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This historic port town was just crowned Australia’s best

Emily Murphy 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.

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AI Prompt

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."

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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.
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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

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    From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

    1. Festival of Sails

    the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
    The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    When: 24–26 January
    Where: Melbourne and Geelong

    This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

    2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

    cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
    Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    When: 31 January – 1 February
    Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

    Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

    3. Riverboats Music Festival

    the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
    The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

    When: 13–15 February
    Where: Echuca–Moama

    Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival. Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

    4. Neerim ArtsFest

    the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
    Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

    When: 28 February – 15 March
    Where: Gippsland

    This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

    5. ChillOut Festival

    a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
    Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

    When: 5–9 March
    Where: Daylesford

    Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival. This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

    6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

    Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
    Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

    When: 6–9 March
    Where: Port Fairy

    In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

    7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

    a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
    Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

    When: 7–9 March
    Where: Ballarat

    In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

    8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

    Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
    The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

    When: 3–6 April
    Where: Bendigo

    Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

    9. Grape Escape

    a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
    Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

    When: 1–3 May
    Where: The Grampians

    Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

    10. Comedy in the Vines

    Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
    Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

    When: 24–26 October
    Where: Yarra Valley

    The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines, held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.