The NSW Tourism Association is celebrating the finalists for the 2025 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, recognising the state’s most welcoming and memorable destinations.

Proudly supported by the NRMA's Open Road magazine, the awards celebrate towns that excel in delivering outstanding visitor experiences and embody the spirit of tourism.

Finalists were assessed on compelling storytelling, tourism appeal and community pride.

Towns competed in one of three categories based on population size:

  • Top Tourism Town – Population over 5000
  • Small Tourism Town – Population between 1500 and 5000
  • Tiny Tourism Town – Population under 1,500

Winners—including the coveted NRMA People’s Choice Award—will be announced on 27 May 2025 at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference, hosted this year in Tweed Heads.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said the awards showcase the strength of the visitor economy in regional NSW.

“Congratulations to the Top Tourism Towns finalists for 2025! These awards shine a spotlight on the towns that continue to surprise, delight and inspire travellers.

"From beachside escapes to mountain hideaways and outback icons, each finalist represents the incredible diversity and vitality of our regional tourism communities.”

NRMA Chief Membership Officer Victoria Doidge said: “The NRMA is passionate about road trips and one of Australia’s largest providers of tourism experiences.

"We know how important the industry is to every town and centre across our nation. Road trips and tourism are the lifeblood of so many regional towns and we are lucky to have some of the world’s best tourism destinations in our backyard.

"The NRMA's Open Road is proud to support the NSW Top Tourism Awards. Congratulations to all the finalists this year.”

NSW Top Tourism Town Awards finalists

Top Tourism Town: Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Kiama, Kingscliff, Newcastle, Shellharbour, Terrigal, Wagga Wagga, Yamba

Small Tourism Town: Gloucester, Merimbula, Oberon, Robertson

Tiny Tourism Town: Broke, Bulahdelah, Darlington Point, Huskisson, Millthorpe, Wentworth, Wollombi

Winners will go on to represent NSW at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra later this year.