The New South Wales town of Port Stephens has been crowned Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year, taking the top spot with its pristine beaches, iconic sand dunes, marine life, exceptional dining and scenic national parks. 

The announcement cements New South Wales' reputation as a stunning getaway and for unforgettable visitor experiences, with Kingscliff and Yamba also securing spots in the top ten.

Now it’s in eighth year, the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards recognise the destinations that have captured the hearts of Australian travellers. The rankings are based on Wotif data index that looks at accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction.*

Destination NSW Acting CEO, Karen Jones, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the state’s diverse and world-class visitor offerings.

Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones said: “Port Stephens being named Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year is a testament to its breathtaking natural beauty, exceptional visitor experiences and renowned hospitality. This recognition reinforces NSW’s reputation as a premier travel destination, with Port Stephens’ pristine beaches, iconic sand dunes and marine adventures continuing to captivate Australian travellers. 

“With three NSW towns—Port Stephens, Kingscliff, and Yamba—securing spots in Wotif’s top 10, more than any other state, it highlights the unrivalled diversity of experiences across regional NSW. From Kingscliff’s boutique coastal charm to Yamba’s laidback surf culture, our state offers a unique blend of experiences that resonate with visitors year after year.

“Today’s travellers are seeking meaningful experiences that create lasting memories, and NSW delivers in spades. Whether it’s world-class food and wine, immersive arts and culture, nature-based adventures, or wellness retreats, NSW’s diverse offering continues to set it apart as a must-visit destination for every type of traveller,” Ms Jones said.

#1 Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year: Port Stephens

Just two and a half hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens offers something for everyone – whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or looking to unwind by the sea. Visitors can: 

• Explore the towering Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
• Enjoy a leisurely dolphin-watching cruise on the pristine waters, home to one of the largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins in Australia.
• Indulge in fresh, world-class seafood and waterfront dining
• Unwind in luxury beachside accommodation like The Anchorage Port Stephens, Bannisters Port Stephens, Hotel Nelson and more, where guests can relax by the sea with the best of both nature and comfort
• Hike to the Tomaree Coastal Walk for breathtaking panoramic views 

#8 Aussie Town of the Year: Kingscliff

Kingscliff, just 30 minutes north of Byron Bay, is a stunning coastal town that blends relaxed beach vibes with sophisticated dining and natural beauty. Visitors can: 

• Savour locally sourced, fresh seafood and seasonal produce at renowned dining spots along the waterfront, including Fins, one of the North Coast’s longest standing seafood restaurants
• Take a walk through the surrounding Cudgen Nature Reserve, a lush area perfect for exploring diverse wildlife and pristine coastal landscapes
• Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Cudgen Creek, where visitors can kayak, paddleboard, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterways

#9 Aussie Town of the Year: Yamba

Located at the mouth of the Clarence River on the North Coast, Yamba offers the perfect blend of relaxed coastal living, outdoor adventures and local culinary delights. Visitors can:

• Explore Yamba’s pristine beaches, from the world-famous Main Beach to the quieter Turners Beach, perfect for a peaceful swim
• Enjoy surfing at Angourie, one of Australia’s best surf spots, or try your hand at paddleboarding along the calm, crystal-clear waters of the river
• Have a drink and a bite to eat at the famed Pacific Hotel, where you can overlook the ocean and soak up the laidback vibe of the town 

With these three NSW destinations making the coveted list, there has never been a better time to plan your next NSW getaway that will leave you feeling new. For more information and to plan your NSW holiday, go to visitnsw.com.

Find out more about the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year awards visit wotif.com.

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ABOUT DESTINATION NSW   

Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

*About the 2025 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award index:

· Trending traveller interest: Based on accommodation searches on Wotif.com in 2024, compared to 2023

· Affordability: Based on the average daily rate for accommodation demand on Wotif from January to November 2024

· Accommodation: Based on accommodation quality and quantity on Wotif in 2024

· Reviews: Based on the average traveller review rating on Wotif for each destination in 2024