After experiencing a series of devastating floods in recent years, the Lower Hawkesbury township of Spencer has bounced back to be named as a finalist in the Tiny Town category in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2023.
Known for its breathtaking scenery and cultural landmarks, as well as locally-sourced cuisine and exhilarating activities, Spencer offers an outstanding tourism experiences for visitors while delivering social and economic benefits for the community.
River Cares President Robyn Downham said Spencer was a “jewel of the Hawkesbury River with its pristine waterways and scenic beauty”.
“In Spencer we have The Anchor, the stunning new cafe which has replaced the old general store, a fantastic Thai restaurant, a caravan park, a museum called the Hawkesbury Duck and our pub is under a tree.
“The tree – or as the locals fondly regard it, the Tree of Knowledge – is the identity of Spencer, the Hub of the Universe, the social infrastructure for this area and for all the other river communities in the Lower Hawkesbury River District.”
Downham said since last year’s weather events, The Anchor and Spencer Thai Restaurant have been a drawcard for many tourists visiting not only from the Central Coast, but from Greater Sydney, the Hunter, Newcastle and other areas.
“People come to Spencer to enjoy delicious food and friendly hospitality while taking in the breathtaking views and soaking up the relaxed, peaceful and unique village atmosphere that Spencer has to offer.”
Central Coast Council Director Community and Culture, Melanie Smith, said it was fantastic to once again see the Central Coast shining as a outstanding tourism destination.
“The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate NSW’s diverse and outstanding regional destinations,” she said.
“The awards provide communities, business chambers, visitor centres and local governments the opportunity to showcase how their town encourages tourism development, increases visitation and drives the visitor economy for our state.
“Over the 2021/22 period the Central Coast tourism industry and Council’s Tourism Team have been recognised as winners in eight industry awards in Australia and on the global stage.
“The Central Coast has also achieved ECO Destination certification, and Spencer showcases what this means with ecotourism activities like walking, hiking, boating, fishing and kayaking.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said it was no surprise that Spencer had been nominated as a finalist.
“Much of the Central Coast has faced a number of major challenges over the last couple of years including the impact of COVID which resulted in a downturn in tourism, as well as extreme weather which resulted in flooding and damage to many areas,” he said.
“However, it was the resilience and hard work of communities such as Spencer, in collaboration with Council’s Tourism team, that helped put the Coast back on top of tourism destinations in NSW.
“Spencer village features a small list of local operators who are committed to offering a range of unique experiences, including guided cultural tours.
“Tourism really is part of the fabric of the community in Spencer; it is a hidden jewel of the Coast.”
You can vote for Spencer to be the winner in the Tiny Town category at https://www.businessnsw.com/events/top-tourism-town-awards-2023-nsw.
Voting closes 5pm on Friday, May 12.
Terry Collins