Leading travel site WOTIF.com today announced its Aussie Town of the Year awards – the definitive ranking of the Top 10 Aussie destinations for travellers and the NSW town of Coffs Harbour has topped the list at number one!
Two other NSW destinations also made the list – Bateman’s Bay at no. 4 and Katoomba at no. 8 – the three towns giving NSW the most entrants of any state or territory.
As NSW’s courageous and resilient communities focus on regeneration, travellers have a pivotal role to play in their recovery. Now’s the time to love NSW – get out and explore, share the experience and show the world everything to love in NSW.
People are being urged to book a getaway that gives back, and share their holiday highlights on social media to inspire others to do the same.
Beyond WOTIF’s top towns of the year, there’s many incredible destinations throughout the State to visit in 2020 – see below for a selection of some of the towns on our list!
Coffs Harbour
Home of: The Big Banana
Coffs Harbour and the Coffs Coast is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the NSW North Coast – a 5hr 30min drive from Sydney or a direct flight from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The town is situated on the edge of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and from ancient rainforest to the gorgeous beaches, there are so many attractions to choose from here. Head out and enjoy bushwalking, kayaking, surfing and mountain biking or take a trip to the famous Big Banana Fun Park, with its downhill toboggan ride, ice skating rink, water park and the World of Bananas experience, or get a taste of the indigenous culture within the region on a stand-up paddle board tour with the Wajaana Yaam Gumbayanggirr Adventure Tours.
Wander through the Twilight Food Markets or along the Jetty Strip where you’ll find delicious restaurants and cafes or pop into the fish shop of the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-operative for the daily catch. Coffs Harbour is also one of the only places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales, and The Solitary Islands coastal walk has spectacular vantage points for whale watching between May and November.
Batemans Bay
Home of: Clyde River Oysters
While Batemans Bay, Mogo and surrounds are still recovering from the recent bushfires, the region is open for business and welcoming visitors. Support the communities by buying some local produce, enjoy wildlife encounters and follow ancient walking tracks, or simply go swimming, surfing, kayaking and fishing – it’s all here, just four hours’ drive from Sydney and two hours from Canberra. The area’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for an underwater adventure on the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail.
Want more action? Hire a bike and pedal along the foreshore on the Batemans Bay Cycleway or try some deep-sea fishing. Speaking of fishing, Batemans Bay is the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast. Taste Clyde River oysters from Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm and the Oyster Shed on Wray Street. Want more? At Birdland Animal Park, you can see 100 species of native birds and animals in a waterfront bushland setting. With Sunday Markets once a month and the upcoming Red Hot Summer Tour (March 7) there is truly something for everyone in this outstanding part of the NSW South Coast.
Katoomba
Home of: The Three Sisters
Katoomba is just 1.5-2 hours drive from Sydney and is the heart of Blue Mountains National Park and the home of the iconic Three Sisters and the exciting Scenic World with its impressive cable cars and scenic railway. The most visited town in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba truly has something for everyone.
Of course there are the famous bush walks and lookouts – from the panoramic Echo Point, to the stunning Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Leura Cascades. There is a walk for every fitness level and interest, in fact —if you’re not up for a bush excursion, check out the Street Art Walk in Beverly Place, displaying world standard street art, and The Katoomba Heritage Walk, which shows where the town’s history, arts, breath-taking natural scenery and café culture merge.
And it’s not all outdoor activities, there are a host of cafes and restaurants for those who prefer to relax, as well as many galleries and gift shops perfect for idling away your days. It’s also packed with world-class views and waterfalls, including the famous Wentworth Falls and historic hotels and homes, such the Carrington Hotel on Katoomba St, first erected in 1882.
OR MAKE SURE A VISIT TO THESE OTHER GREAT NSW TOWNS IS A MUST-DO FOR 2020:
Lithgow
Home of: The State Mine Heritage Park
Settled on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow is a vibrant historical centre and a gateway to the World Heritage-listed wonderland of the Capertee and Wollemi National Park. In the 19th century, Lithgow was the centre of the steel industry, and today you can explore its history at the Blast Furnace Park, while The State Mine Heritage park is home to local mining, steam power and rail heritage memorabilia.
A must see is the cultural and tourism hub known as The Foundations, a former cement works, featuring a large scale mural artwork by Guido Van Henlten, monthly markets, pop up galleries and museums. There are many delicious restaurants and food hubs in Lithgow showcasing fresh, local produce. Our picks? Visit the Jannei Artisan Cheese Makers for a unique and tasty farm experience, and Craft Works Distillery on the edge of the Capertee Valley, specialising in single malt whiskey.
Kangaroo Valley
Home of: The Pioneer Village Museum
Kangaroo Valley is a charming village nestled between the Southern Highlands and NSW South Coast, about two hours’ drive from both Sydney and Canberra, and is known for its historic bridge – one of the last remaining wooden suspension bridges in the country – tea rooms, heritage buildings, cakes and pies.
It’s also a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, golf and wine tasting, and home to historical treasure, the Pioneer Village Museum. If you’re planning a visit to the area, why not try a spot of water fun with Kangaroo Valley Kayaks before heading to Hampden Deli Dining and School to learn some chef’s secrets… or simply sample some of the local olives and olive oil at Kangaroo Valley Olives.
Mittagong
Home of: The Fitzroy Inn
The gateway to the beautiful Southern Highlands, Mittagong really is everything you’d want from a heritage country town. Home to tranquil vineyards and fine colonial sandstone buildings, it’s a taste of yesteryear – where you can breathe in fresh country air, browse specialty stores, and explore gorgeous gardens and parks, all just 80 minutes’ drive from Sydney and under two hours from Canberra.
Feeling active? Walk to the Nattai Gorge lookout via the Box Vale mine walking track which follows an old railway line through a tunnel. Try some fine wines at Tertini Wines & Tertini Wines cellar door, browse through Mittagong Antiques, then dine in style at the 1830s-built Fitzroy Inn, formerly a staging post for transporting convicts to Berrima Gaol, where you can also stay in the elegant king or queen rooms.
Goulburn
Home to: The Big Merino
Declared Australia’s first inland city in 1863, this historic centre is only two hours’ drive from Sydney and famously the site of the Big Merino – built in 1985 as a celebration of the district’s fine wool industry. There’s so much to see and do here – celebrate local art at Goulburn Regional Gallery, check out the picturesque Wollondilly Walking Track, take part in the weekly Goulburn Park Run or sign up for Mulga Bicycle Tours. Then, when you’re ready for something slightly more relaxing, there’s wine tasting at Kingsdale Wines and a taste of gourmet produce at local restaurants such as The Argyle Inn and Café Nour.
Coolamon
Home to: The Up To Date Store
A lovely country town in the beautiful Riverina area – Coolamon is only 30 minutes’ drive northwest of Wagga and five hours from both Sydney and Melbourne. Here you’ll find heritage buildings, firefighting history, and even local cheeses to try at community funded Coolamon Cheese. In the nearby Kindra State Forest, you can explore the walking tracks and mountain bike trails.
The town is famous for the Up-To-Date Store, a museum, cafe and gift store and the Lamson cash railway system, the only ball-style cash carrier in the world in its original location. More history? Try the Coolamon Fire Museum – with its huge collection of firefighting equipment from Australia and around the world.
Wentworth
Home to: The PS Ruby Steamboat
Wentworth was once Australia’s busiest inland river port – and situated where the Darling and Murray rivers meet, it’s still a charming town brimming with history. Why not venture into the exceptional Mungo National Park, home of the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, and a place rich in Aboriginal history.
Wentworth is a great place to begin the famous Darling River Run – a four-day road trip through the NSW Outback. With the town’s history in mind, it’s a good idea to take a ride on the 1907 paddle steamer PS Ruby. Fancy some wine tasting? Head to Trentham Estate for that. More active? How about sandboarding down Perry Sandhills, or taking a guided kayak tour with Moontongue Eco Adventures.
Gunnedah
Home to: My Country
The birthplace of supermodel Miranda Kerr, Gunnedah is the hub of one of Australia’s richest agricultural regions – the Liverpool Plains in North West New South Wales. In this vibrant country town on the banks of the Namoi River, you’ll be able to spot a colony of koalas, wander the landscape and see why the natural beauty of the district inspired Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar’s poem My Country.
Famed for the Gunnedah Show, there’s also a cultural side to this town – discover fascinating heritage in the museums, including the Gunnedah Rural Museum and the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum, visit the Red Chief Memorial, which honours the great Aboriginal warrior Cumbo Gunnerah, and wander the heritage listed buildings in the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct. The more adventurous can soar over Lake Keepit State park in a sailplane or head to the Breaker Morant Drive to hear about this famous poet, horseman and soldier.
Coonabarabran
Home to: Australia’s only Dark Sky Park
Known as the Gateway to Warrumbungles, Coonabarabran is the star-gazing capital of Australia. It’s the southern hemisphere’s first and only Dark Sky Park and is renowned for its breathtaking starry nights, free from artificial light. Camp under the stars and view the wonders of the galaxy alone, or visit the nearby Siding Springs Observatory for guided tours, hands-on activities, presentations and Australia’s largest optical telescope.
For more down to earth pursuits, check out the rare crystals and fossils at the Crystal Kingdom, or head to the Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition, complete with the fossilised skeleton of the largest marsupial to have ever lived. Souvenir hunters should also check out the wares at Pilliga Pottery decorated with Australian flora and fauna, where you can also farm stay. You’ll find plenty of other accommodation options, too – from motels and pubs to cottages, caravan parks and campgrounds.
Murwillumbah
Home to: Mt Warning
Murwillumbah on NSW’s Far North Coast is set on the stunning Tweed River, and in the shade of the North Coast’s tallest mountain, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wollumbin (Mt Warning). Located in the vast crater of the eroded Tweed Volcano covered in rainforest and farmland, it’s the creative heart of the area, and home to Tweed Regional Gallery, and the Margaret Olley Arts Centre.
Lush soil means great produce, so check out the weekly Murwillumbah Farmers’ Market held every Wednesday, or head to the monthly Makers and Finders market for more artistic and artisan products. Hungry? Check out Bacaro Restaurant & Bar and make sure to have a drink at Husk Distillery Cellar Door.
Become part of the #LoveNSW movement:
- Take a recovery weekend in NSW.
- Make a heart shape with your hands or get creative with a heart shape in other ways, and take a photo in NSW.
- Share the photo on social media with the hashtag #LoveNSW.
- Support other initiatives by adding #RecoveryWeekend #HolidayHereThisYear #BuyRegional#Spendwiththem #emptyesky #buyfromthebush #stayinthebush
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