small and top – 19 towns across the state are in the running to be crowned the best, and you can influence the outcome by voting.

Tiny Tourism Town

The state of NSW is generously sprinkled with tiny towns (categorised as having a population under 1500 residents) that appear as a mere blimp on the map, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pack a punch.

They’re the places we go to recharge and escape from our everyday responsibilities, perfect for those of us who go on holiday to disconnect. Whether you like to book a tiny home, turn off your phone and go off-grid for the weekend or wander down the main street where nobody knows your name, tiny towns are great for getting away from it all. But which one should be at the top of your bucket list?

Broke

The first town up for the Tiny Tourism Town award is Broke, nestled in the Hunter Valley region between mist-covered mountains and flourishing valleys of green. It’s a village that few people know about, but for those who do, it’s a secret they want to keep.

Broke is in abundance of specialty, with a tight list of talents it does just right. The wineries on offer in Broke are a prime example, known across the country as being some of the most diverse and delicious. From the French-style Krinklewood Biodynamic Winery to the 100-hectare Margan Wines and Restaurant, each cellar door is world-class in its own right.

But there’s more to Broke than its wonderful wine. Visitors can also meet furry friends at Starline Alpacas. Admire ancient Aboriginal rock art along the Finchley Cultural Walk. Glamp in sophisticated luxury at Broke Estate. Meet the locals and sample the region’s finest flavours with the Smoke in Broke BBQ Festival. For such a tiny town, there’s so much to fall in love with.

Starline Alpaca farm in Broke, NSW — Meet furry-faced locals in Broke. (Image: Destination NSW)

Huskisson

Next, sitting on the stunning white-sand shores of Jervis Bay, is Huskisson on the NSW South Coast. The first thing visitors usually notice about this bucket-list-worthy destination, apart from the immediate peace and quiet, is its pristine, peaceful beaches. It’s bordered by the prettiest coastline in the state, with plenty of beaches to while away the day – you’ll have them all to yourself, too.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of Huskisson’s coastal beauty by going diving with Woebegone Freedive or spotting marine life with Dolphin Watch Cruises. For those of us who prefer to stay on land, check out Flamin Galah Brewing Co. for boutique beverages or the innovative local flavours at Wildginger. Whatever you choose to indulge in, you’ll be left feeling satisfied.

Flamin Galah Brewing Co in Huskisson, NSW — Stop in at Flamin Galah for a craft beer on tap. (Image: Destination NSW)

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What other towns made the list?

The two other finalists up for the Tiny Tourism Town award are historic Eugowra in the Central West and the Hunter Valley’s scenic Wollombi.

Small Tourism Town

Small-town tourism has taken off in recent years, combining rural simplicity with everyday living. What could you want more from your holiday than a peaceful town where nobody knows your name and that has all the comforts of home? Think locally run boutiques, family-friendly experiences and unique accommodation options – all with supermarkets, bottle shops, pubs and cafes on your doorstep.

With a population between 1500 and 5000, these small settlements have found the sweet spot. But which one has done it best?

Oberon

Oberon, on the outskirts of the Blue Mountains region, is the epitome of cosy. It’s a town that exudes regional charm, from its mushroom foraging workshops to its Art-Deco streetscapes, it feels straight out of a picture book. And some would argue one of its best features is that it’s only around a three-hour drive from Sydney.

The scenery here is also spectacular. Simply arriving in town is sure to delight, with roads weaving through ancient rainforest and past sheep-studded farmland. One visit to the local Mayfield Garden or Jenolan Caves will leave you in awe. You’ll fall even more in love if you visit in winter when the town can become blanketed in snow.

Adding to its small-town allure are Oberon’s range of farmers markets, autumnal celebrations, crystal-clear creeks and kilometres of bushwalks. With all that’s on offer, it’s no wonder this sweet little town is in the running.

Merimbula

Opposite in offerings but equal in beauty is the coastal town of Merimbula, around 100 kilometres from the NSW-Victoria border.

This town is known for its thriving foodie scene, especially when it comes to oysters. There’s even a foodie trail dedicated exclusively to the briny bivalves. Local favourites include the award-winning Broadwater Oysters and Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

A delicious variety of cafes and restaurants are also on offer here, so foodies are sure to have a good time. But for those seeking something more than just an adventure of the tastebuds, you won’t be disappointed. There are so many other great things to do in Merimbula. Why not go on an Indigenous heritage tour? Or play a round of golf? Come for the food, stay for the friendly locals, pretty beaches and family-friendly vibes.

Broadwater Oysters in Merimbula, NSW — Get a taste of the sea with Broadwater Oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

What other towns made the list?

The other four towns in the running for the Small Tourism Town award are Berry, Bulahdelah, Gloucester and Ulmarra.

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Top Tourism Town

In Australia, more and more people are opting to holiday in towns over cities, and it’s not hard to see why. Bigger cities can become overcrowded, overpriced and, quite frankly, overstimulating. With a more laid-back vibe, fewer tourists, intimate experiences and hidden gems, towns are increasingly becoming the place to be.

With a population of over 5000, nine NSW towns have been listed as finalists for the 2024 Top Tourism Town. Each offers its own unique appeal, but which will come out on top?

Orange

Situated in the Central West, it’s no surprise the charming town of Orange has been named a finalist this year. It may be well-known for its food and wine scene, but there’s so much more going on in Orange, if you linger a little longer.

Yes, a visit to any of the stunning wineries in Orange will have you saying ‘wow’ faster than a bottle of sparkling can be popped. With its high-altitude, cool-climate location, the region produces some of the country’s best wines. From the ever-popular Borrodell Estate to boutique Nashdale Lane, oenophiles are truly spoilt for choice here.

But there is so much more to this regional town than meets the eye. Orange is bursting with things to do, from cafe hopping and boutique browsing to cultural tours and guided hikes. There are countless unique accommodation options too. Why not cosy up in a countryside escape? Or splash out on an architecturally designed dream?

With a main town riddled with boutique shops and a calendar full of unique markets, trying to squeeze everything into one weekend simply won’t work. You’ll have to come back for another visit, and that’s just one of the reasons why Orange may just be named the Top Tourism Town of NSW this year.

Orange, NSW — The Central West town of Orange is full of rural charm. (Image: Destination NSW)

Newcastle

Flip the coin, however, and you’ll see the harbour city of Newcastle on NSW’s North Coast. For locals of the vibrant town, this won’t come as a shock; they’re well aware of this coastal town’s allures. But for those of you who aren’t, let us enlighten you.

The hip and happening town of Newcastle has been on the rise for years, thanks to its burgeoning arts scene, foodie culture, friendly locals and gorgeous swimming spots. Not only is it home to some of the coolest ocean pools in Australia – we’re looking at you Bogey Hole and Merewether Baths – but stunning beaches, coastal walks, restaurants and arts spaces.

Bogey Hole in Newcastle, NSW — The Bogey Hole was built by convicts in 1819. (Image: Destination NSW)

And with events like Newcastle Food Month pushing the envelope, it’s no wonder this town is attracting attention. Newcastle is a perfect example of how the past meets the present, of how history and modernity can intertwine and create something beautiful. Heritage sites like Fort Scratchley sit in proximity to contemporary art galleries, boutique breweries and cafe-dotted streets. It’s definitely a strong contender for NSW’s Top Tourism Town award this year.

What other towns made the list?

The seven other finalists for the Top Tourism Town award are Ballina, Bathurst, Grafton, Kiama, Murwillumbah, Shellharbour and Ulladulla.

Has your hometown been listed? Cast your vote to see it named the top tourism town in its category. Voting closes 13 May, 2024

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi, where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct.

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway, then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba, which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing. Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection. There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes, an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn, where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar, Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina, does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar, where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral, a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park, where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro, where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith, the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

The 19 towns battling it out for NSW’s Top Tourism Town Awards

The finalists for NSW’s Top Tourism Town Awards have been revealed. Did your hometown make the cut?