Fremantle has nabbed the title of Australia’s top tourism town for 2025, fending off destinations including last year’s winner Devonport for the honour.

Fremantle was celebrated for its “vibrant Old Town”, known for its rich maritime history and eclectic charm, when the Australian Tourism Industry Council announced the annual awards at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday.

The Western Australian port city got the nod for towns with populations of more than 5000.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge, who accepted the gold award, said it was recognition for all those – guides, volunteers, operators, artists, and business owners – who helped to bring the town to life.

“As a tourism destination, it’s about being authentic to your story. Visitors love to connect with genuine experiences, and we love sharing our heritage, culture and coastline with them,” she said.

“Fremantle has an amazing live music scene, incredible food, buzzing markets, stunning beaches and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. People who live in Fremantle love it for the same reasons visitors do.

“We get nearly a million day trippers to Fremantle each year.”

Vibrant markets are among Fremantle’s many attractions. Photo: Pexels

In other awards announced on Wednesday, Bungendore in the ACT won the gold medal in the Small Tourism Town category, while Trentham in Victoria claimed the top award for the Tiny Tourism Town category.

Bungendore’s nod in the section for towns with populations of 1500-5000 came after a concerted campaign this year.

The closure of its key tourist attraction, The Wood Works Gallery, had left it facing the stark likelihood of reduced visitor numbers. That sparked a campaign led by the Queanbeyan Palarang Regional Council and the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council.

Deputy Mayor Esma Livermore said the award was a remarkable achievement for Bungendore and its surrounding region.

“The heart and soul of Bungendore are its people and this national award is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to creating memorable experiences for every visitor,” she said.

“We are incredibly proud to showcase the rich stories, artistry and incredible hospitality that Bungendore is famous for on a national stage.”

Meanwhile, Trentham – in Victoria’s goldfields region – took out the title for the smallest towns, ahead of Robe (South Australia), Kalbarri (WA), Huskisson (NSW), Stanley (Tasmania) and Queensland’s Town of 1770.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to see the benefits this will bring to our community and local businesses. Trentham stands out for its natural beauty, charm, community spirit, and visitor appeal. This coveted national award is recognition of Trentham’s unique tourism offerings,” Mayor Don Henderson said.

Victoria Tourism Industry Council CEO Lisa Patroni said the win was a testament to the strength and appeal of Victoria’s regional tourism offerings.

“This award confirms that Victoria is home to some of the best tourism towns and experiences in the country,” she said.

“The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards have become a fiercely contested and much-loved celebration of regional excellence. Trentham’s win in such a competitive field proudly positions our state and Trentham on the national stage.”

The ATIC also named Australia’s top tour guide for the year – Tasmanian-based Cat Davidson from Inala Nature Tours.

It said its annual awards celebrated regional towns and tour guides help to shape the landscape of Australian tourism through offering intimate and authentic experiences for visitors.