Gulgong, the historic gold rush town at the heart of New South Wales’ Mudgee Region, has been named NSW’s Top Small Tourism Town – recognising a destination that delivers genuine depth of experience well beyond its size.
The award was announced at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Maitland on 27 May, celebrating towns across NSW for outstanding visitor experiences, cultural vitality and contribution to the regional visitor economy. Gulgong’s win reflects a destination shaped by a rich heritage streetscape, a thriving food and wine scene, boutique accommodation, arts and culture, and access to some of the state’s most striking natural landscape.
Gulgong sits within the Mudgee Region, a central west destination made up of four distinct towns: Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Rylstone, along with a number of small villages – each with their own character. The region has built a national reputation across wine, food, arts and nature, and has emerged as one of NSW’s most sought-after regional escapes for Sydney and regional NSW travellers.
Gulgong will now represent NSW at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, to be held in Canberra on 15 September.
Beau Kassas, Chief Marketing Officer of Mudgee Region Tourism, said the recognition reflects how Australians are choosing to travel.
“Gulgong proves that small regions drive big impact – and this award is a testament to exactly why slow travel is on the rise. From food and wine to the vibrant heritage, arts and the great outdoors, Gulgong delivers the kind of experience people are genuinely seeking right now. Real, considered, and completely its own.”
