Winners announced for Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2024

The winners of Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2024 have been announced. Hosted by the Australia Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and judged by a panel of industry experts, the awards ceremony took place at Parliament House in Canberra this morning.

National finalists are determined from the Gold winners at the state and territory Top Tourism Town Awards. The four award categories include Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000), Small Tourism Town (population under 5,000 but over 1,500), Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500) and Top Tour Guide.

Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the regional towns and tour guides that help to shape the landscape of Australian tourism through offering intimate and authentic experiences for visitors.

The awards are also aimed at giving regional towns a boost going into the spring and summer seasons.

Winners are determined based on a combination of factors, including consumer review scores for tourism products within each town.

Adam Hinks from Aquascene Magnetic Island in Queensland was crowned as Australia’s Top Tour Guide while Devonport on Tasmania’s north-west coast secured Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024. Exmouth in Western Australia won Gold in the Small Tourism Town category, followed by Huskisson in New South Wales who took home Gold in the Tiny Tourism Town category.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania Chief Executive Amy Hills said the win is an achievement “something the entire state should be proud of” adding “our towns in Tasmania have a true sense of community and play such a crucial role in our state’s visitor economy … to take out gold on the national stage just shows how well we do things.

“Nestled along Tasmania’s north-west coast, where mountains meet the sea, Devonport seamlessly blends natural beauty with a refined urban charm.

“The town serves as a vibrant hub for the Cradle Mountain region and is an ideal launchpad for day trips.

“Not to mention the new waterfront precinct and expansive parklands giving visitors plenty to do locally as well.”

Erin McLeod, CEO of the Australian Tourism Industry Council shared “Congratulations to Devonport, Tasmania for winning the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024. This award highlights Devonport’s role as a vibrant gateway to Tasmania’s northwest, making it a key regional destination and a must-visit town in Tasmania.

"Each of the winning towns are a treasure trove of unique experiences, where stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich heritage come together to create unforgettable journeys.”

The seaside town of Huskisson was crowned the best Tiny Town in Australia for populations under 1,500 after winning in the same division in the NSW competition earlier this year.

Huskisson triumphed over popular destinations including Winton in in Queensland and Burra in South Australia to win the coveted prize. Huskisson is a previous NSW gold winner and bronze medallist at the national awards.

Tourism & Economic Development Manager, Kristy Mayhew enthused “for Huskisson to win this award is a huge achievement for our city and highlights the warmth of the community when it welcomes visitors from across the country.

“Our small business-owners work so hard to deliver exceptional services and I am so proud of their passion and dedication.”

Shaun de Bruyn, Chairman Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards advised “Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards highlights regional tourism in Australia, bringing warm and heartfelt destinations into the spotlight.

“These awards showcase the unique charm of Australia's regional towns, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and local community pride. These towns really demonstrate the positive impacts that tourism has on regional destinations.”

Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2024 are supported by Qantas, Tourism Australia and Storytowns.

Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards form part of the Quality Tourism Framework, an integrated online system that includes awards programs, business development tools and a suite of Quality Tourism programs supporting small, medium and regional tourism businesses to enhance their quality, accessibility, and sustainability.

For more information about the awards and the 2024 winners and finalists, please visit www.toptourismtowns.com.au/

To learn more about the Quality Tourism Framework, visit www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/

Image top: Devonport, Yasmania; image below: Huskisson team at the awards