Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout and Wagga Wagga City Council’s Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson are calling for Wagga residents to vote for the city. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Wagga Wagga has been named a finalist in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards for 2025 – the only inland town in the running for the annual Business NSW award that recognises towns with a population over 5000 people.
Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Kiama, Kingscliff, Newcastle, Shellharbour, Terrigal and Yamba will all be competing against Wagga.
Darlington Point is also competing for silverware as a finalist in a different category – the Tiny Tourism Town award, which goes to a locality with a population less than 1500. The small town near Griffith is up against Broke, Bulahdelah, Huskisson, Millthorpe, Wentworth and Wollombi.
The winner of both categories is decided by a community vote. Wagga’s mayor is asking the Riverina community to jump on board.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our city on the state stage,” Mayor Dallas 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.
“Wagga has a bit of everything. It’s got all the facilities of a big city and still has the nature of a country town.
“I think that’s fitting for Wagga to be the only inland city that’s a finalist.”
Wagga’s tourism attractions include its beach, art gallery, museum, theatre, memorial gardens, interactive tour-offering farm Bidgee Strawberries and Cream and its Wiradjuri walking tracks around waterways.
Darlington Point is best known for its zoo Altina Wildlife Park, the Toganmain Woolshed museum and its prime camping spots along the Murrumbidgee River.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our vibrant community, beautiful landscapes and the warm hospitality that makes the Point truly special,” Murrumbidgee Council said.
Cr Tout looked to put to rest any doubts about Wagga’s credentials, highlighting the large number of tourists who travelled through the town each year.
“Last year, there were over 1.3 million visitors,” he said.
“If people are coming here to visit one of our many tourist attractions, they’re coming for an event and once they’re here, very, very encouraged to come back.
“We’re very central to Sydney and Melbourne, we’re close to the mountains and we are a huge partner to surrounding LGAs; we have the whole package.”
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson said the recognition of being a finalist 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.
“I’d encourage people to jump on the Visit Wagga Wagga website and vote. You’ve got until 4 May and voting is open now.”
To vote for Wagga Wagga and Darlington Point in their respective categories, click the link here.
