This region took out all the top town titles in NSW

Liz Whitehead Liz Whitehead
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It’s that time of year again, when the towns of NSW battle it out for the crown of the state’s Top Tourism Town.

The winners are officially in. NSW’s top towns for 2025 have just been decided across three categories: Top Tourism Town, Top Small Tourism Town, and Top Tiny Tourism Town, with the addition of an NRMA People’s Choice winner in each category.

One region swept the competition – and we can’t say we’re too surprised. The South Coast scored not one, not two, but three #1 spots. Read on for the full list of winners below.

Top Tourism Town

Invigorate yourself with a cold plunge at Kiama’s ocean pools. (Image: Destination NSW )

Kiama took out the top gong for the second year in a row, solidifying its place as a firm favourite. Sandwiched between white sand beaches and lush national park, it’s little wonder this much-loved coastal town nabbed the top spot. There must be something in the air, because Shellharbour, just a stone’s throw from Kiama, was named runner-up.

The North Coast rounded out the top three, with the Northern Rivers town of Ballina claiming bronze, slipping back a spot after its silver win in 2024. Newcastle was named the NRMA People’s Choice winner, thanks to its reputation as a growing foodie and arts hub.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art, Newcastle
Newcastle is an arts and culture destination on the rise. (Image: Destination NSW)

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Top Small Tourism Town

The facade of Bar Beach Kiosk in Merimbula, NSW, Australia
The Bar Beach Kiosk in Merimbula. (Image: Bar Beach Kiosk)

The South Coast kept up its momentum, claiming #1 in the Small Towns category too, with Merimbula awarded gold. It’s hard to argue: this coastal town is abundant with fresh oysters, stunning natural beauty, and some stylish luxury digs to boot. It’s also a hotspot for whale watching, making this small town absolutely packed with things to do.

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The Big Potato in Robertson is now The Big Pig in celebration of the film, Babe.

Regional NSW shone in the rest of the category, with Robertson coming in at number two. Ever watched the movie Babe and marvelled at the dreamy pastoral scenes? You were actually looking at Robertson – not England –with the town making a strong case for the idyllic countryside of the state (so much so the eyesore that was the infamous pooh like Big Potato is now the Big Babe). Robertson also took out the NRMA People’s Choice Award in this category.

Gloucester, on the Mid-North Coast, brought up the rear with a bronze award, coveted for its Barrington Coast hinterland and excellent meat produce.

Top Tiny Tourism Town

Huskisson aerial shot on NSW South Coast
Huskisson is renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another South Coast town knocked out all the competition in the final category, completing a royal flush of victories.

The pretty beachside town of Huskisson, known as the gateway to Jervis Bay, secured gold—not skipping a beat since it was named top tiny town in the country in 2024.

Over in regional NSW, Hunter Valley wine country HQ Broke earned silver for the second year running, and the heritage village of Millthorpe (near Orange) claimed bronze as well as the NRMA People’s Choice Award.

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Here’s a summary of all the winners:

Top Tourism Town

  • Gold: Kiama

  • Silver: Shellharbour

  • Bronze: Ballina

  • NRMA People’s Choice: Newcastle

Top Small Tourism Town

  • Gold: Merimbula

  • Silver: Robertson

  • Bronze: Gloucester

  • NRMA People’s Choice: Robertson

Top Tiny Tourism Town

  • Gold: Huskisson

  • Silver: Broke

  • Bronze: Millthorpe

  • NRMA People’s Choice: Millthorpe

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Liz Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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8 insider experiences to discover the offbeat in Newcastle

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

    Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

    1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

    The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP.

    Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour.
    Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    2. Underground jazz scene

    Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground. The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel, King Street Newcastle, Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

     

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    3. The city as a canvas   

    The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery, adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

    Friends take in Newcastle Street Art.
    Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

    There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up, which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

    5. Newcastle after dark

    The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.  Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude. 

    A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background.
    Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    6. Indulge in great gastronomy

    Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos, through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle. Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug, Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

    The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW.
    Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

    7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

    Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.  Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

    The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection.
    Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

    8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

    Save the date for New Annual, a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

    Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra.
    Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

    Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.