Sure, Sydney and Melbourne are great – but charm-wise, they don’t hold a candle to Australia’s towns. From idyllic coastal gems to quaint rural villages, our country is full of incredible towns that each have their own quirks and personalities – and here in New South Wales, we’re lucky to have some of the best, from winery-studded Mudgee to tulip-splashed Bowral. And we’re not the only ones that think so.
The results of Australia’s prestigious annual Top Tourism Town Awards have just dropped, celebrating winners across three categories: best tourism town (for towns with more than 5,000 residents), small town (for populations between 1,500 and 5,000), and tiny town (for populations less than 1,500). Kiama – a picturesque coastal town on the south coast of New South Wales – took home bronze for Australia’s Top Tourism Towns for 2025. Known for its stunning natural beauty, that big blowhole, and laid-back seaside vibes, Kiama is a cracking destination for sea salt-sprayed family holidays and relaxed, beachy weekend getaways.
RELATED READ: The biggest blowhole in the world is just under two hours’ drive from Sydney
Plus, with five beaut beaches to swim, surf and relax at, excellent coastal walking tracks, and being just a two-hour drive from the big smoke, Kiama is also one of our favourite and most accessible day trips from Sydney. (In fact, a few years ago it was named the best town in Australia!)
That wasn’t the only win for New South Wales, with Huskisson, a pretty village near the sugary-white sands of Jervis Bay, taking home silver in Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Towns for 2025. Time Out tip: Huskisson Bakery & Cafe makes delicious road-trip pies.
Held annually, the Top Tourism Town Awards aim to celebrate the towns of Australia that offer locals and travellers a taste of the country’s warmth, character and charm. Earlier this year, finalists from each state and territory were revealed, with the gold winners going head-to-head in the national showdown at Parliament House this morning (Wednesday, September 3). The competition was fierce, with the champions decided through a combination of public votes and scores from an expert industry judging panel.
You can read the full list of winners (and plan your next Aussie road trip accordingly) over here.
Australia’s Top Tourism Towns for 2025
- Gold: Fremantle, WA
- Silver: Devonport, TAS
- Bronze: Kiama, NSW
Australia’s Top Small Tourism Towns for 2025
- Gold: Bungendore, CBR
- Silver: Deloraine, TAS
- Bronze: Airlie Beach, QLD
Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Towns for 2025
- Gold: Trentham, VIC
- Silver: Huskisson, NSW
- Bronze: Town of 1770, QLD