Each year the NSW Tourism Industry Council comes together to deliberate on which NSW town will take the top spot at the Tourism Town of the Year. This year, the finalist list was filled with some tough competition, which you can read about here. So, which town came out on top? That would be the coastal town of Kiama. 

Just two hours south of Sydney, you’ll find Kiama in the Illawarra region. Known for its gorgeous beaches, blowholes, volcanic rock formations, ocean pools and epic surf spots, the seaside spot is a long time favourite with families. It also has a bounty of good restaurants, cafes and stays that make a stay here even sweeter. 

Kiama wasn’t the only big winner. Huskisson took out the top spot for NSW’s Tiny Tourism Town, which only includes towns with fewer than 1,500 residents. This seaside town can be found 2.5 hours south of Sydney in the Shoalhaven region and is a popular spot for summer road trippers thanks to its cafes, shops and pubs. 

Last, but not least, is Berry, which claimed the title as the best Small Tourism Town for 2024, which is home to fewer than 5,000 residents. Berry needs no introduction. Almost 2 hours south of Sydney, the small village town in the Shoalhaven region is loved for its vineyards and incredible dining scene. 

So if you’re looking for long weekend plans, you won’t be disappointed by a stay at any of these top towns in NSW.

Related story: 17 short breaks near Sydney for your next long weekend escape