Here’s the South Coast towns vying for success in Top Tourism Towns
From whale watching to wine tasting, these South Coast towns have secured themselves a coveted nomination as one of the state’s best tourism spots. Find out why.
The South Coast News
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From whale watching to wine and coffee master craftsman, these South Coast towns have secured themselves a coveted nomination as one of the state’s best tourism spots.
Seven towns from across the region were nominated in the NSW 2022 Top Tourism Town Awards, organised by Business NSW, with categories for tiny, small, and top tourist towns.
In the tiny town category, popular spots including Huskisson near Jervis Bay and the Kangaroo Valley made the list, with towns under 1500 residents being eligible.
Idyllic towns such as Berry and Sussex Inlet received a nomination in the small towns category, for areas under 5000 people. Larger towns were included in the Top Tourism Town category.
Shoalhaven City Council tourism manager Coralie Bell said the region was a special place owing to its “amazing” and committed community.
“That really makes it a really welcoming place to visit,” she said.
“There’s a lot to get out and do and explore in your own backyard, from the 100 beaches tour to an amazing food and wine industry that is growing every day.”
In the wake of devastating floods and landslips that severed Kangaroo Valley from the outside world, Ms Bell urged visitors – particularly locals looking for a weekend getaway – to visit the town, either by the remaining road access or by an hourly shuttle bus.
Meet the towns topping this year’s tourism nominations below:
Ulladulla – Top Tourism Town
With a range of coffee shops and unique restaurants and winemakers, Ulladulla has a lot on offer to complement the nearby beaches of neighbouring Mollymook.
Cupitt’s Estate customer experience manager Libby Cupitt said she was thrilled to see the town secure a spot in the list of finalists.
“In the past year, our region has been a safe haven for visitors around the state to escape and enjoy the natural beauty and incredible food and wine experiences,” Ms Cupitt said.
“The resilience and innovation of the operators in Ulladulla and surrounding towns have ensured that visitors have a memorable trip and will want to return again and again.
“Go Ulladulla.”
The Ruse co-owner Erin Blair was also proud to see the town make the list in 2022.
“With such a beautiful coastline, spectacular scenery, delicious food and drink, and so many fun things to do, it’s no wonder the area attracts so many visitors, and keeps drawing them back,” Ms Blair said.
The harbourside restaurant is one of many dining options around town, and compliments the rustic charm of nearby Cupitt’s estate, which sells locally-made beer, wine, and food at its country estate.
Berry – Small Tourism Town
Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism member Louise Hallum said the town's nomination as one of NSW’s best was recognition of the passion and love locals share for what they do.
“Berry is blessed with truly stunning bucolic scenery and oodles of village charm,” Ms Hallum said.
“But it is the unique events, fantastic accommodation, specialist shopping, exceptional dining and other experiences that are all delivered with the legendary Berry hospitality and genuine welcome that ultimately makes it such a special, truly memorable place to visit and be.”
The town north of Nowra is home to numerous historical buildings and unique and quirky shops, set against the backdrop of green rolling hills.
Its food offerings have garnered it much acclaim, with the Berry Donut Van, Berry Tea Shop and The Dairy Bar just some of the foodie-focused hot spots drawing in hungry tourists.
On the first Sunday of every month, the town hosts its markets, also known as the Country Fair, with a range of collectibles, antiques, and handmade goods on offer.
Culburra Beach – Small Tourism Town
With road access to parts of the South Coast easier than ever thanks to upgrades to the Princes Hwy in recent years, Culburra Beach and Districts Chamber of Commerce president Brian Muller was excited to sea the seaside area receive a nomination.
“The updated and much improved accessibility to Sydney is making Culburra Beach an extremely popular destination for holiday makers,” Mr Muller said.
“The stunning natural beauty of the area is supported by great cafes, restaurants, amazing beaches, and countless things to enjoy.”
With whale watching season fast approaching, Ms Bell urged visitors to check out the region’s many cliffside lookouts which are ideal for catching a glimpse of migrating Humpbacks.
Penguin Head Lookout south of Culburra Beach joins the area’s two surf beaches and is known as one of the best vantage points on the South Coast to spot the whale migration, according to Business NSW.
From May to November, visitors and locals alike might catch a glimpse of the magnificent sea creatures, with regular visits also from dolphins and seals.
At the other end of the beach, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view from Crookhaven Lighthouse.
Huskisson – Tiny Tourism Town
Further south, visitors to the Jervis Bay area might stop off at Huskisson, a small, idyllic town revered for its clear waters and white beaches.
Huskisson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president Danny Payne was proud of the nomination.
“On behalf of all the incredible businesses in Huskisson, we are incredibly proud to have been nominated as a finalist for this very special award.” he said.
Nestled within the Jervis Bay Marine Park, Huskisson is home to some of the area’s famed 16 white sand beaches, with the well-known Hyams Beach counted among them.
What makes those unspoilt beaches so special, according to Business NSW, is that at any one of them visitors might spot resident dolphins, playful seals, and from May to November, the humpback whale migration joins the pack coming within eyesight of the marine park shore.
“Huskisson wharf is lined with eco-boat tours and diving expedition boats ready to help travellers discover the underwater magic of the bay,” according to Business NSW.
The area also offers family-friendly kayaking and paddle tours as unique way to explore the bay.
Kangaroo Valley – Tiny Tourism Town
After a tumultuous two months that left Kangaroo Valley cut off from the rest of the state, businesses are rebounding better than ever, according to Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Tourism and Commerce member, Natalie Harker.
“Kangaroo Valley is a magical landscape,” Ms Harker said.
“We are a small community with big hearts and hardworking local businesses.
“It is great to see their efforts being rewarded and our beautiful valley having a chance to shine.”
Past the town’s iconic Hampden Bridge, visitors can explore a town with a long-held history of artistic expression and creative design.
Quaint retail stores including Kangaroo Valley Woodcrafts and Kangaroo Valley Leadlights are popular among visitors coming to and from the nearby Southern Highlands.
Nearby, there area also numerous wineries, including Lyrebird Ridge, Cambewarra Estate, and Yarrawa Estate, which all form part of the Shoalhaven Wine Coast, with stunning views of the area.
For an authentic dining experience, Business NSW recommends The Friendly Inn, a local pub replete with live music and a beer garden on weekends.
Narooma – Small Tourism Town
Not to be outdone, the Eurobodalla coast has its own nominee in this year’s awards in the form of Narooma – a popular Far South Coast town a short drive from Batemans Bay.
The Best Small Town nominee has history dating back millennia, with ancient geological formations made more than 510 million years ago, as well as Instagrammable beaches and short walks.
The Pedal to Produce tour lets visitors check out the region’s scenery under their own pedal power, with the ability to stop off along the 21km track as many times as they want.
Along the way, they might stop at numerous whale watching spots, or at the Big Niles Brewing Company, a local brewhouse in nearby Dalmeny.
Sussex Inlet – Small Tourism Town
Jervis Bay wouldn’t be Jervis Bay without Sussex Inlet – literally.
The “small” town sits opposite the narrow inlet that provides the ocean waters to Jervis Bay’s famed white sand beaches and isolated snorkelling spots.
Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce president Sandra Gray was thrilled the town had received a nomination.
“Our town and its amazing range of activities and beautiful location has been recognised for the Top Town awards,” she said.
“It’s recognition of the amazing businesses in our town who work so hard to give tourists the best possible experience.”
With waterfront accommodation galore, Sussex Inlet makes for a boutique getaway option only a few hours south of Sydney, according to Business NSW.
“With calming crystal-clear creeks, surf beaches and a lake, Sussex Inlet is a relaxing home away from home for families, offering a range of different activities and accommodation options that will have you coming back year after year,” Business NSW said.
For the keen surfers, there are two renowned spots in the area.
That includes local surfing hardware and accessories brand Ocean and Earth which was established in Sussex Inlet in 1978, and has an ongoing history and heritage of crafting unmatched quality surf equipment.
Less confident swimmers might prefer the Mermaid Pools, secluded swimming spots carved out by the sea, providing clear water while showing off the area’s resident ‘roos.
The award winners will be announced on May 18.
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