Inspiring tourism professionals recognised at inaugural NSW Top Tour Guide Awards

The recently held inaugural NSW Top Tour Guide Awards held on Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney recognised some of New South Wales' most inspiring tourism professionals.

Delivered by NSW Tourism Association in partnership with Tour Guides Australia, Outdoors NSW & ACT and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney, the awards celebrate excellence in tour guiding - recognising individuals who bring destinations to life through storytelling, knowledge and unforgettable visitor experiences.

2025 NSW Top Tour Guide Award Winners:

• Gold: Justin Steele – Local Sauce Tours

• Silver: Nathan Lygon – Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council

• Bronze: Amanda Fry – Experience Nature

• Highly Commended: Rebecca Dunning – Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour

• Highly Commended: Tiga Cross – Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

All finalists will receive affiliate membership with Tour Guides Australia, with the top three recipients receiving full professional accreditation. The Gold winner, Justin Steele, will go on to represent NSW at the national Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra.

Natalie Godward, Chief Executive  of NSW Tourism Association noted “these winners represent the heart of what makes tourism meaningful - connection, culture and care.

“We are proud to honour individuals who deliver not just a service, but a sense of place and purpose. This award highlights the critical role guides play in shaping visitor perceptions and enriching local economies. Our partnership with Tour Guides Australia is vital in building a more professional and sustainable guiding sector in NSW.”

The awards also reflect a growing commitment across the sector to raise standards and address the shortage of skilled, accredited guides across Australia.

Greg Esnouf, President of Tour Guides Australia added “tour guides are more than hosts - they’re storytellers, custodians and cultural interpreters,” said Greg Esnouf, President of Tour Guides Australia.

“By partnering with NSW Tourism Association, we’re lifting the profile of guiding as a profession and helping build a workforce that delivers quality insightful experiences.”

The event was held in collaboration with Outdoors NSW & ACT, a longstanding advocate for high standards in outdoor and adventure tourism.

Lori Modde, Chief Executive of Outdoors NSW & ACT shared “Adventure Guides are often the unsung heroes of the outdoor experiences - leading with safety, educating with passion, and delivering unforgettable moments in some of the most remote and geographically stunning parts of our natural world.

“These awards not only recognise the incredible skill and commitment of these professionals but also highlight the critical importance of qualifications and experience in ensuring safe and enriching outdoor adventures for all.”

Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney hosted the awards aboard one of their premier vessels, with Sydney Harbour and Vivid Sydney providing an unforgettable backdrop.

Daniel Toby, General Manager for Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney added “It was an honour to host this celebration recognising the people who deliver some of the most memorable tourism experiences in our state

“We’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate excellence in the tourism sector.”

NSW Tourism Association congratulates all finalists for their passion, professionalism and commitment to excellence.

The NSW Top Tour Guide Awards reflect the Association’s commitment to professional development and high standards across the NSW visitor economy.

2025 Finalists – NSW Top Tour Guide Award

• Tiga Cross – Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

• Tom Cosgrove – Sydney Oyster Farm Tours

• Rebecca Dunning – Stand Up Paddleboarding Shellharbour

• Ben Butof – Activity Tours Australia

• Justin Steele – Local Sauce Tours

• Nathan Lygon – Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council

• Amanda Fry – Experience Nature

• Graham Chapman – Chapman Tours