Kiama crowned NSW Top Tourism Town
Come for the blowhole, stay for much more: Kiama has been crowned the NSW Top Tourism Town for a second year running.
The NSW Tourism Association released its list of winners for 2025 during a ceremony in the Tweed region.
Kiama’s stunning natural landscapes, attractions and strong sense of place were recognised for the second year running.
Shellharbour, located about 20 minutes north of Kiama, was awarded silver and Ballina on the NSW north coast received bronze – backing up a silver in 2024.
Each nominated town was required to complete a submission process that demonstrated excellence in tourism storytelling, visitor appeal, and community collaboration. Submissions also included a consumer element incorporating reviews and votes for people’s favourite destinations.
In the Small Tourism Town (population 1500-5000) category, Merimbula earned gold, demonstrating its continued rise as a premier South Coast destination. Robertson in the Southern Highlands finished with silver, while Gloucester in the Barrington Coast hinterland came home with bronze.
In the Tiny Tourism Town category, the South Coast region of NSW shone once again after Huskisson secured gold for a second consecutive year, following 2024 state and national titles.
Broke in the Hunter Valley earned silver for the second year running, and Millthorpe (south of Orange) claimed bronze, affirming strong community and visitor support.
“These awards reflect the depth and resilience of regional tourism, especially after the last few years of challenges,” said NSW Tourism Association chief executive, Natalie Godward. “The incredible effort these local communities put into creating places where visitors feel truly welcome is inspiring.”
The 2025 Top Tourism Town awards also marked the introduction of the NRMA People’s Choice awards, reflecting towns voted for by the public.
Newcastle secured the NRMA People’s Choice Award (for population above 5000 people), showcasing its growing popularity with visitors.
Robertson was awarded the Small Tourism Town NRMA People’s Choice Award, while Millthorpe took out the Tiny Tourism Town NRMA People’s Choice Award.
All gold-winning towns will go on to represent NSW at the 2025 Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra later this year.
The Top Tourism Town awards are proudly supported by NRMA and will feature in the spring edition of Open Road magazine.
“At the NRMA, we know road trips are at the heart of regional exploration,” said NRMA Parks & Resorts chief executive, Paul Davies.
"We’re proud to showcase these award-winning towns to our members and inspire the next great getaway. Congratulations to all the 2025 winners.”
The class of 2025: Top Tourism Towns awards
Top Tourism Town (Population over 5000):
- Gold: Kiama
- Silver: Shellharbour
- Bronze: Ballina
Small Tourism Town (Population 1500-5000):
- Gold: Merimbula
- Silver: Robertson
- Bronze: Gloucester
Tiny Tourism Town (Population under 1500):
- Gold: Huskisson
- Silver: Broke
- Bronze: Millthorpe
People's Choice Awards:
- Top Tourism Town: Newcastle
- Small Tourism Town: Robertson
- Tiny Tourism Town: Millthorpe
