This region took out all the top town titles in NSW

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)

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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.

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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

A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

1. El Vista, Circular Quay

bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars — Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

2. Bar Allora, CBD

Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Settle in for a taste of Italy.

Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

3. Percy, Pyrmont

Percy Sydney hotel bars — Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage in Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

5. Mee So, Sydney Central

For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky, and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

Bar Morris sydney — Settle into old-world European glamour.

Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

Pumphouse sydney — Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial-style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and is a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars — Drink where the celebrities once did.

Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney — See the city skyline, drink in hand.

Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place; it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.

This region took out all the top town titles in NSW

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.

Top Tourism Town

Top Small Tourism Town

Top Tiny Tourism Town