The secret’s out: this character-packed harbour town has just been named Australia’s number one.
Australia has a brand-new capital of cool, and this year, it’s all about the west. Fremantle in Western Australia has officially been named Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2025, taking out the coveted Gold award at a ceremony held at Parliament House in Canberra.
The annual awards, run by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), celebrate the small towns, big characters and passionate guides that bring travel in Australia to life.
Fremantle takes the crown
Freo is Australia’s best town. (Image: Getty Images/EyeEm Mobile GmbH)
“Fremantle, or Freo as the locals call it, is an exceptional destination," said ATIC CEO Erin McLeod.
“Its vibrant maritime heritage, thriving arts and music scene, world-class food and wine, and rich culture make it a standout winner as Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2025."
The best of the rest
Devonport was the 2024 Top Tourism Town. (Image: S. Group)
While Fremantle took the top spot, other towns across the country also shone.
Silver went to Devonport in Tasmania, a charming port city that took home Gold last year, while Bronze was awarded to Kiama in NSW, home of the iconic blowhole and pristine South Coast beaches.
Small and tiny towns
Bungendore in the Canberra Region took won the Small Tourism Town. (Image: Destination NSW)
The awards also spotlight smaller communities that punch well above their weight.
Bungendore in the Canberra Region took Gold in the Small Tourism Town category, impressing with its historic streetscape and creative culture. Followed by Deloraine in Tasmania winning Silver, and Airlie Beach in The Whitsundays winning Bronze.
Trentham in Victoria claimed Gold in the Tiny Tourism Town category, with its charming main street, lush gardens and proximity to the Wombat State Forest. Silver and Bronze awards went to Huskisson in NSW and the Town of 1770 in Queensland, which was also voted one of Australia’s best beaches in 2025, proving that incredible visitor experiences are spread across the map.
Why the awards matter
Trentham in Victoria won Gold for the Tiny Tourism Town.
Now in its fifth year, the Top Tourism Town Awards highlight the communities and guides that power Australia’s visitor economy. Tourism Australia’s executive GM of corporate affairs, Tanya Bowes, noted that tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities across Australia.
Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards chairperson Shaun de Bruyn said the awards shine a spotlight on the communities and guides who bring Australian tourism to life through local knowledge, warmth and genuine connection.
“Our regional destinations play a crucial role in Australian tourism, offering authentic experiences that support local towns and attract visitors from near and far."
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Why settle for another landlocked weekend away when you could spend a thrilling few days sipping cocktails poolside with friends and family, taking in a Broadway-style musical, and having once-in-a-lifetime adventures—all without leaving Australia?
Royal Caribbean’s summer 2025/26 season packs all the excitement and variety of a cruise holiday into a new lineup of weekend getaways. There’s something for everyone on board, from your mum who just wants to relax at a spa to your adrenaline-junkie mate who is keen to skydive in a simulator on the deck. With two world-class ships making debut voyages from Brisbane and Sydney, there’s never been a better time to plan the ultimate short getaway with a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise.
Why cruise?
The ultimate adventure, close to home.
On a short cruise holiday, you’ll set sail with zero planning stress, booking drama, or traffic woes, knowing your itinerary is jam-packed with fine dining and adventure (or relaxation, if that’s more your vibe). And everyone’s needs will be catered to, from your parents to your gourmand partner to your toddler niece. All main meals* and most onboard activities are seamlessly included in your fare, from Royal Caribbean Entertainment to the Adventure Ocean® Kids’ Club.
The ship
Scale new heights at sea with onboard rock climbing.
Sailing from Sydney for the first time, Anthem of the Seas® is an award-winning ship. It boasts 360-degree views from its thrilling North Star® observation capsule – the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship, anywhere, stretching an astonishing 91 meters above the ocean. And it offers tailored adventures for families and friend groups alike.
Thrill-seekers can on the FlowRider® Surf Simulator, or try out the bumper cars. For those looking to chill, relax poolside at the adults-only Solarium with a cocktail in hand. Experience some culture and show-stopping entertainment with a Broadway-style production of We Will Rock You.
Or set sail aboard Voyager of the Seas® , making her debut voyages from Brisbane this summer with a turbo-charged slate of activities, including mini golf and ice skating, as well as The Perfect Storm℠ – a three-storey high-speed waterslide.
Onboard activities
The onboard dining scene is legendary.
Royal Caribbean’s onboard dining scene rivals what you’d find in any top global city, bringing top chefs and inventive flavours from around the world right to your ship’s deck. From Japanese sushi bars to old-world Italian joints, late-night cafes, private room service and five-course, white-tableclothed Chef’s Table culinary journeys, there’s something to suit every mood and palate.
For those craving relaxation, the Vitality℠ Spa and Fitness Centre offers a full menu of massages, facials, hair and nails, teeth whitening and even medi-spa treatments to plump skin and smooth wrinkles. Not to mention state-of-the-art gym facilities. Or take in the pristine views at the adults-only Solarium, a serene retreat space featuring tranquil pools and whirlpools.
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When night falls, the drama amps up with a slate of award-winning shows: We Will Rock You, the Queen musical playing on board Anthem of the Seas®, or Ice Odyssey, a dazzling and futuristic spectacle performed on Voyager of the Seas® ’ very own ice rink. Or bar hop before catching some live music, a comedy show, a silent disco, an outdoor film night, and so much more.
Where can you sail?
Snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef.
Departing from Brisbane, take a four-night getaway to stunning Airlie Beach, Queensland on board Voyager of the Seas®. Along the way, spend time immersed in Airlie Beach, where you can take a Segway tour, hop on a glass-bottom boat and try an ocean rafting eco-adventure. Book a Shore Excursion and take a trip to the Whitsunday Islands for snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, or hike to secluded beaches in Molle National Park.
If you prefer to depart from Sydney, hop on board Anthem of the Seas® for a five-night holiday to Hobart, Tasmania. You’ll spend time docked in Hobart experiencing Tasmania’s other-worldly beauty and famous culinary scene, from hikes and horse rides on Mount Wellington to strolls through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens to winery tours in the countryside and up-close encounters with Tasmanian devils.
Days at sea are a chance to create your own adventure and savour it all, from the ships’ astonishing breadth of dining experiences and activities to the serenity of the open seas to unhurried moments with loved ones – the most memorable part of any holiday.
Book a short getaway that everyone will love (and don’t compromise on forever memories) at RoyalCaribbean.com.au.
*T&Cs apply. Specialty dining and select beverages and some activities incur an additional cost. Activities vary by ship.
