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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

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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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant, part of The Hinterland Collection, is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House. This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au.