Carcoar, Berry and Mudgee have been named NSW’s Top Tourism Towns for 2022, selected as the state’s most compelling destinations for an outstanding visitor experience.
More than 12,000 people cast their vote for this year’s Top Tourism Towns awards from a list of 30 finalists, with the winners announced at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Orange this week.
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.
“Tourism is back and 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.”
NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager Greg Binskin said the awards celebrated towns with a population under 1500, between 1500 and 5000, and a population over 5000 residents.
“Carcoar, Top 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,” Mr Binskin said.
“Berry, 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.”
The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council, with tourism associations, local councils, local chambers and visitor information centres collaborating to enter their towns.
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 Town Editorial: Newcastle
Top Tourism Town Video: Moama
Top Tourism Town Itinerary: Khancoban
Judges’ Commendation
Milparinka
