Berrima's victory in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards is a win for the Highlands
Highlanders have something special to celebrate with Berrima's victory as one of the Top Tourism Towns, in the NSW Tourism Industry Council's Top Tourism Town Awards.
The historic village competed against 25 other towns, such as Mogo and Berry, with a population under 5000 residents.
Berrima was crowned the winner with Mudgee, which was announced as the Top Town with a population exceeding 5000 residents.
The town was declared the champion by the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres at the Local Government NSW Destination, and Visitor Economy Conference in Port Macquarie.
Southern Highlands Group Manager, Tourism and Economic Development Steve Rosa accepted the award and said congratulations were in order.
"Congratulations to the chamber of commerce, the business guys all in Berrima, the community and the whole of the Southern Highlands who got right behind its town," he said afterwards.
Read more:
"There's a real buzz about regional NSW right now, and with incredible destinations such as Berrima and Mudgee to visit, it's easy to understand why," Mr Ayres added.
Berrima was admired by the judging panel for its preservation as a Georgian town, and its friendly residents and "amazing food". Photo: Destination Southern Highlands.
"These vibrant communities with unique visitor experiences, authentic hospitality and world-class tourism operators, make NSW the envy of all other states, and the place to be when it comes to regional Australian escapes."
A total of 52 towns competed across both categories.
Over 15,000 residents casted their votes in both categories throughout the second week of May, along with the input of industry experts.
Berrima will represent the state with Mudgee at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, on August 25 at Parliament House in Canberra.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.