They are joined by Barham as the only towns along the Murray to receive the honour.
“It's just really exciting to be recognised to start with, given what everyone's gone through the last couple of months with the floods,” Murray Shire Council tourism officer Kristy Hayes said.
“I'm really excited because we're the only destinations on the Murray to be finalists, which is really exciting.”
In order to be considered as a finalist, councils submitted a possible itinerary that their chosen demographic could enjoy.
Moama has been nominated under the category of large town due to its ability to cater to families.
As a twin town with Echuca, what was available just across the border was also taken into account.
The Bridge Art Project and the Meninya Street Precinct Project were both flagged as the town’s commitment to continually growing its tourism.
Mathoura was nominated as a small town finalist, partly based on the environment and the ability for people to engage with the outdoors.
The Mathoura Heritage Trail as well as the birds people are able to see in the area, such as pelicans, kingfishers, ibis and swans, were all touted in the application.
“With the magnificent Murray River, unique history, great restaurants and year-round events calendar, River Country is the perfect holiday destination,” Ms Hayes said.
“It’s fantastic to see our towns recognised and would be absolutely delighted to see Moama, Barham and Mathoura crowned Top Tourism Town.”
Ms Hayes said that along with bragging rights winning would only continue to encourage people to consider the Moama area when selecting their next holiday destination.
She added the public’s support would be “crucial” in helping the area secure the big win.
It accounts for about 20 per cent of the overall vote and could be enough to get the area across the line.
“We want to extend our reputation as a much-loved holiday destination, so I really want to encourage everyone to go on and vote for our beautiful towns.”
People can support Moama and Mathoura’s bid for top tourist town by going onto businessnsw.com/events/top-tourism-town-awards-2023-nsw and casting their vote for them.
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