"Three of regional NSW's consumer favourites were crowned winners, from the 30 finalist destinations at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Orange," said NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager, Greg Binskin.
"Tourism Associations, Councils, Local Chambers and Visitor Information Centres collaborated to enter their towns in the awards with the Highly Commended Awards going to Huskisson, Narooma and Ulladulla,” Mr Binskin said.
“Entrants submitted a short video, itinerary and editorial which was reviewed by a judging committee of 10 industry experts. The public then had their say, with more than 12,000 people casting a vote for their Top Tourism Town.
“Carcoar, the Tiny Town winner, was praised as a wonderful piece of living history and a brilliant place to recharge the batteries, step back to yesteryear and immerse in local hospitality.
“Berry, the Small Town winner, was admired as a gorgeous town between the mountains and the sea, with its greenery and gardens equalled only by the stunning historic homesteads and abundance of amazing shopping.
“Mudgee, Top Tourism Town winner was lauded as a beautiful town with lovely locals making it a truly special wine and foodies’ destination with the perfect amount of country charm.
“Newcastle, Moama and Khancoban’s outstanding efforts were recognised with Judges’ Awards, an accolade that recognises these communities’ outstanding efforts to showcase their town’s unique point of difference through their creative and compelling editorial, video and itinerary," Mr Binskin said.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the winners of the NSW Top Tourism Towns 2022 captured the essence and uniqueness of the state’s tourism offering.
“The incredible natural beauty and warm welcome that awaits in the Top Tourism Towns of NSW fulfill the compelling promise of the NSW Government’s Feel New tourism campaign,” Mr Ayres said.
“We know travellers want more than a checklist of things to see. They want experiences that inspire, amaze and revitalise. Carcoar, Berry and Mudgee are vibrant examples of the unique attributes of regional NSW that set our state apart from other visitor destinations and leave a lasting impression.
“Regional NSW is a key driver of the NSW visitor economy and these towns have set a benchmark that will ensure we achieve our goal of becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific."
The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council, and celebrate towns with a population under 1,500, between 1,500 and 5,000, and a population over 5,000 residents.
Carcoar, Berry and Mudgee will represent NSW at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards to be held later in the year.
Full list of award winners:
Top Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500 residents)
Winner – Carcoar
Highly Commended - Huskisson
Top Small Tourism Town (population between 1,500 and 5,000 residents)
Winner – Berry
Highly Commended – Narooma
Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000 residents)
Winner – Mudgee
Highly Commended – Ulladulla
Judges’ Awards
Top Tourism Town Editorial: Newcastle
Top Tourism Town Video: Moama
Top Tourism Town Itinerary: Khancoban
Judges’ Commendation
Milparinka