Outstanding visitor experiences recognised with NSW Tourism Association awards

The NSW Tourism Association last night announced the winners of the NSW Tourism Awards 2024 during a gala event at The Star Sydney with the event recognising the outstanding visitor experiences being delivered across the tourism and hospitality sectors in NSW. 

From Bathurst to Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga to Sydney and Batemans Bay to Byron Bay, the best of NSW’s attractions, tours, festivals, accommodation and food tourism shone bright.

Winners were recognised with gold, silver and bronze awards for their commitment to tourism excellence. Category winners from the NSW Tourism Awards will now represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards.

The NSW Tourism Awards are the exclusive pathway for NSW visitor economy businesses to qualify for the national competition.

NSW Tourism Association Chief Executive Natalie Godward congratulated all the winners and finalists on their awards noting “the benchmark for the NSW Tourism Awards this year was high, so to be recognised as a finalist or one of our winners is a huge achievement.

“The tourism industry can at times be incredibly tough so well done to everyone who has gone above and beyond to deliver whether that be experiences, food, or amazing venues.

“We’re lucky in NSW to have such diversity with our tourism from unique country events to immersive ocean adventures, and hero Sydney experiences. These awards are a chance to celebrate the strength, pride and passion of our industry, as well as the small to large businesses who offer these unique opportunities to have memorable experiences.

“Thank you to all who joined us last night to celebrate our industry and the great people in it.”

NSW Tourism Association also recognised two Hall of Fame entrants that have won the same category in 2022, 2023 and 2024 with congratulations going to Potager and Balloon Aloft Australia.

Additional to the category awards (listed below), NSW Tourism Awards recognised and honoured a person who has gone above and beyond their own commercial focus to contribute to the broader NSW tourism industry. The Outstanding Contribution by an Individual accolade was awarded to Lyndel Gray, Chief Executive of Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA).

Godward acknowledged “with 37 years of tourism experience, including senior roles at Destination NSW and Tourism Australia, Lyndel has driven significant sector growth, led major initiatives like Oprah Winfrey’s Sydney visit, and is active in multiple tourism leadership roles. We’re thrilled to provide Lyndel with this recognition, as a much-respected mentor and role model in the industry.”

The Tourism Stars, also known as Judges Choice Awards, go to organisations who have showed a special edge, and really connected with the judges because of their commitment, innovative approach and resilience. The 2024 Tourism Stars are Bathurst Winter Festival, Tom’s Outdoors and Destination Sydney Surrounds South - South Coast Centre of Excellence.

The NSW Tourism Awards 2024 are supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham added “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners for their outstanding contribution to the visitor economy.

“Tourism in NSW is set for incredible growth over the next decade, but its success rests on the hard work and hospitality of the people working across the industry. These awards are about recognising those people.”

More information on NSW Tourism Association 

The 2024 category winners include:

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
GOLD: Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort, Orange

5 Star Luxury Accommodation
GOLD: Mt Hay Retreat, Berry
SILVER: Kalinya Estate, Bargo

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
GOLD: Bundyi Cultural Tours, Wagga Wagga

Adventure Tourism
GOLD: Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley, Camden Valley, Mudgee and Byron Bay
SILVER: Let’s Go Surfing, Sydney, Byron Bay
BRONZE: Oz Jet Boating, Sydney

Caravan & Holiday Parks
GOLD: Holiday Haven Lake Conjola
SILVER: Tathra Beach Eco Camp
BRONZE: Tasman Holiday Parks Racecourse Beach, Bawley Point

Cultural Tourism   
GOLD: Port Macquarie Museum
SILVER: Local Sauce Tours, Sydney
BRONZE: Dubbo Regional Council - Old Dubbo Gaol

Ecotourism
GOLD: Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Mount Adrah
SILVER: Sydney By Kayak, Lavender Bay
BRONZE: Navigate Expeditions, Far South Coast

Excellence in Accessible Tourism
GOLD: Balloon Aloft Australia, Hunter Valley, Camden Valley, Mudgee and Byron Bay
SILVER: Blue Mountains Climbing School
BRONZE: Sails Holiday Park, Belmont

Excellence in Food Tourism         
GOLD: Love Lord Howe
SILVER: Food I Am, Wagga Wagga
BRONZE: Tocumwal Chocolate School

Festivals & Events        
GOLD: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
SILVER: Tumbafest Inc, Tumbarumba
BRONZE: Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail

Hosted Accommodation
GOLD: Black Sheep Inn, Borenore
SILVER: Amaroo Valley Springs, Kangaroo Valley

Local Government Award for Tourism   
GOLD: Bathurst Regional Council
SILVER: City of Newcastle

Major Festivals & Events        
GOLD: Bluesfest Byron Bay
SILVER: Strawberry Fields Festival, Tocumwal

Major Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: Captain Cook Cruises - Sydney
SILVER: Moonshadow - TQC Cruises, Nelson Bay

Major Tourist Attractions     
GOLD: Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh
SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us, Anna Bay
BRONZE: The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour

New Tourism Business  
GOLD: Beneath The Bay, Batemans Bay
SILVER: Showtime Kayaking, Lake Macquarie
BRONZE: The Brooklet, Brooklet

Self Contained Accommodation
GOLD: Cedars Mount View, Hunter Valley

Service to Tourism Industry    
GOLD: TRC Tourism
SILVER: Sparrowly Group
BRONZE: Hipscotch

Take 3 For The Sea Award For Visitor Litter Prevention  
GOLD: Sydney By Kayak, Lavender Bay
SILVER: Cruise Eden, Eden

\Tour & Transport Operators    
GOLD: Blue Mountains Day Tours by Chapman Tours
SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us, Anna Bay
BRONZE: Activity Tours Australia, Sydney

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns         
GOLD: Tweed Tourism Company
SILVER: Barrington Coast: Whatever It Takes
BRONZE: City of Newcastle

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
GOLD: Potager, Carool
SILVER: Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville
BRONZE: Frankie’s Restaurant and Bar, Lithgow

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services 
GOLD: Ask Roz Blue Mountains
SILVER: Hirehood, Northern Rivers
BRONZE: Outback Jess - Spotto Books

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
GOLD: Cupitt’s Estate, Ulladulla
SILVER: Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum
BRONZE: Cape Byron Distillery, McLeods Shoot

Tourist Attractions       
GOLD: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
SILVER: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
BRONZE: Barooga Sporties Group, Barooga

Unique Accommodation      
GOLD: Sierra Escape, Mudgee
SILVER: Wilga Station, Bathurst
BRONZE: Myall River Camp, Hawks Nest

Visitor Information Services      
GOLD: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
SILVER: MidCoast Council: Barrington Coast
BRONZE: Albury Visitor Information Centre

Image top: Award winners; image centre: Sydney By Kayak secured Gold in 'Take 3 For The Sea Award For Visitor Litter Prevention' category;  
image below: Balloon Aloft Australia secured Gold award in 'Excellence in Accessible Tourism'