NSW Tourism Winners

Sydney, Nov 28: 1From eco-lodges and tour companies to major attractions and boutique stays, NSW’s leading tourism operators have been honoured at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, celebrating the strength and innovation driving the state’s visitor economy.
The awards were announced at a gala event at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney, hosted by the NSW Tourism Association. Gold, silver and bronze accolades were presented across 30 categories, recognising excellence in business performance, visitor experiences and sustainability.
In one of the most competitive years yet, 78 winners emerged from 125 finalists, representing destinations from metropolitan Sydney to coastal towns, country centres and remote regions.
With a history of more than 30 years, the NSW Tourism Awards are the state’s longest-running tourism honours and the exclusive pathway to the Australian Tourism Awards. The program is respected nationally for its rigorous, independently judged assessment process and alignment with quality standards supported by the Australian Government through 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.
A panel of 55 independent judges, drawn from across the tourism sector, evaluated entries using a detailed scoring system. Each entrant receives tailored feedback, supporting continuous improvement and professional development across the industry.
The awards are 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.”
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones added: “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.”

2025 NSW Tourism Awards – Category Winners

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 award was posthumously conferred on Rose Wright, Founder and Managing Director of Regionality, acknowledging her exceptional contribution to the tourism sector.*
The Tourism Stars distinction**, recognising organisations and individuals who have demonstrated standout commitment, innovation and resilience, went to Outback Jess – Spotto Books, Starscape Australia, Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney and Dominic May of Coast XP.
NSW Tourism Association also welcomed three new Hall of Fame entrants – Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, Sydney By Kayak and The Tweed Tourism Company – each having secured their category title in 2023, 2024 and 2025.