The NSW Tourism Association announced the winners of the NSW Tourism Awards 2024 during a gala event at The Star Sydney. The evening celebrated the tourism and hospitality sectors in NSW, which are delivering world-class visitor experiences that are growing the NSW visitor economy.
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.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward congratulated all the winners and finalists on their awards. “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. 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.”
The NSW Tourism Awards 2024 were proudly supported by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “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.”
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
Additional to the category awards, 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, CEO of Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA).
Ms 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
NSW Tourism Association also proudly recognised two Hall of Fame entrants that have won the same category in 2022, 2023 and 2024, congratulations to Potager and Balloon Aloft Australia.
