The winners of the Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2025, presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), were announced this morning during a ceremony held at Parliament House in Canberra.

Located in a picturesque valley in south-west NSW, the historic village of Bungendore took out Gold in the Small Tourism Town category (population between 1500 and 5000).

Queanbeyan-Palerang Council Deputy Mayor Esma Livermore said: "This is a remarkable achievement for Bungendore and our region.

"The heart and soul of Bungendore are its people, and this national award is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to creating memorable experiences for every visitor. We are incredibly proud to showcase the rich stories, artistry, and incredible hospitality that Bungendore is famous for on a national stage."

The South Coast celebrated two wins, with Huskisson taking out Silver in the Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1500) category and Kiama claiming Bronze in the Top Tourism Town (population over 5000) category.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said: "Reaching the national finals is a proud moment for Kiama and a reflection of our community's hard work and passion for welcoming visitors. We may not have taken home the top prize this time, but we've shown that Kiama belongs on the national stage.

"I also congratulate our southern neighbour Huskisson, which won Silver in the Tiny Tourism Town category."

Local Sauce Tours founder Justin Steele won Bronze in the Top Tour Guide category, following his Gold win in the inaugural 2025 NSW Top Tour Guide Awards.

NSW Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Natalie Godward said: “These awards recognise the best of the best across the country, and it is wonderful to see NSW towns and guides celebrated at a national level.

"Kiama, Huskisson, Bungendore and Justin Steele are incredible ambassadors for our state, each offering unique and authentic visitor experiences that showcase the very heart of our communities."

Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the regional towns and tour guides that help to shape the landscape of Australian tourism by offering intimate and authentic experiences for visitors.

National finalists are determined from the Gold winners at the state and territory Top Tourism Town Awards.

Fremantle in Western Australia was crowned as Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2025.

Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards Chairperson Shaun de Bruyn said: “These awards shine a spotlight on the communities and guides who bring Australian tourism to life through local knowledge, warmth and genuine connection,” said

“Our regional destinations play a crucial role in Australian tourism, offering authentic experiences that support local towns and attract visitors from near and far.”

Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards represent part of the Quality Tourism Framework, an online system that includes Awards programs, practical tools and resources, and a suite of Quality Tourism business development programs supporting small, medium and regional tourism businesses to enhance their quality, accessibility and sustainability.

For more details about the awards and the 2025 winners and finalists, visit https://www.toptourismtowns.com.au/

To discover more about the Quality Tourism Framework, visit https://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/