12 May 2021

Votes count as Jugiong vies for state's top tourist town crown

| Edwina Mason
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Classic convertible sports car driving across bridge

The Hilltops town of Jugiong is calling on locals and travellers to vote for it as NSW’s favourite tourist destination in the 2021 Top Tourism Town Awards. Photo: Hilltops Council.

It’s no secret that Jugiong has become the go-to destination for many people in the NSW South West Slopes, and now the beautiful little village has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2021 Top Tourism Town Awards.

Now we’re not biased up here in the Hilltops Region, but if Long Track Pantry gets the Matt Damon stamp of approval, who, apart from Chris Hemsworth, could be a better ambassador?

Matt Damon and Bev Boney outside Long Track Pantry in Jugiong

Matt Damon pictured recently with Bev Boney outside Long Track Pantry in Jugiong. Photo: Bev Boney.

Chris has also been spotted mustering sheep with his kids in nearby paddocks so it’s got to be a ringing endorsement of the seductive qualities of the local countryside.

The 2021 Top Tourism Town Awards are a Business NSW initiative and it’s important to know that your vote in this competition is for the imaginings, dreams, effort and sheer grit it took to transform Jugiong into the drawcard it is today.

Top Tourism Town Awards has been set up to allow communities, business chambers, visitor centres and local governments the opportunity to showcase what makes their town ‘special and unique’, to encourage tourism development, increase visitation and to drive the visitor economy.

The Hilltops tourism team actually nominated Jugiong, Boorowa and Harden-Murrumburrah as contenders for the Top Tourism Town Awards for towns with a population of less than 5000 people. Young was nominated for towns with a population of more than 5000 people.

But anyone out here would agree that as each town ups the ante each year, it’s Jugiong that’s presently the diamond in this local government area.

You could be forgiven for thinking this tiny rural hamlet is the centre of the world, which is a far cry from the sleepy halfway point it used to be for travellers on the Hume Highway.

READ ALSO Hot in the country: sink into serenity at Jugiong’s state of the art spa

Anyone who has pulled into Jugiong – and can actually find a park! – can’t miss the activity and atmosphere, with alfresco diners spilling onto the footpath, the aroma of coffee, kids skipping along the unformed pathways amid the aimless wanderers, each with their bags of goodies.

Set among picturesque landscapes, the town is brimming with outstanding cafe culture, first-class food, wine, art and high-end retail experiences.

It is renowned as a busy place of meetings and conviviality, whether for coffee or dining, parties, events, festivals or shopping.

Chris Hemsworth and daughter

Chris Hemsworth and his kids recently did a spot of mustering on a nearby Jugiong property. Photo: Instagram.

Hilltops Council Mayor Brian Ingram said the nomination of Jugiong for the awards is great recognition for the businesses and community of the town.

“The village has become increasingly popular with visitors and locals from across the Hilltops region,” he said.

Mayor Ingram urged everyone to take the time to make their voice heard in the awards.

“If you love Jugiong, add your voice and vote,” he said.

Jugiong is one of 42 finalists in the 2021 Top Tourism Town Awards. Jindabyne, Mogo, Pambula and the beautiful little mountain town of Tumbarumba have also been nominated.

Voting closes at 5:00 pm on Friday, 14 May, 2021.

To vote, click here, and then share the link to encourage friends and family to do the same.

Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.

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