nsw top tourism town 2023

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It's official: Newcastle is one of the top tourism towns in NSW

Newy took out gold for 2023

If you know, you know already – but now, everybody else does too. In breaking news from the folks over at Business NSW, Newcastle   has taken out ‘Top Tourism Town in NSW’ for 2023, and if you’re a Newy local, you’re probably not surprised. 

Newcastle has long been a well-kept secret for its sandy footed locals. With its abundance of pristine beaches and excellent surf, along with its blossoming food, drink and culture scene, this increasingly vibey coastal town is definitely worth its salt when it comes to being a) a great place for a holiday and b) just a bloody good time. 

Newcastle has really come up in the last few years, with it becoming home to a variety of vibrant boozers and eateries that all deserve a lil’ trip up north, just for themselves alone. With everything within easy walking distance from one another, we loved grabbing a coffee and sandwich at Arno Deli , an excellent dinner at Flotilla ,  Jana and  Humbug , and then getting to sleep overnight in the world-class funky hotels of QT Newcastle and Crystalbrook Kingsley.  

Newcastle feels like an Australian coastal small town– but with a distinctly metropolitan twist.

Newcastle is also home to an abundance of ocean-swept nature that calls for a proper explore. Whether it's getting to dip in the crystal waters of Nobby’s and Mereweather beaches, seeing whales coast by from the 360 degree viewpoint of the ANZAC walk, or watching annual world surf comps from the shore, Newcastle knows how to do wild seaside experiences well. We just recomm end you follow it all up with a blazing sunset over the water and cocktail on the QT Newcastle’s rooftop bar – because, obviously.

The Business NSW ‘Top Tourism Town Awards’ go down every year, but this time, NSW’s south coast really came through swinging. The Top Tiny Town was Huskisson , while the Top Small Town winner was Berry . 

You can see all the runners-up and honourable mentions for this years’ awards right here , but in the meantime – you’ll find us in Newcastle, pref with something delicious in hand. 

Want more guidance on what to do when you're in that neck of the woods? Check out our weekend in Newcastle guide.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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46 Marine Parade The Entrance, NSW, 2261

Spencer in the running for NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2023

VOTE  NOW

We are incredibly proud to call spencer a town of the central coast..

VOTE NOW   for your Top Tourism Town!

FINALIST #1 - SPENCER

Venture into the Central Coast's Hinterland gems via Spencer and you may just feel like you’ve found the “Hub of the universe”... Spencer is the hub of many things – from sustainable art, to scenic sips, from vast waterway vistas, to secret stories from the past. Spencer's surrounds also reveal World Heritage listed walks, immersive tours, and the freshest local produce enjoyed straight from the source.

Spend two days in Spencer

Arrive early in the morning to watch the mist softly rise over the mountains that hug the Hawkesbury River, or soak up the ambience late into the evening dining on fresh river prawns caught especially for you.

Explore the extensive heritage and historical elements and engage with the locals while immersing yourself in ecotourism experiences like walking, hiking, boating, fishing and kayaking.

With a small list of local operators in Spencer village who are committed to offering guided cultural tours, food and beverage hospitality services, boat vessel and campground hire, plus those offering privately owned accommodation options we are sure whatever you do in Spencer, special memories will be made of this beautiful little township.

See the whole itinerary here

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NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2023

by emma | 7 May | 0 comments

The Eden Visitor Information Centre recently entered Eden into the category of Small Tourism Town (population 1500-5000) in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2023, and we are extremely proud to announce that Eden has been named as a Finalist.

The Top Tourism Town Awards provide communities, business chambers, visitor centres and local governments the opportunity to showcase what makes their town special and unique, encourage tourism development, increase visitation and drive the visitor economy. The awards are managed by the state’s peak tourism organisation, the NSW Tourism Industry Council, and take in entrants from across the state in three categories – Tiny Tourism Town (population less than 1500), Small Tourism Town (population 1500-5000) and Top Tourism Town (population above 5000). Entrants are required to submit a short video, itinerary and editorial which is then reviewed by a panel of industry experts before finalists are named. The next stage of the competition then begins with the Finalists entering a public voting period which will run from Friday 28th April to Friday 12th May before winners will be announced Tuesday 30th May.

“This is Eden’s chance to really shine, and we would love to see all those people who have visited Eden over the years as well as the local community cast their vote to help us take home the gold!” said Clair Mudaliar, Manager of the Eden Visitor Information Centre.

Eden’s unique offering of history, heritage, and natural beauty has always shone bright, but over recent years with the growth of the tourism industry more and more people are realising what a truly amazing destination it is. The community, its volunteers and businesses have rallied to support and create new offerings including world class mountain bike trails, port infrastructure to receive record numbers of cruise ship visits, extensions to the indigenous pathway of the Bundian Way, a new visitor centre, and renovations of historic buildings such as the Hotel Australasia.

“We are so honoured to be named a finalist in the top tourism town awards for 2023. Eden is a such a wonderful town to explore and is currently experiencing significant growth in the tourism sector, which is so exciting to see.” said Lana Wills, Chairperson of Eden Tourism Inc.

Eden’s entry can be viewed here – don’t forget to vote! https://www.businessnsw.com/events/top-tourism-town-awards-2023-nsw/eden-finalist

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Newcastle, NSW

Newcastle is a colourful city that's anything but ordinary. When you indulge your curiosity and uncover Newcastle's vibrant culture, rich heritage and electric atmosphere, you experience an unexpected feast for the senses and leave with enticing stories and a satisfied spirit.

Surrounded by stunning coastline and world-renowned surf beaches, the ocean feeds the soul of our compact city. Rather than check in and put your feet up, have your perceptions challenged and seek off beat in our boutique city.

NSW takes crown in 2023 Aussie Town of the Year Awards

The winners of leading travel app Wotif's 2023 Aussie Town of the Year Awards have been announced today.

For the sixth year running, Wotif has revealed the top trending smaller domestic destinations amongst Aussie travellers for the year ahead, with the crown returning to NSW. 

The Wotif data index considers accommodation affordability, quality and traveller satisfaction when ranking Australia's best regional destinations of the year. 

This year, the trends show Aussies are committed to travelling locally, opting for shorter, more frequent domestic trips, with many looking to explore their own state more. 

Three-day-stays are on the rise, growing by over 30 per cent in 2022 compared to the previous year.

With the cost of living impeding on household budgets, Wotif Managing Director, Daniel Finch reveals many Aussies are factoring in financial reasons behind their travel choices.

"We know 29 per cent of Aussies are open to travelling to new destinations this year to keep costs down, and we hope by spotlighting these deserving destinations, all of which are extremely accessible, the awards inspire Aussies to explore and connect with regional destinations beyond the typical tried and tested."

So, let's see which Aussie towns according to Wotif are a must visit for your next getaway down under. Here are the top 10.

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10. Echuca, VIC

Known for its river, port and paddle steamers, Echuca's highlights include an amazing culinary scene, unique accommodation and great events, including the Winter Blues and Moama Lights.

Echuca was impacted by floods from The Murray River this past summer. But tourism operators – from wineries to restaurants and museums – are open for business and ready to welcome visitors with open arms.

9. Orange, NSW

Situated just a few hours west of Sydney, Orange is fast becoming one of Australia's best and award-winning cool-climate wine districts. The city is made up of charming countryside villages, wineries and boutique shops.

Maintaining the calm of a rural community while providing a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Orange is a great destination for couples, families or friends to relax over a long weekend.

8. Dunsborough, WA

Dunsborough is a picturesque coastal town just a three hour drive from Western Australia's capital, Perth. Visitors can walk through native bushland and along the pristine turquoise coastline before heading underground to check out the Margaret River Region's cave system.

7. Toowoomba, QLD

Just two hours from Brisbane, Toowoomba is the largest inland city in Queensland that blends quaint country charm with a buzzing cafe culture. 

Known as the Garden City for its range of stunning parks and gardens, the annual Carnival of Flowers is easily the highlight of the calendar year, attracting visitors from all around the world.

6. Merimbula, NSW

This seaside town on the NSW South Coast is home to a burgeoning food scene and great foodie experiences such as oyster shucking.

With sky high reviews, Merimbula boasts beautiful natural attractions including national parks, beaches, waterways, and scenic coastal trails ready and waiting for visitors to explore.

5. Ballarat, VIC

The largest city of the Central Highlands, Ballarat's appeal lies in its natural surrounds, heritage and modern culinary scene. Wandering along the laneways, you'll find countless cafes, restaurants and bars offering local produce and tasty brews.

4. Port Lincoln, SA

Arguably the foodie pick of the year, Port Lincoln is a vibrant coastal town in the Eyre Peninsula, known to many as "the seafood capital of Australia". 

Situated on one of the largest, protected natural harbours in the world, visitors can enjoy an array of ocean adventures and culinary experiences.

Think oyster farms, a chance to swim with Great White Sharks (the only place in Oz), or the place to sit back and enjoy the sea-to-plate food journey.

3. New Norfolk, TAS

Just a short drive from Hobart, New Norfolk is a charming, historic town situated on the stunning Derwent River. The third oldest settlement in Tasmania, New Norfolk has a rich heritage and is dotted with eclectic antique stores, historic buildings and green hops fields.

It also happens to be home to the oldest trout hatchery in the southern hemisphere – the Salmon Ponds.

2. Bundaberg, QLD

Bundaberg is arguably one of the best places to be in Queensland this year!

While many know the town for its signature rum distillery, what many don't know is that Bundaberg produces 25% of Australia's freshly grown produce, making the annual Taste Festival Farmers Market a not-to-be-missed event.

The Bundaberg region is just a plane or boat ride away from the first islands on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

1. Albury, NSW

Taking the number one spot this year is New South Wales' very own, Albury. 

Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, Albury is a vibrant regional city renowned for its stunning natural beauty and perfect blend of city and country living.

It is rich with cultural and culinary experiences, including premium restaurants and specialist whiskey and wine bars, while also in reach of ski fields, wine regions and mountains. Plus, thanks to direct flights from most capital cities and being just a scenic drive from both Sydney and Melbourne, it's the perfect accessible escape many are looking for this year.

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Vote now - 5 Shoalhaven towns finalists for NSW Tourism Town Awards

Published on 08 May 2023

Five Shoalhaven towns including Berry, Huskisson, Kangaroo Valley, Sussex Inlet, and Ulladulla have been shortlisted for the third annual NSW 2023 Top Tourism Town Awards.

Shoalhaven towns will be competing with a total of 32 remarkable towns across the state to claim the prestigious title of 'top tourism town' in three categories based on population size.

The NSW Top Town Awards, powered by Business NSW , aim to highlight the value of tourism and the visitor economy to towns across the state by showcasing the towns, people, attractions, and experiences that make NSW a 'must visit' destination.

With only one week to vote, which will make up 25 percent of the overall submission, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to jump online and have their say. Voting is restricted to one town per category here, with Huskisson and Kangaroo Valley in the under 1,500 category; Berry, Sussex Inlet in the population under 5,000 category; and Ulladulla in the population over 5,000.

Voting takes place on the Business NSW website.

Winners in each category will be announced in partnership with Local Government NSW at the LGNSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference to be held on Tuesday 30 May 2023 in Manly.

Winners in each category will go on to represent NSW at Australia's Top Tourism Town Awards and compete with other states to be held later in the year.

Mayor Amanda Findley said "We are delighted to see five of Shoalhaven's remarkable towns and villages represented among the 32 finalists from across NSW. Being recognized as finalists demonstrates the passion our business operators have for visitors and is a significant achievement after overcoming the challenges faced by the industry. Show your support for the towns you love and let's bring the win home to Shoalhaven!"

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Operational efficiencies are being found at Council’s Nowra and Ulladulla administration buildings where opening hours will be reduced for customers visiting or calling these offices.

Artists with a strong connection to the Shoalhaven are being offered the opportunity to exhibit their work in the region’s local gallery in Nowra.

Council is undertaking a review of its 637 open space and community facilities across the city to provide recommendations for how they will be managed into the future.

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One of the Central Coast’s hidden gems of the hinterland, the riverside town of Spencer, has been selected as a finalist in the Tiny Town category in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2023. 

Cast your vote for Spencer to see this remarkable town acknowledged – voting closes this Friday 12 May at 5pm!

The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the diverse and outstanding regional destinations in NSW, and it’s no surprise that Spencer has made it as a finalist. 

The small town of Spencer sits among some of the Coast’s most pristine natural beauty and is home to a thriving and tight-knit local community. 

While much of the Central Coast has faced major challenges over the last couple of years including the impact of COVID on tourism and multiple extreme weather events, this resilient town worked hard alongside Council’s Tourism Team to ensure it bounced back quickly and put the Central Coast back on the map. 

The community of Spencer prides itself on its local cuisine and outstanding tourism experiences for visitors, which helps bolster the social and economic benefits for the community. 

Tourism really is part of the fabric of Spencer and is well deserving of being a finalist in the Tiny Town category. 

Vote now: www.businessnsw.com/events/top-tourism-town-awards-2023-nsw

Rik Hart, Administrator   

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NSW visitor economy breaks new records

Both international visitor nights and expenditure in NSW have exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

September 24, 2024

NSW is celebrating another record-breaking year for its visitor economy, with total visitor expenditure reaching a new high of $52.9 billion.

Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data for the year ending June 2024 shows the state also recorded the largest increase nationally for international visitors, nights and expenditure.

Both international visitor nights and expenditure have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with spending soaring to a record $12.2 billion during the period.

International visitor spending rose to $11.1 billion in Sydney and $1.2 billion in regional NSW, surpassing expenditure during the same period in 2019.

NSW was Australia’s top destination for international visitors, visitor nights and expenditure during the period.

There were 3.7 million international visitors to NSW in the year ending June 2024 (up 35.6 per cent), who stayed 99.1 million nights (up 46.2 per cent) and spent $12.2 billion (up 41.9 per cent).

The top three international source markets to NSW were the United States, New Zealand and China.

Regional NSW welcomed 0.7 million international visitors, who stayed 17.1 million nights.

There were 101.6 million domestic and international visitors to NSW in the year ending June 2024.

Sydney was the number one Australian capital city for visitors, visitor nights and expenditure. It received 37.5 million international and domestic visitors who spent $26.8 billion across the period, an increase of 20 per cent since the year ending June 2019.

Regional NSW was the most popular destination across regional Australia in the year ending June 2024, with 65.4 million international and domestic visitors.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “The latest data confirms that NSW is Australia’s number one destination for both domestic and international visitors.

“NSW attracted record-breaking visitor expenditure throughout the last financial year and is leading Australia’s international visitor revival.

“Our state has an incredible depth and breadth of unique experiences that visitors love telling their friends and family about.

“Thank you to our world-class tourism businesses across the state for their hard work in delivering these unforgettable moments, which ensure NSW maintains its position as the leading visitor economy in Australia.”

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “NSW continues to break its own records for visitor economy growth and Destination NSW has a laser focus on leveraging the state’s strengths to fast-track the return of international visitation to 2019 levels.

“The state offers diverse and compelling destinations and experiences that inspire, amaze and revitalise visitors, providing lasting memories that encourage them to return again and again.

“Destination NSW is committed to providing visitor economy businesses with the training and support they need to grow sustainably which will ensure NSW continues to be the tourism powerhouse of the Asia Pacific.”

• Visitors spent $26.1 billion in regional NSW across the period.
• NSW welcomed 37.1 million domestic overnight visitors (up 2.6 per cent), who stayed 117 million nights (up 1.8 per cent) and spent $30.7 billion (up 1.5 per cent).
• In the year ending June 2024, there were 15.7 million domestic overnight visitors to NSW who engaged in nature and outdoor based activities during their trip. This was up 4.3 per cent on the previous year.
• Domestic overnight conference visitors to NSW spent on average $548 per night, which was 139.7 per cent higher than domestic leisure visitors spend per night ($228).
• Western Sydney accounted for more than one in five domestic overnight visitors to Sydney (20.3 per cent) in the year ending June 2024.
• Western Sydney welcomed a total of 2.2 million domestic overnight visitors in the year ending June 2024 (up 4.9 per cent on the previous year). They stayed 6.1 million nights and spent $1.4 billion (an increase of 13.7 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively, on the previous year).
• In the year ending June 2024, a total of 801,900 international and domestic overnight visitors participated in an Aboriginal tourism experience in NSW. These visitors stayed 20 million nights, contributing $3.2 billion in visitor expenditure.
• 289,400 domestic overnight visitors (up 15.2 per cent on YE June 2023) participated in an Aboriginal tourism experience across NSW who stayed 1.1 million nights (up 21.6 per cent) and contributed $498.8 million in visitor expenditure (up 14.8 per cent).
• 512,500 international visitors participated in an Aboriginal tourism experience across NSW (up 39.3 per cent on YE June 2019) who stayed 18.9 million nights (up 42.8 per cent) and contributed $2.7 billion in visitor expenditure (up 63.7 per cent).

View the TRA National Visitor Survey results here .

View the TRA International Visitor Survey results here .

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Beyond the icons: review recommends shift to experience-led tourism

Published: 22 September 2024

The forthcoming review into the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy recommends the Minns Government ‘adopt an experience-led strategy’ that takes visitors beyond the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House to experience the true depth and breadth of the state’s nature and culture.

Responding to research on demand trends and consultation with the industry, the review finds that visitors seek interactive experiences that enable them to connect deeply with local culture, natural landscapes and the people of NSW. This includes nature-based experiences, culinary and agritourism, art and culture, nightlife, First Nations experiences and wellness.

Research from BDA Marketing Planning and Tourism Research Australia highlighted the experience drivers influencing decision-making among domestic and international visitors. The top four ‘pull’ experience factors when planning a holiday include:

• NSW residents: good food and wine (43 per cent), coastal and beach experiences (40 per cent), history and heritage (30 per cent) and great shopping (27 per cent).
• Interstate visitors: good food and wine (43 per cent), coastal and beach experiences (40 per cent), history and heritage (31 per cent), road trips (30 per cent).
• International visitors: locations that offer beautiful natural environments (31 per cent), good food and beverages (27 per cent), natural wonders (22 per cent) and culturally significant sites (19 per cent).

In addition to the research, the review heard from over 600 visitor economy stakeholders who revealed through 40 round tables and a survey some consistent themes and opportunities for consideration including:

• Visitors want authenticity and to go where locals go.
• Develop and promote self-guided walks around Sydney’s arts and cultural institutions.
• Further develop multicultural precincts around Western Sydney.
• Nature and wellness identified as key opportunities for future growth.
• Opportunity to market NSW’s ‘early morning’ culture.
• Large opportunities to create experience trails: food, cycling, nature walks.
• Destination NSW to promote more regional drive itineraries.

The findings reinforce the importance of the NSW Government’s focus on creative industries, a thriving night-time economy and building neighbourhoods with distinct personalities through its housing and vibrancy agenda. Visitors expect world class experiences during the day and the night, and building vibrant diverse communities will continue to create more pull factors into the future.

The review into the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 was announced by the government in April 2024 and will set out a series of recommendations for future growth. Further recommendations will be released in the coming weeks, ahead of the new Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.

Having reached a record $51.4 billion of annual visitor expenditure in 2023, the NSW visitor economy is Australia’s biggest and is set for accelerated growth when the Newcastle International and Western Sydney International Airports open in the next two years. The refreshed strategy will position the NSW visitor economy to maximise future growth opportunities.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“The review’s recommendation is clear; the research tells us that elevating the world-class experiences on offer in NSW will be key to future growth in our visitor economy.

“People want more than a selfie at the Opera House, they want to find the unique parts of NSW that allow them to live like a local. This is what will keep visitors coming back time and time again.

“Our big Sydney Harbour icons are great drawcards, but NSW has so much more to offer. We need to do more work on creating and promoting the incredible experiences on offer in our state.

“Travellers will go home and tell their best travel story dozens of times in their lifetime. Those stories won’t be about the buildings they saw, it will be about the food they ate, the great show they saw, the spontaneous night out or the great characters they met.

“A big selling point highlighted in the review is our first light culture. These sunrise moments on sun-soaked beaches along with our wellness culture and great coffee, create some of the best early morning experiences in the world.”

Related ministerial media releases

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2024 NSW TOP TOURISM TOWN AWARDS

Recognising our outstanding regional destinations.

The Top Tourism Town Awards showcase the value of tourism to the towns and communities across NSW and celebrate the diversity and outstanding regional destinations of our State. 

Congratulations to all our 2024 winners below!

TINY TOURISM TOWN (POPULATION UNDER 1,500 RESIDENTS)

Gold  - Huskinson

Bronze -  Eugowra

Silver -  Broke

WINNER - HUSKISSON

SMALL TOURISM TOWN (POPULATION BETWEEN 1,500 AND 5,000 RESIDENTS)

Gold  - Berry

Bronze -  Gloucester

Silver -  Merimbula

WINNER - BERRY

LARGE TOURISM TOWN (POPULATION BETWEEN 1,500 AND 5,000 RESIDENTS)

Judges Commendation -  Murwillumbah

Gold  - Kiama

Bronze -  Newcastle

Silver -  Ballina

WINNER - KIAMA

Congratulations again to all our 2024 finalists!