Finalists Announced for the NSW Tourism Awards
The NSW Tourism Association has today announced the finalists for the NSW Tourism Awards 2025, with over 230 nominations from across the state – it’s a record year. From these, 125 businesses and individuals have progressed as finalists across 30 categories, with four special awards to be presented at the Gala event in November.
This year saw a record number of first-time entrants, highlighting the growing recognition and significance of the Awards as both a celebration of excellence and a valuable tool for business development.
Natalie Godward, CEO of the NSW Tourism Association, said the finalists reflect the strength, passion and professionalism of the NSW visitor economy.
“We are incredibly proud to reveal this year’s finalists, representing tourism businesses and individuals from every corner of our state. This year’s awards are coming off the back of a record result at the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards where 9 NSW-based operators took out a podium placement.
“The NSW Tourism Awards unite our industry, strengthen our communities, and shine a light on the dedication and pride of operators who create world-class experiences,” said Ms Godward.
For the first time, the program includes finalists from the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, thanks to a new partnership providing a direct pathway and greater support.
“We are delighted about this new partnership providing greater opportunity for North Coast operators to enter the awards which is a great result,” said Ms Godward.
All entries were rigorously assessed by a panel of 56 independent industry experts, with judges noting the increasing calibre of submissions and the commitment to sustainable business practices. The program is the only pathway for NSW operators to compete at the Australian Tourism Awards.
The NSW Tourism Awards provide entrants with extensive business support, as part of the submission process to increase the value of entering.
“We’ve had highly positive feedback from participants who say the process is extremely valuable in helping them build actionable steps to creating business success. It’s why we continue to see new entrants embracing the program – it builds long-term capability as well as celebrating success,” said Ms Godward.
The 2025 NSW Tourism Awards finalists are recognised across the following categories:
- Tours, Attractions & Experiences
- Festivals & Events
- Accommodation
- Food & Drink Tourism
- Sustainable Tourism
- Tourism Services
- New Tourism Businesses
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper congratulated all the finalists and said it showed that the state’s tourism sector was driven by dedicated industry champions.
“Tourism is a $50 billion industry in NSW, and a major driver of jobs, growth and opportunity,” he said.
“Our recently launched Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 targets even more flights, visitors, hotel rooms and visitor spend across the next decade — and industry leaders will be an important part of that drive.
“The finalists represent the very best of our state, setting benchmarks of excellence and demonstrating the important role tourism plays in strengthening local communities. I congratulate every finalist and thank them for their contribution in making NSW the number one visitor economy in the nation.”
Destination NSW is the proud major sponsor of the NSW Tourism Awards for 2025.
The full list of 2025 finalists can be viewed here: nswtourismassociation.com.au/nsw-tourism-awards
The winners of the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards will be announced at the NSW Tourism Gala on Thursday, 27 November 2025 at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park.
NSW Tourism Awards 2025 Finalists:
| Organisation | Region | ||
| Attractions | |||
| Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary | North Coast | ||
| Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens | North Coast | ||
| Northern Rivers Rail Trail | North Coast | ||
| Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council | Country and Outback | ||
| RFDS Outback Heritage Experience Broken Hill | Country and Outback | ||
| Symbio Wildlife Park | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo | Country and Outback | ||
| Events | |||
| Bluesfest Byron Bay | North Coast | ||
| Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash | Country and Outback | ||
| Crank It Up Festival | Southern NSW | ||
| Deni Ute Muster 2024 | Riverina / Murray | ||
| EAT Festival Sapphire Coast | Southern NSW | ||
| Festival of W | Riverina / Murray | ||
| Grafton Jacaranda Festival | North Coast | ||
| Lismore Lantern Parade | North Coast | ||
| Narooma Oyster Festival | Southern NSW | ||
| Orange Food Week | Central NSW | ||
| Park Beach Hotel Motel – HOEY MOEY | North Coast | ||
| Reflections Cadet Cup | North Coast | ||
| Savour The Tweed | North Coast | ||
| Eco Tourism | |||
| Ecoasis | North Coast | ||
| Kestrel Nest EcoHut | Riverina / Murray | ||
| Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats | North Coast | ||
| REGION X Kayak, Walking & Camping Adventures | Southern NSW | ||
| Showtime Kayaking | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Sydney Kayak Experience | Sydney | ||
| Vision Walks – Eco Tours | North Coast | ||
| Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney | Sydney | ||
| Cultural Tourism | |||
| Adam Edwards Photography | Country and Outback | ||
| Bundyi Cultural Tours | Riverina / Murray | ||
| Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council | Southern NSW | ||
| Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council | Country and Outback | ||
| Port Macquarie Museum | North Coast | ||
| Visitor Information | |||
| Ask Roz Blue Mountains | Sydney | ||
| Ballina Visitor Information Centre | North Coast | ||
| Bathurst Visitor Information Centre | Central NSW | ||
| Destination Central Coast | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Tours & Activities | |||
| 4WD Tours R Us | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Aquamarine Adventures | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Barefoot Boats Harrington | North Coast | ||
| Better by Bike | North Coast | ||
| Beyond The Blacktop Adventure Tours | Sydney | ||
| BIGWAVE Skydive | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Blue Mountains Climbing School | Sydney | ||
| Brighton Coach & Tours | Sydney | ||
| Cape Byron Kayaks | North Coast | ||
| Chapman Tours | Sydney | ||
| Explore Sydney Harbour | Sydney | ||
| Moonshadow -TQC Cruises | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Mudgee Ale Trail | Central NSW | ||
| Northern Rivers Rail Trail | North Coast | ||
| Oz Jet Boating | Sydney | ||
| REGION X Kayak, Walking & Camping Adventures | Southern NSW | ||
| Soul Surf School | North Coast | ||
| Spotto Books | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Starscape Australia | Central NSW | ||
| Sydney By Kayak | Sydney | ||
| Sydney Harbour Boat Tours | Sydney | ||
| ULTIMATE Travel | Sydney | ||
| Vision Walks – Eco Tours | North Coast | ||
| Marketing | |||
| Destination Central Coast | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Destination Kiama – Coast in Chill out Campaign | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Destination Store – Where Time Does Wonders, Port Macquarie | North Coast | ||
| Headjam – Tourism Snowy Mountains Website | Southern NSW | ||
| Orange360 – Enjoy the Now | Central NSW | ||
| The Tweed Tourism Company | North Coast | ||
| Visit Wollongong – Discover the Hidden Gems of the Illawarra | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Food & Beverage | |||
| Aanuka Beach House | North Coast | ||
| Courabyra Wines | Riverina / Murray | ||
| Cupitt’s Estate | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Earth Beer Company | North Coast | ||
| Foxdog Distillery & Brewery | Southern NSW | ||
| Harwood Hotel | North Coast | ||
| Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Jervis Bay Brewing Co | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Krinklewood Estate | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Pipit Restaurant | North Coast | ||
| Printhie Wines | Central NSW | ||
| Spare Chef Catering | North Coast | ||
| Tocumwal Chocolate School | Riverina / Murray | ||
| Accommodation + Events Venues | |||
| Akuna Estate | Central NSW | ||
| Amaroo Valley Springs | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Cedars Mount View | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Contained in Nimbin Accommodation | North Coast | ||
| Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Dimensions X Farmstay at Krinklewood Estate | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Holiday Haven Lake Conjola | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| ICC Sydney | Sydney | ||
| Ingenia Holidays Nambucca Heads | North Coast | ||
| Into The Wild Escapes | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Invercauld House | North Coast | ||
| Kalinya Estate | Sydney | ||
| Mantra on Salt Beach | North Coast | ||
| Mt Hay Retreat | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| Palmers Lane Estate | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| Reflections Holidays – Hawks Nest | North Coast | ||
| Reflections Holidays – Wilderluxe Lake Keepit | Country and Outback | ||
| Shawwood Estate | Central NSW | ||
| Sierra Escape | Central NSW | ||
| Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo | Country and Outback | ||
| Tasman Holiday Parks – North Star | North Coast | ||
| Tathra Beach Eco Camp | Southern NSW | ||
| The Belfry Guesthouse | North Coast | ||
| The Drawing Rooms of Berry | Sydney Surrounds South | ||
| The Health Lodge | North Coast | ||
| The Oriana Orange Retro Hotel & Resort | Central NSW | ||
| The Silos Accommodation | Riverina / Murray | ||
| Wilga Station | Central NSW | ||
| Wollemi Ridge Retreats | Sydney | ||
| Local Government | |||
| Central Coast Council | Sydney Surrounds North | ||
| City of Coffs Harbour | North Coast | ||
| City of Wagga Wagga | Riverina / Murray | ||
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