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
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
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 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
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
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
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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