Kiama took out a podium finish in the Top Tourism Town category collecting 'Top Town Bronze', at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, which was held at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday morning.

Fremantle won the top gong of 'Top Town Gold' and Devonport the runner-up with 'Top Town Silver'.

Kiama was up against the winners from the other five states in the category: Bowen (Queensland), Devonport (Tasmania), Victor Harbor (South Australia), Fremantle (Western Australia) and Warrnambol (Victoria).

Huskisson was named the runner-up in the Tiny Town category for places with a population less than 1500 people.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said: “Reaching the national finals is a proud moment for Kiama and a reflection of our community’s hard work and passion for welcoming visitors.

"We may not have taken home the top prize this time, but we’ve shown that Kiama belongs on the national stage.

"Congratulations to Fremantle and also to the winners of the Small Tourism Town, Bungendore near the ACT border, and Tiny Tourism Town, Trentham, VIC.”

“I also congratulate our southern neighbour Huskisson, which won silver in the Tiny Tourism Town."

Destination Kiama chair, Councillor Matt Brown, said Kiama’s journey through the awards has reinforced its strengths as a leading visitor destination.

“A huge hats off to Fremantle. Being recognised as NSW’s Top Tourism Town and going on to represent our state at the national awards is an outstanding achievement," he said.

"This honour belongs to our local businesses, tourism operators and community, who together make Kiama a place visitors want to return to again and again.”

Destination Kiama is looking ahead to build on this momentum - continuing to elevate the region as a must-visit destination for domestic and international travellers.

The Mayor also thanked Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips for her support "in helping us ensure Kiama’s spotlight shines across Australia and beyond".

"Being part of these awards provides a golden opportunity to elevate our region, inspire tourism operators, and celebrate the very best of community-led destination development.”

Kiama had been awarded the title of the state’s Top Tourism Town for the second consecutive year in May at a ceremony at the NSW Local Government Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Kingscliff.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge and Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman.