Winners announced for 2025 NSW Tourism Awards
From world-class tour companies and eco-lodges to regional attractions, events and accommodation providers, tourism operators have showcased their incredible strength, pride and passion driving NSW’s visitor economy.
Media release posted Friday 28 November in Sydney
NSW Tourism Association has announced the winners of the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards at a gala celebration at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney – recognising outstanding commitment to tourism excellence.
Gold, silver and bronze awards were presented across 30 categories, celebrating excellence in business practices, visitor experiences and sustainability. In total, 78 winners were presented from 125 finalists, marking one of the largest and most competitive awards in recent years.
Across every category, a shared sense of community and excellence shone through – bringing together tourism operators from cities, coastlines, country towns and remote regions that embody the very best of what NSW has to offer.
With a legacy spanning more than 30 years, the NSW Tourism Awards are the state’s longest-running tourism honours and the only pathway to the Australian Tourism Awards. The program has earned a reputation for credibility, excellence and professionalism, underpinned by rigorous judging, and nationally recognised quality standards, which are backed by the Australian Government via Austrade.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward congratulated all the winners and finalists on their achievements.
“These awards celebrate more than success – they recognise the passion, effort and hard work that our tourism operators put in every single day. Across the state, individuals, families and businesses are pouring their heart and soul into creating unforgettable experiences for visitors, and that’s what is shining through in these awards.
“We’ve seen an increase in the standard of entries this year, showing how our tourism industry continues to up the ante, year-on-year. And, the entry process is robust, for good reason – it encourages reflection, growth and continual improvement. At its heart, these awards are about celebrating our people – the faces and stories behind our tourism experiences – and the pride they bring to New South Wales.
“Well done to all the finalists and winners, making it here is an achievement you can all be proud of. Your dedication and creativity make our state shine,” said Godward.
This year, a panel of 55 independent judges brought together expertise from across the tourism industry to evaluate entries across the categories. Each entry is assessed using a detailed marking system, with operators receiving constructive feedback to support ongoing improvement and professional development – strengthening the industry as a whole.
The 2025 NSW Tourism Awards are proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The Hon Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Jobs and Tourism said:
“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for your commitment to strengthening our industry as we work towards a $91 billion visitor economy over the next decade.
“We are lucky to live in a state where visitors can immerse themselves in stunning natural experiences, connect with the world’s oldest living culture and enjoy our world-class arts, music and sporting events.
“The NSW Government remains committed to supporting the people and businesses recognised through the NSW Tourism Awards – those creating jobs, strengthening communities and delivering unforgettable visitor experiences day-in and day-out.”
Karen Jones, CEO of Destination NSW said: “The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate the operators who bring our vision to life – creating destinations, experiences and events that inspire visitors to stay longer, do more and return again and again.
“From immersive experiences to bold new ideas, this year’s winners are setting the standard for tourism excellence and shaping the future of NSW as a destination that visitors can’t wait to explore.
“Destination NSW is proud to support these achievements and will continue working with industry to build a vibrant visitor economy that is innovative, sustainable and future ready.”
The 2025 category winners include:
4-4.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
SILVER: The Oriana Orange Retro Hotel & Resort
5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Mt Hay Retreat
SILVER: Kalinya Estate
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
GOLD: Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
SILVER: Bundyi Cultural Tours
Adventure Tourism
GOLD: Oz Jet Boating
SILVER: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
BRONZE: Soul Surf School
Business Event Venues
GOLD: ICC Sydney
SILVER: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
BRONZE: Mantra on Salt Beach
Caravan & Holiday Parks
GOLD: Tathra Beach Eco Camp
SILVER: Ingenia Holidays Nambucca Heads
BRONZE: Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie
Cultural Tourism
GOLD: Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council
SILVER: Port Macquarie Museum
BRONZE: Adam Edwards Photography
Ecotourism
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
SILVER: Kestrel Nest EcoHut
BRONZE: Showtime Kayaking
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
GOLD: Blue Mountains Climbing School
Excellence in Food Tourism
GOLD: Tocumwal Chocolate School
SILVER: Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello
Festivals & Events
GOLD: Crank It Up Festival
SILVER: Narooma Oyster Festival
BRONZE: Savour The Tweed
Hosted Accommodation
GOLD: The Belfry Guesthouse
SILVER: Amaroo Valley Springs
BRONZE: The Health Lodge
Local Government Award for Tourism*
GOLD: City of Wagga Wagga
SILVER: Destination Central Coast
BRONZE: My Clarence Valley
Major Festivals & Events
GOLD: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
SILVER: Deni Ute Muster 2024
BRONZE: Bluesfest Byron Bay
Major Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: ULTIMATE Travel
SILVER: Moonshadow – TQC Cruises
BRONZE: Brighton Coach & Tours
Major Tourist Attractions
GOLD: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us
New Tourism Business
GOLD: The Silos Accommodation
SILVER: Foxdog Distillery + Brewery
BRONZE: Reflections Holidays – Wilderluxe Lake Keepit
Self Contained Accommodation
GOLD: Contained in Nimbin Accommodation
SILVER: Palmers Lane Estate
BRONZE: The Drawing Rooms of Berry
Service to Tourism Industry*
GOLD: Sparrowly Group
SILVER: The Hotel School Australia
BRONZE: Destination Research & Development
Take 3 For The Sea Award For Visitor Litter Prevention*
GOLD: Sydney By Kayak
SILVER: Symbio Wildlife Park
Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
SILVER: Oz Jet Boating
BRONZE: 4WD Tours R Us
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
GOLD: The Tweed Tourism Company
SILVER: Orange360 – Enjoy the Now
BRONZE: Visit Wollongong – Discover the Hidden Gems of the Illawarra
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
GOLD: Pipit Restaurant
SILVER: Harwood Hotel
BRONZE: Aanuka Beach House
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
GOLD: Better by Bike
SILVER: City of Coffs Harbour
BRONZE: Outback Jess – Spotto Books
Tourism Wineries
GOLD: Printhie Wines
SILVER: Cupitt’s Estate
BRONZE: Courabyra Wines
Tourism Distilleries & Breweries**
GOLD: Jervis Bay Brewing Co
SILVER: Earth Beer Company
Tourist Attractions
GOLD: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
SILVER: Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
BRONZE: Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council
Unique Accommodation
GOLD: Sierra Escape
SILVER: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
BRONZE: Wilga Station
Visitor Information Services
GOLD: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
SILVER: Destination Central Coast
BRONZE: Hunter Valley Information Centre
The Outstanding Contribution by an Individual accolade was posthumously awarded to Rose Wright, Founder and Managing Director of Regionality, in recognition of her exceptional impact on the tourism industry.*
The Tourism Stars**, are awarded to organisations who have showed a special edge, catching the attention of the judges because of their commitment, innovative approach and resilience. The 2025 Tourism Stars are Outback Jess – Spotto Books, Starscape Australia, Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney and Dominic May of Coast XP.
NSW Tourism Association also proudly recognised three Hall of Fame entrants that have won the same category in 2023, 2024 and 2025; congratulations to Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, Sydney By Kayak and The Tweed Tourism Company.
Find out more information about the winners here: https://nswtourismassociation.
About NSW Tourism Awards:
The NSW Tourism Awards represent the pinnacle of recognition for New South Wales’ tourism industry. With categories spanning attractions, tours, festivals, food, wine and accommodation, the awards champion excellence across the diverse visitor economy, showcasing the brilliance of businesses both small and large.
Through the NSW Tourism Awards, we continue to build pride, strengthen communities, and celebrate the passion that makes NSW a truly exceptional destination.
The NSW Tourism Awards serves as the only pathway for NSW visitor economy businesses to compete at the Australian Tourism Awards. As such, all entries are required to be assessed in line with the Quality Tourism Framework Sustainable Business Standards.
https://nswtourismassociation.
About NSW Tourism Association:
NSW Tourism Association is the peak body representing the visitor economy in New South Wales.
Comprising of member businesses across the state, NSW Tourism Association is dedicated to advancing the interests of the tourism industry in government policy, supporting the industry, promoting excellence and driving economic growth through tourism.
https://nswtourismassociation.
