Female wearing a blue dress and a man wearing a grey tee-shirt saying Wagga Wagga Australia and both holding water bottles and wearing caps saying Wagga Wagga Australia, standing in front of a sign #visitwagga.
VOTE NOW!:  Council’s Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson and Mayor Cr Dallas Tout encourage locals and visitors to help Wagga Wagga bring home Gold in the 2025 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

Events & Tourism

Vote now! Wagga Wagga in the running for Top Tourism Town 2025

Published: 16 Apr 2025 12:44pm

Wagga Wagga has been named as a finalist in the 2025 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, proudly standing as the only inland city in the running alongside a line-up of coastal competitors.

This nomination represents Wagga Wagga’s growing reputation as a leading regional destination, celebrated for its vibrant and modern Australian character.

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson said the recognition was a testament to the city’s passionate visitor economy operators.

“We’re the only inland city in the running and this recognition is a celebration of what makes Wagga Wagga unique – from our riverside adventures and nature-based experiences, to our agritourism and culinary scene, thriving events and welcoming community,” Ms Farquharson said.

“A win would shine a light on the incredible work of our local businesses and attract more visitors to experience everything Wagga Wagga has to offer.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout is encouraging locals and visitors to get involved.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase our city on the state stage” Cr Tout said.

“We know how special Wagga Wagga is, but now it’s time to let the rest of NSW know it too. Every vote counts and I encourage everyone to get behind this and show their support.”

The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, managed annually by Business NSW, celebrate outstanding visitor experiences across the state.

The program highlights the excellence of regional towns that deliver exceptional attractions, accommodation and hospitality.

Each town submits a detailed application including a video, suggested itinerary and editorial, which are assessed by a panel of industry experts. Public voting also plays a crucial role in determining the winners.

Wagga Wagga’s video submission, Magic Moments, follows a 24-hour itinerary in Wagga Wagga, from sunrise to sunset – showcasing the breadth of experiences in our city. Watch the video on Visit Wagga Wagga’s YouTube channel and social media pages.

Winners will be announced at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in May, with gold winners progressing to represent NSW at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards.

Public voting is now open and runs until 11.59pm on Sunday 4 May, coinciding with the school holidays, Easter and Anzac Day – a key travel period across the region.