The NSW Tourism Association has announced the winners of the NSW Tourism Awards 2024 at a gala event at the Star Sydney.

The evening celebrated the tourism and hospitality sectors in NSW, which are delivering world-class visitor experience that 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.

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

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,” Godward said. “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.”

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

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

NSW Tourism Awards 2024 winners:

• 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).

“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,” Godward said. “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.