hero media

This historic port town was just crowned Australia’s best

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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

View Of Fremantle At Riverbank
Freo is Australia’s best town. (Image: Getty Images/EyeEm Mobile GmbH)

Affectionately known as Freo, Fremantle charmed judges, confirming what locals already know – this port city is one of Australia’s most compelling coastal escapes.

“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

Aerial shot of Back Beach in Devonport, Tasmania
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

The Bungendore Wood Works Gallery exhibits and promotes Australian wood art, giftware, sculpture and contemporary furniture by the country's foremost designer/makers in wood. The Gallery takes pride in the skill and art of Australia's craftspeople, and in the varied richness and beauty of native timbers.
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

High Street, Trentham
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
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.
See all articles
hero of gift guide
Australia

A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

Read more
A woman sits with her dog at her campsite by a campfire at Misty Mountain in NSW
Australia

The best-rated spots for a scenic hiking and camping trip in one

AllTrails and HipCamp teamed up to reveal the top 10 ‘tent-to-trail’ list; the best hiking and camping spots to visit in one holiday for plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature.

Read more
Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf in Elf
Australia

The ultimate 2025 Christmas movie watchlist

The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a solid movie marathon?  

Read more
An Aurora Australis display at night along the coastline
Australia

The aurora australis could light up Australian skies tonight

A major solar storm could bring one of the best aurora australis chances of the year.

Read more
hero media

The best places to wine and dine across regional Victoria

    Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
    Continue
    There’s no shortage of exceptional eateries in regional Victoria. From casual classics to finely tuned fine diners, here’s our pick of the plentiful bunch.

    Le Foyer Brasserie, Bendigo

    French plate at Le Foyer Brassiere, Bendigo
    Le Foyer serves upscale French fare.

    From the owners behind Bendigo’s beloved The Woodhouse comes this newly opened elegant French bistro. It’s all about welcoming warmth at this city fine diner, after all Le Foyer , translates to ‘the hearth’ in French. A place to linger in the chic, Parisian-style salon, the menu unfurls in the classics, from beef bourguignon to steak frites and mille-feuille.

    Riverbank Moama, Murray River

    seafood plate at Riverbank Moama, Murray River
    Dine on the banks of the Murray at Riverbank Moama. (Image: Cindy Power Photography)

    If you’re journeying on or beside the Murray, it’s only fitting that you dine by its banks. This nature-nestled restaurant by the river is idyllic for a long, sun-filled lunch. The menu is an unfussy playlist of the hits served with a seasonal spin – and the mood is as gently flowing as the nearby water.

    Felix, Geelong

    a bartender mixing up drinks at Felix, Geelong
    Felix offers a relaxed French bistro experience. (Image: Cameron Murray Photography)

    Soft brown banquettes, walnut hues and a terrazzo bar welcomes with relaxed French bistro vibes at Geelong’s Felix . But really, it’s the collage of simple, seasonal flavours that make this restaurant an easy-going favourite. Come for brunch or dinner; vegans are welcomed with a dedicated menu.

    The Perch, Lavers Hill

    a plate of food at The Perch, Lavers Hill
    Savour the seasonal menu at The Perch.

    A laid-back classic of the Great Ocean Road, The Perch at Lavers Hill welcomes those taking a pause from the serpentine drive. Lunch in the warm-wood dining room is accompanied by vineyard vistas and fleeting cameos from native birds.

    The Shared Table, Ballarat

    The Shared Table, Ballarat
    The Shared Table in Ballart.

    If you go for the ‘Dine without Decision’ option at this beloved eatery , you’re free from the tyranny of food envy with a chef-selected procession of dishes that highlight the bounty of the Midwest region. Think mochi gnocchi with pumpkin and XO or Western Plains pork cotoletta.

    Barragunda Dining, Mornington Peninsula

    Paddock-to-platedining at Barragunda Dining, Mornington Peninsula
    Paddock-to-plate dining at its finest. (Image: Arianna Harry Photography)

    This fine diner , which opened in early 2025, has been lauded as one of the region’s most ambitious and significant openings in recent years. Set on a 400-hectare, cliffside Cape Schanck property that delivers the kitchen with a cornucopia of produce, it’s elegant and honest paddock-to-plate dining at its most refined.

    Mount William Station, Grampians

    plating a dish at Mount William Station, Grampians
    Dine on elevated seasonal and local produce at Mount William Station. (Image: Phil Hocking)

    Whether you’re staying at this luxe historic station or just swinging in for dinner with friends, the shared table vibe here is country hospitality at its most welcoming and elevated. Seasonal and local produce guides chef Dean Sibthorp’s hand for plates finessed with the mountain-fresh flavour of the Grampians.

    Emerald City, Yarra Valley

    a curated plate at Emerald City, Yarra Valley
    Emerald City offers a curated dining experience that is wonderfully intimate.

    You’re certainly not in Kansas anymore when you slip behind the emerald curtain from Cavanagh’s Whiskey and Alehouse to the diminutive Emerald City . Allusions to the fraudulent wizard and Dorothy aside, this acutely intimate four-seat diner is a curated experience worthy of a road trip. As you may imagine, bookings are essential.

    du Fermier, Trentham

    dining at du Fermier, Trentham
    du Fermier is Trentham’s exquisite French fine diner. (Image: DJN Photography)

    Annie Smithers’ intimate, farmhouse-y French fine diner is not at all new, but it is every bit iconic. It’s long attracted food-lovers to its charming dining room for a set menu that undulates with the seasons. If you’re a gourmand to your core, book into one of Annie’s delightfully informal masterclasses.

    Messmates Dining, Gippsland

    diners at Messmates Dining, Gippsland
    Inside Messmates Dining. (Image: Fotoarco)

    This Warragul diner’s menu is a well-arranged collection of delicious, farm-forward morsels crafted, quite simply, to delight. Dishes such as French onion dip scooped onto nigella seed crackers and fresh-made pasta tossed with a black pepper and butter emulsion are all about balanced, enjoyable flavours paired with good wine.