The winners of Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2024 have been revealed, with towns across the country recognised for their contributions to regional tourism.
Hosted in Canberra at Parliament House, these awards celebrate towns of varying sizes that offer visitors more than just a scenic backdrop; they provide authentic, impactful experiences that reflect the essence of Australian tourism. From well-known coastal towns to small, lesser-visited communities, these awards shine a spotlight on the places doing regional tourism right.
Devonport, Tasmania – Australia’s Top Tourism Town 2024
Devonport in Tasmania was named Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024, taking home the Gold for its role as a key player in Tasmania’s visitor economy. While Devonport has long been known as the arrival point for those travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania, the town has gradually positioned itself as more than just a transit hub.
Devonport’s win reflects its strategic importance in regional tourism, serving as the gateway to Tasmania’s northwest, which features some of the island’s most visited natural attractions. The town has successfully capitalised on this role by improving visitor services and offering a range of experiences that cater to tourists passing through as well as those staying longer.
Erin McLeod, CEO of the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), noted the significance of the award, stating that it recognises Devonport’s importance as “a vibrant gateway” to broader Tasmanian experiences. The town’s steady investment in tourism infrastructure and its commitment to showcasing local culture and landscapes played a big part in its victory.
Exmouth, Western Australia – Small Tourism Town Winner
Exmouth won Gold in the Small Tourism Town category, which includes towns with populations under 5,000. This win acknowledges Exmouth’s strategic leverage of its proximity to the Ningaloo Reef, one of Australia’s most significant marine ecosystems.
According to the Australian Tourism Industry Council, Exmouth’s success in this category is largely due to its focus on eco-tourism and the careful management of its natural resources. The town has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable tourism, balancing the demands of increasing visitor numbers with conservation efforts. The town’s management of the Ningaloo Reef experience, which allows visitors to swim with whale sharks and explore coral reefs, showcases how local businesses and tourism operators are working to ensure long-term sustainability while promoting world-class tourism experiences.
Huskisson, New South Wales – Tiny Tourism Town Winner
Huskisson, located on the NSW South Coast, took out the Tiny Tourism Town category, which recognises towns with populations under 1,500. Huskisson’s win reflects its ability to attract significant numbers of tourists despite its small size, largely through its strategic positioning within the Jervis Bay region, known for its marine wildlife and outdoor activities.
What sets Huskisson apart is the town’s ability to combine its natural assets—such as beaches and wildlife tours—with a growing local food scene and a community-driven approach to tourism. The town’s tourism operators, in conjunction with local government, have worked to improve the visitor experience, making it easier for tourists to explore both the natural and cultural elements of the region.
Steve Cox, CEO of Destination NSW, said that Huskisson’s win demonstrates how small towns can have a big impact on the regional economy, particularly in areas with strong visitor drawcards like Jervis Bay. Huskisson’s continued efforts to promote itself as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, while maintaining its charm as a small coastal town, helped secure its place as the top tiny tourism destination in Australia.
Adam Hinks, Queensland – Top Tour Guide
Aside from the towns themselves, the awards also recognise individuals who contribute significantly to enhancing the visitor experience. Adam Hinks, from Aquascene Magnetic Island in Queensland, was named Top Tour Guide for 2024. Hinks has gained a reputation for his in-depth knowledge of the local marine environment and his ability to provide engaging, informative tours that showcase the region’s biodiversity.
His win highlights the crucial role that tour guides play in creating memorable visitor experiences. Tour guides like Hinks are often the face of regional tourism, helping visitors connect with the local culture and environment in meaningful ways. His contribution to the tourism industry on Magnetic Island demonstrates how personalised, expert-led experiences can elevate a destination and keep visitors returning.
What do these awards mean for Australian tourism?
The Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards are a recognition of the towns that are making the most significant impact on regional tourism. These towns aren’t necessarily the largest or most well-known destinations but have demonstrated their ability to attract visitors, enhance the visitor experience, and contribute positively to their local economies.
At their core, these awards are about recognising towns that offer authentic experiences, engage meaningfully with tourists, and contribute to sustainable growth within the tourism sector. They also highlight how tourism can drive regional development, creating jobs and boosting local businesses.
Shaun de Bruyn, Chairman of the Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards, emphasised that these awards showcase “the unique charm of Australia’s regional towns” and their ability to create memorable experiences for visitors. Whether it’s through environmental stewardship, cultural engagement, or hospitality excellence, these towns demonstrate that regional Australia remains a key player in the country’s tourism landscape.
Finalists at the national level are selected from the Gold winners in each state and territory, making the awards a showcase of the best of the best in Australian regional tourism. The awards also provide an opportunity for towns to reflect on their tourism strategies and continue improving their offerings to meet the evolving needs of travellers.
All the winners
Top Tourism Town (Population over 5,000)
Gold: Devonport, Tasmania
Silver: Bendigo, Victoria
Bronze: Roma, Queensland
Small Tourism Town (Population 1,500-5,000)
Gold: Exmouth, Western Australia
Silver: Daylesford, Victoria
Bronze: Richmond, Tasmania
Tiny Tourism Town (Population under 1,500)
Gold: Huskisson, New South Wales
Silver: Stanley, Tasmania
Bronze: Gundaroo, ACT
Top Tour Guide
Gold: Adam Hinks, Aquascene Magnetic Island, Queensland
For more information on the Top Tourism Town Awards 2024, visit the official website.
