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This town of under 600 people just won NSW’s Top Tiny Town

Credit: Destination NSW

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
It’s award season for New South Wales towns, when they battle it out for the crown of the state’s Top Tourism Town.

The NSW Tourism Association has announced the winners of the 2026 NSW Top Towns Awards, celebrating the outstanding regional destinations across the state. With prizes shared across Top Tourism Towns, Top Small Tourism Towns and Top Tiny Tourism Towns.

Top Tiny Tourism Towns winner for 2026

Krinklewood Estate in Broke is Top Tiny Tourism Towns in NSW
Find boutique wineries like Krinklewood Estate. (Credit: Destination NSW)

More and more, a pull towards slowing down and escaping the grind is leading Australians to explore the country’s smaller towns, and this award celebrates exactly those towns drawing our attention. The winner? Broke, a tiny town of about 557 people in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.

While the wider Hunter Region is no secret, many don’t get beyond Pokolbin. But a little further exploration into Broke will reward visitors with some of the best boutique and sustainable wineries in the area. Not to mention lauded fine-dining options, World Heritage-listed nature, and ancient Indigenous rock art. The NSW Tourism Association credits the town’s win to being a “charming destination [that] invites you to slow down, savour award-winning wines and indulge in exceptional local food". And what more could you want?

Top Tiny Tourism Towns shortlist

Silver (and People’s Choice): Millthorpe

Old Mill Cafe & bakery in Milthorpe NSW
Drop into tasty Milthorpe favourites, like the Old Mill Cafe. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Once a major potato-growing area, the agricultural roots still run deep in Milthorpe, which, yes, does result in an incredible culinary scene. But this charming heritage town in Central West NSW has even more to offer, along the lines of picturesque historic streetscapes, cute boutique shopping and a unique colour palette for every season. All of this earned Milthorpe two awards in 2026: bronze and the people’s choice award.

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Bronze: Mungindi

Mungindi nsw
Hot pools and fishing await in this riverside border town. (Credit: John)

Mungindi is a small NSW-Queensland border town that packs a huge punch. On the banks of the Barwon River, fishing and boating enthusiasts will have a blast. This is big sky country, with peaceful riverside spots to chill out, and friendly locals who invite visitors to match their pace: slow and steady.

Further lean into relaxation at Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, sitting above the Great Artesian Basin. Soak in hot, mineral-rich water loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur. This water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

Hall of fame: Huskisson

whale in Huskisson nsw
Get a chance to swim with whales. (Credit: Destination NSW)

After three consecutive Gold wins, Huskisson celebrates its first year in the Hall of Fame. And who doesn’t love this jewel of Jervis Bay? All in one tiny town, visitors can find 16 beaches – each as gorgeous as the next, and offering a variety of watersports, a buzzing food scene and an abundance of wildlife. In fact, this is one of the best areas in Australia to spot or swim with dolphins and humpback whales.

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Top Tourism Town

Kiama, Sydney
Kiama won for the third year running. (Credit: Destination NSW)

For the third year in a row, Kiama took out the top spot for Top Tourism Towns (population over 5000). And with white sand beaches, lush hinterland and a thriving food scene, there is a lot to love. Lace up and soak in the water views along scenic coastal walks. Or try timing your visit with the town’s vibrant events calendar.

Silver: Orange
Bronze: Wollongong

Small Tourism Town

gulgong streetscape nsw
Wander historic streets. (Credit: Amber Hooper)

Childhood home of bush poet Henry Lawson, historic goldmining town and overall good time town, Gulgong, was the winner of the Small Tourism Town (population between 1500 and 5000) award. Walk through history on these heritage streets, pop into the town’s interesting museums to learn more and enjoy the scenic open spaces.

Silver: Gloucester
Bronze: Thirlmere

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

    This town of under 600 people just won NSW Top Tiny Towns