The NSW Tourism Industry Council is excited to announce the finalists for the 2023 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, with 32 towns from across the state vying for the prestigious accolade.

“The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards provide communities, business chambers, visitor centres and local governments the chance to show how their town encourages tourism development, increases visitation and drives the visitor economy for our state,” NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director Paula Martin said.

“It’s a real testament to the resilience of these towns that we have an incredible 32 finalists in three categories: those with populations over 5,000 residents, those under 5,000 residents and tiny towns with a population fewer than 1,500 residents.

“The core of these awards centres on the collaborative efforts between the community and local businesses, working together to present their town as a premier tourism destination in NSW.

“By showcasing the unique locations, activities, cultural landmarks, and locally produced food and drinks, the awards boost the visitor economy and create positive social and economic impacts.

“In order to be considered as a finalist for the Top Tourism Town award, entrants had to go through a rigorous and highly competitive process. Participants had to present outstanding editorial pieces, captivating itineraries, and compelling videos as part of their submission.”

Now it’s time for the public to cast their vote with voting open until 5pm Friday 12 May 2023.

The winners will be announced at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference, on 30 May 2023.

Winners in each category will go on to represent NSW at Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards to be held later in the year.

“Get voting now and give them a much-needed boost after the past couple of challenging years,” Ms Martin said.

To vote visit: https://www.businessnsw.com/events/top-tourism-town-awards-2023-nsw

Top Tourism Town fewer than 1,500 residents

• Broke, The Hunter Valley
• Huskisson, South Coast
• Kangaroo Valley, South Coast
• Lightning Ridge, Outback NSW
• Mathoura, The Murray
• Milparinka, Outback NSW
• Rylstone, Country NSW
• Spencer, Central Coast 
• Tilba, South Coast
• Tyalgum, North Coast

Small Tourism Town with fewer than 5,000 residents

• Barham, The Murray
• Berry, South Coast
• Bulahdelah, North Coast 
• Cabarita Beach, North Coast 
• Eden, South Coast
• Gloucester, North Coast
• Gulgong, Country NSW
• Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains
• Sussex Inlet, South Coast

Top Tourism Town with populations over 5,000 residents

• Bathurst, Country NSW
• Coffs Harbour, North Coast 
• Dubbo, Country NSW
• Lake Macquarie, North Coast
• Moama, The Murray
• Newcastle, North Coast
• Oberon, Blue Mountains
• Picton, Sydney 
• Shellharbour, South Coast
• South West Rocks, North Coast 
• Ulladulla, South Coast
• Wollongong, South Coast
• Yamba, North Coast

For all media enquiries please contact:

Paula Martin - Executive Director, Regional NSW & Visitor Economy

0414 901 777