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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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.