This region took out all the top town titles in NSW

Elizabeth WhiteheadBy Elizabeth Whitehead
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It’s that time of year again, when the towns of NSW battle it out for the crown of the state’s Top Tourism Town.

The winners are officially in. NSW’s top towns for 2025 have just been decided across three categories: Top Tourism Town, Top Small Tourism Town, and Top Tiny Tourism Town, with the addition of an NRMA People’s Choice winner in each category.

One region swept the competition – and we can’t say we’re too surprised. The South Coast scored not one, not two, but three #1 spots. Read on for the full list of winners below.

Top Tourism Town

Invigorate yourself with a cold plunge at Kiama’s ocean pools. (Image: Destination NSW )

Kiama took out the top gong for the second year in a row, solidifying its place as a firm favourite. Sandwiched between white sand beaches and lush national park, it’s little wonder this much-loved coastal town nabbed the top spot. There must be something in the air, because Shellharbour, just a stone’s throw from Kiama, was named runner-up.

The North Coast rounded out the top three, with the Northern Rivers town of Ballina claiming bronze, slipping back a spot after its silver win in 2024. Newcastle was named the NRMA People’s Choice winner, thanks to its reputation as a growing foodie and arts hub.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art, Newcastle
Newcastle is an arts and culture destination on the rise. (Image: Destination NSW)

Top Small Tourism Town

The facade of Bar Beach Kiosk in Merimbula, NSW, Australia
The Bar Beach Kiosk in Merimbula. (Image: Bar Beach Kiosk)

The South Coast kept up its momentum, claiming #1 in the Small Towns category too, with Merimbula awarded gold. It’s hard to argue: this coastal town is abundant with fresh oysters, stunning natural beauty, and some stylish luxury digs to boot. It’s also a hotspot for whale watching, making this small town absolutely packed with things to do.

Big things Australia
The Big Potato in Robertson is now The Big Pig in celebration of the film, Babe.

Regional NSW shone in the rest of the category, with Robertson coming in at number two. Ever watched the movie Babe and marvelled at the dreamy pastoral scenes? You were actually looking at Robertson – not England –with the town making a strong case for the idyllic countryside of the state (so much so the eyesore that was the infamous pooh like Big Potato is now the Big Babe). Robertson also took out the NRMA People’s Choice Award in this category.

Gloucester, on the Mid-North Coast, brought up the rear with a bronze award, coveted for its Barrington Coast hinterland and excellent meat produce.

Top Tiny Tourism Town

Huskisson aerial shot on NSW South Coast
Huskisson is renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another South Coast town knocked out all the competition in the final category, completing a royal flush of victories.

The pretty beachside town of Huskisson, known as the gateway to Jervis Bay, secured gold—not skipping a beat since it was named top tiny town in the country in 2024.

Over in regional NSW, Hunter Valley wine country HQ Broke earned silver for the second year running, and the heritage village of Millthorpe (near Orange) claimed bronze as well as the NRMA People’s Choice Award.

Here’s a summary of all the winners:

Top Tourism Town

  • Gold: Kiama

  • Silver: Shellharbour

  • Bronze: Ballina

  • NRMA People’s Choice: Newcastle

Top Small Tourism Town

  • Gold: Merimbula

  • Silver: Robertson

  • Bronze: Gloucester

  • NRMA People’s Choice: Robertson

Top Tiny Tourism Town

  • Gold: Huskisson

  • Silver: Broke

  • Bronze: Millthorpe

  • NRMA People’s Choice: Millthorpe

Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Harbour views and seasonal luxuries: this Sydney hotel is elevating Christmas

    Aaron GillBy Aaron Gill
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    Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

    An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

    This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

    A stay at Park Hyatt

    couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room
    Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

    If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

    Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

    aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool
    Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

    Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

    The festive stay package

    Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

    The Summer Kit

    branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background
    Take home a branded tote bag.

    Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

    Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

    The details

    The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

    Christmas dining

    christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney
    Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

    For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

    From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

    On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

    “Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

    Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

    Exploring Sydney

    woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney
    The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

    For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

    The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

    Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

    Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

    For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.