Gundaroo named one of the best tiny towns in Australia

The winners of Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2024 were announced earlier this month, with Canberra’s neighbouring town Gundaroo taking home an award.

Celebrating the regional towns and tour guides that help shape the landscape of Australian tourism, the national finalists were recognised through four categories including Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000), Small Tourism Town (population under 5,000 but over 1,500), Tiny Tourism Town, and Top Tour Guide.

“Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards highlights regional tourism in Australia, bringing warm and heartfelt destinations into the spotlight,” says Chairman of Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards, Shaun de Bruyn.

Taking home Bronze in the Tiny Tourism Town category, Gundaroo has been recognised as one of the Canberra region’s top visitor experiences.

“With the incredible places and spaces across the whole of Australia it is wonderful for our Region to be recognised and celebrated as a top tourism town,” says CEO of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council, Dr Naomi Dale.

Offering a wholesome and authentic experience for visitors, from award-winning restaurant Grazing, The Gundaroo Inn, Cork Street Café, and Gundog Estate’s cellar door, the population of the historic town may only be less than 2,000 people but there is plenty to love.

“Gundaroo is a real gem amongst many fantastic experiences in the Canberra Region. The historic town is home to delicious food and wine experiences and is of course surrounded by our premium cool climate vineyards. Congratulations on the recognition, we’re very proud!” says Dr Dale.

Those who won gold included Devonport in Tasmania for the Australia’s Top Tourism Town award for 2024, Exmouth in Western Australia won the Small Tourism Town category, followed by Huskisson, who took home the Tiny Tourism Town category. Adam Hinks from Aquascene Magnetic Island in Queensland was also crowned as Australia’s Top Tour Guide.

“These awards showcase the unique charm of Australia’s regional towns, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and local community pride. These towns really demonstrate the positive impacts that tourism has on regional destinations,” says de Bruyn.

For more information about Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards and the 2024 winners and finalists, visit their website.