This region took out all the top town titles in NSW

By 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)

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.

Big things Australia

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.

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

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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Two new scenic bushwalks have opened in a breathtaking NSW conservation area

    By Rachael Thompson
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    The Broad Swamp Loop Walk and Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track showcase the unique geology and diverse ecosystems of the Gardens of Stone area.

    Two new walking tracks in the picturesque Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA) have opened just in time for the warmer months and the school holidays. The Broad Swamp Loop Walk and Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Tracks showcase the unique geology and diverse ecosystems of the Gardens of Stone area near Lithgow, offering photographic opportunities, wildlife encounters and immersion in a rare and fragile landscape.

    Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Trish Doyle shared her enthusiasm for the new walking tracks:

    “The tracks are fantastic news for families, hikers and nature lovers and will be a drawcard for visitors, driving economic and tourism growth and creating new bushwalking routes of international significance in our backyard.” 

    Two people on a bushwalk with yellow wattle blossoming.

    Walk through swathes of wattle.

    Broad Swamp Loop is a family-friendly six-kilometre walk among towering eucalypts and vibrant wattles. This Grade Three track takes approximately one to two hours to complete and offers views of the largest swamp in the park, while protecting it as an endangered ecological community via bog bridges. Keep a keen eye out for red-necked wallabies and echidnas who call this area home.

    The more adventurous and challenging Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track stretches 17.5 kilometres, requiring hikers to traverse gullies and cliff lines. This Grade Three walk takes approximately seven to eight hours to complete (one-way), gaining an elevation of 100 metres from the lush valley with towering trees to the winding steps up to a scenic clifftop view of Carne Creek with glimpses of Pyramid Rock. Without a car shuffle, the walk from Broad Swamp carpark to Carne View lookout is 25 kilometres return, taking approximately eight to 10 hours, so ensure you plan ahead.

    Hikers looking out at the Carne View Lookout

    The Carne View Lookout offers spectacular views.

    Part of the $49.5 million Gardens of Stone SCA visitor infrastructure program, these new tracks are the result of 18 months’ work to transform an eroded trail into a world-class hiking track.

    “These new walking tracks help protect biodiversity by converting an eroded informal trail into a world-class hiking adventure so more people can enjoy the park,” shared National Parks and Wildlife Service Director, David Crust.

    Upgrades to the Lost City precinct have also been completed to offer better convenience for visitors, with a formalised car park, road enhancements, toilets and visitor information.

    The transformation is the first stage of a planned multi-day walk, with new precincts, Bungleboori Picnic Area and Forest Campground, to be completed over the next two years.

    Hikes on a bushwalk with mountains in the background

    The Broad Swamp to Birds walking track meanders through grassland.

    To know before you go

    – There is no phone reception on either walk. 

    – There is no drinking water along the way.

    – Closures due to construction will continue over the next 12-18 months, so check each walk is open in advance.

    – To do the Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track as a one-way trip, you’ll need two 4WD vehicles, as Birds Rock car park is only accessible by 4WD. It is a 30-minute drive between Broad Swamp car park and Birds Rock car park.