Bungendore, a historic village of just under 5,000 people in south‑west New South Wales, has been awarded the gold prize in the Small Tourism Town category at the 2025 Top Tourism Town Awards.
The awards organisation praised the town's "heritage meets handmade" feel and said "every corner hums with creative energy," highlighting Bungendore's blend of preserved colonial buildings, artisan businesses, cool‑climate wineries and farmer's markets as reasons it stood out at the ceremony in September. Silver in the category went to Deloraine in Tasmania's Meander Valley, while bronze was awarded to Airlie Beach in Queensland's Whitsundays.
Located about a 40‑minute drive northeast of Canberra and roughly three hours southwest of Sydney, Bungendore traces its roots to 1837 and has retained a number of historic streetscapes and buildings. The town features cobbled laneways, galleries, artisan workshops and cellar doors, and is set against rolling hills that form part of the Southern Tablelands landscape.
The awards organisation said visitors can "sip cool‑climate wine, fossick for vintage finds, feast on paddock‑to‑plate fare, and meet the makers behind the magic," and the town is promoted on the awards website with a sample three‑day itinerary aimed at weekend travellers escaping nearby cities.
Local businesses cited by organisers and tourism profiles include restaurants such as The George Bar and Dining and Scrumpers Kitchen, casual options like The Gathering Café and pub meals at The Royal Hotel, and cellar doors including Sapling Yard and Lark Hill Winery. Bungendore is also close to Canberra's District Wine region.
Saturday mornings in town are marked by the Southern NSW Harvest Farmers Markets, where visitors can buy locally produced items described by vendors as truffle oil, sourdough, fresh herbs and honey. Art and craft offerings include Bungendore Fine Art, Suki & Hugh Gallery, X Gallery, Bungendore Leather and The Malbon, a local creative precinct housing antiques, florals, homewares and artisans.
The region stages seasonal events such as the Blue Frog Truffle Hunt, held in winter months, when visiting truffle hunters can follow trained dogs as they locate the underground fungi. For overnight stays, visitors may choose heritage accommodation such as The Carrington Inn, located in one of the town's preserved historic buildings.
Queanbeyan‑Palerang Council Deputy Mayor Esma Livermore described the award as "a remarkable achievement for Bungendore and our region," saying the recognition reflects "the heart and soul of Bungendore" and the dedication of its residents to creating memorable visitor experiences.
Tourism officials have increasingly promoted smaller destinations that combine cultural activity with regional food and wine experiences. The Top Tourism Town Awards, now in their current format, aim to spotlight towns that attract visitors through distinct local character and community investment in hospitality and creative industries.
Bungendore's win places it alongside better‑known competitors and is likely to increase interest from domestic travellers seeking short‑haul road trips from Canberra and Sydney. Organisers and local council sources say the accolade will be used to further promote the town's galleries, markets and cellar doors to a national audience.