hero media

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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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.

Other categories

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
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.
View profile and articles
new nsw pink lakes
Outback NSW

Rare pink lakes set to draw visitors to the NSW outback

NSW is getting a dazzling new reason to plan an outback road trip. 

Read more
Mt Kanimbla Retreats bathtub
Blue Mountains

This Blue Mountains cabin might have Australia’s best bathtub view

At this timber-clad couples' haven, roaming ponies, a crackling fireplace and sweeping valley views all come standard. But the real pleasure is the privacy. 

Read more
Clayfields Hunter Valley Valley View bedroom
Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley’s new adults-only escape comes with its own beekeeper

Two adults-only villas, a resident beekeeper and honey straight from the hive – Pokolbin's newest stay has opened bookings.

Read more
coogee beach ranked 'poor' on 2026 State of the Beaches report
NSW

New study reveals NSW’s cleanest (and dirtiest) beaches

The 2026 State of the Beaches report shows NSW beach water quality has improved, except for a popular Sydney spot.

Read more
hero media

This new tour takes you to the best and most unexpected parts of NSW’s outback

Credit: Destination NSW

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
    Continue

    The outback is calling, and the adventure is made all the easier with this hot new AAT Kings’ tour.

    It’s the desert palette of rust-red earth and vast cobalt sky that calls you at first, for where better to get away from it all than the outback? Of course, once you start driving, taking note of all the weathered pubs, dusty tracks and tiny towns held together with humour, resilience and more corrugated iron than ever deemed possible, something else grabs a hold of you: the idea that far from the celebrated icons and landmarks associated with Australia, you’re finally immersed in an authentic slice of local life that few have ever experienced.

    Ancient landscapes, proud pastoral histories, ghost towns, culinary powerhouses and a rich Indigenous heritage; there are plenty of facets to life on the land. The best way to experience all of the above with both ease and like-minded friends? AAT Kings’ new Outback New South Wales Adventurer, a 9-day small group tour. This Sydney-return itinerary is designed to connect travellers not only with iconic outback destinations, but with the characters, culture and experiences that bring each place to life.

    Highlights? The Adventurer has more than a few, but here are eight to start.

    1. Broken Hill

    See the striking art at Living Desert and Sculptures. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Welcome to Broken Hill, where mining history, outback eccentricity and a surprisingly rich arts scene unite in a rusty desert landscape. In Australia’s first heritage-listed city, exploration is quickly rewarded. Begin with a guided walking tour taking in the city’s grand Victorian and Art Deco architecture. Later, enjoy visits to both the Broken Hill City Art Gallery and the Living Desert and Sculptures – the perfect place to enjoy the changing colours of an outback sunset. Of course, no visit to Broken Hill is complete without a stop at the historic Palace Hotel Broken Hill, famous for its role in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Happily, it makes for the perfect spot for dinner.

    2. White Cliffs

    people in a mine in white cliffs nsw
    Strap on your hardhat and head underground. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Strap on your hardhat and start spending your imaginary fortunes; White Cliffs, Australia’s oldest commercial opal field, is begging you to come in search of rare pineapple opals. Admittedly, you’re much more likely to find white opals, but the true gems of White Cliffs – where much is built underground to escape the desert heat – are everywhere.

    Here, you’ll descend 13.5 metres underground into a working mine to learn about the region’s heritage, and observe how miners continue the search for these prized gemstones. Perhaps you’ll even find a couple yourself?

    3. Mungo National Park

    mungo national park nsw outback
    Spend time in the striking, lunar-like landscape of Mungo National Park. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    With its lunar-like landscape made up of ancient, dried lake basins and sculpted sand and clay formations, a drive into UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park is somehow two things all at once: uniquely Australian with vast outback skies, and somehow otherworldly, as though you’ve been dropped off by spaceship. At its heart lies the iconic Walls of China, a 30-kilometre sand-and-clay lunette shaped by thousands of years of erosion.

    Understanding more than 40,000 years of Barkindji, Mutthi Mutthi and Ngiyampaa history begins with a visit to the Visitor Centre, and concludes with a sunset tour led by local Aboriginal guides. A key experience? Learning about the discovery of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady. At 40,000+ years old, these are among the oldest human remains found anywhere in the world.

    4. Kinchega National Park

    kangaroo in Kinchenga National Park nsw
    Meet the locals of Kinchega National Park. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Some come to Kinchega National Park for its iconic Darling River landscapes full of birdlife and haunting river red gums; others visit for its rich First Nations and pastoral history. Your visit will encompass all of the above, with a guided tour (part of AAT Kings’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience) designed to give a deeper understanding of Barkindji cultural heritage, history and traditions.

    Walk with local guide David as he shares ancestral knowledge and creation stories, and explains how native plants – through bush food and bush medicine – have sustained Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Then sit back and enjoy those views alongside native tea and sweet treats.

    5. Griffith

    chef at zecca restaurant in griffith
    Treat your tastebuds to ‘the food bowl of Australia’. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    How can you say no to a visit to a destination widely regarded as ‘the food bowl of Australia’? Shaped by fertile farmland and home to approximately 75 per cent of New South Wales’ wine grapes, this is a day to roll up your sleeves and enjoy the best gastronomy the state has to offer. Think vineyards, cellar doors, cafes and restaurants largely shaped by its multicultural heart (Griffith is not only home to over 60 nationalities, but has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry anywhere in Australia).

    6. Mudgee

    exterior of lower wines in mudgee nsw
    Visit some of Mudgee’s best wineries. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Nestled by the Cudgegong River, Mudgee packs a big punch for a heritage country town, having carved a reputation for itself as one of the country’s leading (and award-winning) wine regions, a key epicurean destination, and a regional arts centre growing in both visibility and vibrancy.

    Take a moment to enjoy the town’s 19th-century charm before heading to Lowe Family Wine Co. for a guided tasting of organic and biodynamic wine, followed by a relaxed lunch featuring a feast of homegrown and local produce. Will you walk away with bottles of Mudgee’s iconic reds under your arms? It’s a distinct possibility.

    7. Silverton

    see the living ghost town of silverton on AAT Kings new NSW outback tour
    See the living ghost town of Silverton.(Credit: Destination NSW)

    A once-booming silver mining hub, the dystopian setting for Mad Max 2, and now a tranquil settlement that’s home to around 50 people; Silverton is considered a living ghost town and remains a sight to behold.

    Take time to explore its heritage streets (and perhaps take a look at the quirky Mad Max 2 Museum) and the Silverton Hotel, an iconic outback pub, before a visit to Silverton Gaol & Historical Museum. It’s home to a wealth of colonial artefacts, early mining equipment and stories from the outback’s pioneering past which will serve to anchor you firmly in place.

    8. Shear Outback

    man working at shear outback in nsw
    Get a glimpse behind the wool curtain. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    If you ever find yourself singing, “click go the shears boys, click, click, click…”, you’ve come to the right place. Shear Outback, an award-winning tourist and education attraction located in Hay, brings to life the traditions and stories of one of the outback’s most enduring industries: sheep shearing.

    Here, in the heart of the Riverina, you’ll enjoy live shearing demonstrations, meet the shearers, shedhands, sheepdogs and yes, sheep, who come together to show guests exactly what it takes to provide Australians with all that glorious wool.

    Discover more of Outback NSW with AAT Kings. Visit aatkings.com.