Kiama, Merimbula, and Broken Hill – NSW Tourism Triumphs Spark Joy and Economic Hope: All You Need to Know

Published on November 28, 2025

The New South Wales tourism sector is filled with pride. The 2025 NSW Tourism Awards celebrated state excellence. The main gala event was held in Sydney on Thursday. These prestigious awards honour hard work and innovation. The winners are tourism trailblazers across the state. This success story will greatly boost regional travel. It also inspires local communities with deep satisfaction.

Coastal Gems and Outback Stars Win Gold

Three key destinations earned the top town titles. Kiama was named NSW’s Top Tourism Town. Kiama’s vibrant coast and welcoming community excelled. Merimbula secured Gold as the Small Tourism Town. Merimbula was praised for its beautiful Sapphire Coast appeal. Huskisson triumphed as the Tiny Tourism Town winner. The town is the stunning jewel of Jervis Bay.

The NRMA People’s Choice Awards also named three favorites. Newcastle was recognized for its appealing city charm. Robertson and Millthorpe also received this special honour. This shows the strong connection visitors have with these towns. These winners will become new travel icons for NSW.

Official Gold Winners from the Gala Event

The main awards ceremony saw many businesses take Gold. The Major Tourist Attractions winner was announced. Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo proudly took the Gold medal. This confirms its status as a premier regional experience.

The Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash won Gold. This was for Major Festivals & Events. This highlights the undeniable pull of the NSW Outback. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) claimed a big win. It won Gold in the Tourist Attractions category. This showcases its blend of leisure and nature. Dean Cooper, an NRRT Regional Lead, spoke highly of the win. He said the award shows the trail’s broad appeal to all travellers. .

Other significant Gold winners emphasize NSW diversity.

• Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council won a Gold medal. This was for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences. Their Bundian Way Experience celebrates rich cultural heritage.
• City of Wagga Wagga secured Gold. This was for the Local Government Award for Tourism. This award confirms their commitment to the visitor economy.
• ICC Sydney won Gold in the Business Event Venues category. This cements its leadership in large-scale corporate tourism.

Accommodation and Adventure Excellence

The quality of NSW’s accommodation and tours was also celebrated.

• Mt Hay Retreat won Gold for 5 Star Accommodation. It offers a premium luxury stay near Berry.
• Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific won Gold for 4-4.5 Star Accommodation. It is a favourite on the Central Coast.
• Tathra Beach Eco Camp won Gold for Caravan & Holiday Parks. This shows a strong commitment to sustainable travel.
• Contained in Nimbin Accommodation took Gold for Self Contained Accommodation.
• The Belfry Guesthouse won Gold for Hosted Accommodation.
• Oz Jet Boating won Gold for Adventure Tourism.
• Vision Walks – Eco Tours won Gold for both Ecotourism and Tour & Transport Operators.

The Tocumwal Chocolate School secured Gold for Excellence in Food Tourism. Pipit Restaurant won Gold for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services. These wins guarantee unforgettable culinary experiences.

The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre won Gold. This was for Visitor Information Services. It has now entered the Hall of Fame. The Tweed Tourism Company won Gold for Tourism Marketing & Campaigns. They also entered the Hall of Fame.

Future Growth for the Visitor Economy

These outstanding results create huge optimism for the state. They confirm that NSW is offering world-class visitor experiences. The wins will actively inspire visitors to explore beyond the capital. This success generates significant momentum for the new year. It supports local employment across regional NSW. Every award winner is an essential ambassador. They are showcasing the state’s natural beauty and genuine community spirit.

The entire tourism industry feels immense pride in this achievement. The quality and passion of the winners guarantee a bright future. The success confirms NSW is ready to welcome the world. The state’s regions are now shining brighter than ever before. This truly is a joyous and economically hopeful time for all of NSW.