Loading

2023 Tourism Award Winners Announced

Australian Reptile Park, SomersbyCredit: Destination NSW

A resident koala resting in a tree at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

2023 Tourism Award Winners Announced

Australian Reptile Park, Somersby Credit: Destination NSW

A resident koala resting in a tree at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Hashtags #feelnsw #newsouthwales

The state’s peak tourism organisation, NSW Tourism Industry Council, is excited to announce the winners of the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards for 2023.

Held this evening in iconic White Bay Cruise Terminal Sydney, over 500 industry representatives gathered to celebrate these outstanding tourism businesses.

The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council powered by Business NSW, the state’s peak business organisation, and supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

“The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate those tourism experiences that inspire visitors to #feelnewsouthwales and recognise those businesses who exemplify outstanding tourism experiences,” said Paula Martin, Executive Director, NSW Tourism Industry Council.

“These businesses provide leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services. They also advance and promote the NSW and Australian tourism industry through consistent customer service and quality experiences.

“A highlight of this year’s awards program was the high number of first-time entrants (60), many of whom are new businesses to the sector.

“This level of representation from emerging businesses tells us that innovation is alive and well in tourism and we are proud of the resilience of the sector,” Paula Martin said.  

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said it’s an exciting time for visitors in NSW, with domestic and international visitor expenditure in NSW surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

“We know our visitors don’t just want a selfie in front of the Sydney Opera House, they want to be immersed in the culture of the place and to experience what’s happening in and around iconic buildings, secret neighbourhoods, and in our beautiful natural environment.

“Cultural activity is so much of why we love our towns and cities and it’s a big part of what attracts visitors and what keeps them coming back.

“Congratulations to all the winners and the whole hard-working sector.”

Lori Modde, one of the most passionate and hardworking tourism professionals in NSW and ACT was awarded the Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to NSW in recognition of her dedication and advocacy for tourism in her State, over the past 18+ years.

Crank It Up Festival, Batemans Bay was the recipient of the Judges’ Tourism Star Award’, a special award to reward their tremendous resilience and innovation, and Mt Hay Retreat, Berry was awarded the Tourism Star Award for Sustainability, to recognise their outstanding efforts and practices in sustainability.

Winners in the designated national award categories will represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Darwin, 15 March 2023.

EDITORS’ NOTE: A full list of this year’s NSW Tourism Awards winners by category is outlined below.

About NSW Tourism Industry Council

Powered by Business NSW, the NSW Tourism Industry Council helps businesses operating in the Visitor Economy maximise their potential to ensure New South Wales remains the number one tourism destination in Australia.

Media enquiries: Paula Martin - 0414 901 777

Australian Reptile Park, Somersby Credit: Destination NSW

Keeper Dan holding a resident cuddly koala at the Australia Reptile Park on the Central Coast.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Australian Reptile Park, Somersby Credit: Destination NSW

Keeper Dan holding a resident cuddly koala at the Australia Reptile Park on the Central Coast.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW

Men kayaking on Sydney Harbour in summer.

#feelnewsydney

Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW

Men kayaking on Sydney Harbour in summer.

#feelnewsydney

2023 NSW Tourism Award Winners:

Major Tourist Attractions

  • Gold: Australian Reptile Park, Somersby
  • Silver: Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
  • Bronze: Jamberoo Action Park

Tourist Attractions

  • Gold: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
  • Silver: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Penrith
  • Bronze: Old Dubbo Gaol

Major Festivals and Events

  • Gold: Tamworth Country Music Festival
  • Silver: Byron Bay Bluesfest 2023

Festivals and Events

  • Gold: Tumbafest Inc, Tumbarumba
  • Silver: Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail
  • Bronze: Bathurst Winter Festival

Ecotourism

  • Gold: Sydney By Kayak, Lavender Bay
  • Silver: Vision Walks - Eco Tours, Byron Bay
  • Bronze: Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Mt Adrah

Cultural Tourism

  • Gold: Local Sauce Tours, Sydney
  • Silver: Old Dubbo Gaol

Excellence in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience

  • Gold: Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience, Gumbaynggirr Country, Coffs Harbour

Tourism Retail, Hire and Services

  • Gold & Hall of Fame: Sydney Harbour Kayaks, Mosman
  • Silver: Camplify, Newcastle
  • Bronze: Ask Roz Blue Mountains

Visitor Information Services

  • Gold: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre

Business Event Venues

  • Gold: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
  • Silver: Hyatt Regency Sydney
  • Bronze: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains by MGallery, Leura

Major Tour & Transport Operators

  • Gold: Moonshadow - TQC Cruises, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens

Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW

A girl looks out over the Hunter Valley during a ballon flight with Balloon Aloft. Balloon Aloft has been offering balloon flights over the Hunter Valley – Australia’s premier vineyard region – for over forty years. Flights begin at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke.

#feelnew #newsouthwales

Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW

A girl looks out over the Hunter Valley during a ballon flight with Balloon Aloft. Balloon Aloft has been offering balloon flights over the Hunter Valley – Australia’s premier vineyard region – for over forty years. Flights begin at sunrise and take in views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke.

#feelnew #newsouthwales

Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW

Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW

Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Tour & Transport Operators

  • Gold: Vision Walks - Eco Tours, Byron Bay
  • Silver: Tweed Eco Cruises, Tweed Heads
  • Bronze: Blue Mountains Stargazing

Adventure Tourism

  • Gold: Balloon Aloft Australia, Hunter Valley, Camden Valley, Mudgee and Byron Bay
  • Silver: Sydney Harbour Kayaks, Mosman
  • Bronze: Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours, Coffs Harbour, Gumbaynggirr Country

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns

  • Gold: The Tweed Tourism Company
  • Silver: City of Newcastle
  • Bronze: Destination Wollongong: Warm Up Wollongong

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

  • Gold: Potager, Carool
  • Silver: Love Lord Howe, Lord Howe Island
  • Bronze: Margan Wines & Restaurant, Broke

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

  • Gold: Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum
  • Silver: Courabyra Wines, Tumbarumba
  • Bronze: Cape Byron Distillery, McLeods Shoot

Caravan & Holiday Parks

  • Gold: Tiona, Forster
  • Silver: Tasman Holiday Parks, Racecourse Beach

Unique Accommodation

  • Gold: Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat, The Camden Haven
  • Silver:  Evamor Valley, Mudgee
  • Bronze: Wilga Station, Bathurst

Self Contained Accommodation

  • Gold: Peppertree Collection, Mudgee
  • Silver: The Drawing Rooms of Berry
  • Bronze: Cedars Mount View, Mount View

Elements of Byron Bay, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Couple relaxing at the Botanica Beach Club, exclusive to guests staying at Elements of Byron Resort, Byron Bay.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Elements of Byron Bay, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Couple relaxing at the Botanica Beach Club, exclusive to guests staying at Elements of Byron Resort, Byron Bay.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

The Oriana, Orange Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying cocktails at the retro-chic Bela Vista Bar in The Oriana Hotel, Orange.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

The Oriana, Orange Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying cocktails at the retro-chic Bela Vista Bar in The Oriana Hotel, Orange.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

  • Gold: Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort, Orange
  • Silver: The Byng Street Boutique Hotel, Orange

5 Star Luxury Accommodation

  • Gold: Kalinya Estate, Bargo
  • Silver: Mt Hay Retreat, Berry
  • Bronze: Elements of Byron, Byron Bay

New Tourism Business

  • Gold: Contained In Nimbin Accommodation
  • Silver: Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats, Port Macquarie

Excellence in Food Tourism

  • Gold: Love Lord Howe, Lord Howe Island
  • Silver: Food I Am, Wagga Wagga

Excellence in Accessible Tourism

  • Gold: Cocky Guides, Sydney

Local Government Award for Tourism

  • Gold: Central Coast Council - Destination Central Coast
  • Silver: Dubbo Regional Council

Take 3 For The Sea Award For Visitor Litter Prevention

  • Gold: Sydney By Kayak, Lavender Bay
  • Silver: The Observatory Self Contained Apartments, Coffs Harbour
  • Bronze: Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, Anna Bay

Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

  • Lori Modde

Tourism Star Judges' Award

  • Crank It Up Festival, Batemans Bay

Tourism Star Judges' Award for Sustainability

  • Mt Hay Retreat, Berry

Farmers Hut at Wilga Station Credit: Wilga Station

Woman relaxing by the window at Farmers Hut at Wilga Station

#feelnew

Farmers Hut at Wilga Station Credit: Wilga Station

Woman relaxing by the window at Farmers Hut at Wilga Station

#feelnew

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile Credit: Destination NSW

Family enjoying a visit to the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens, One Mile.

#feelnew #newsouthwales

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile Credit: Destination NSW

Family enjoying a visit to the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens, One Mile.

#feelnew #newsouthwales

MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

More Inspirational Stories

ALL ASSETS FROM THE DESTINATION NSW MEDIA CENTRE ARE FOR EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY AND MUST BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.


For all non-editorial usage, please
visit the Destination NSW Content Library.

REGISTER
NOW

Access assets curated for media and content creators.

For all non-editorial usage, please
visit the Destination NSW Content Library.

Already have an account?

Permission Request


Destination NSW wants to access your Destination NSW Media Centre account.


This application will:

  • View your basic account information
  • View your email address
  • View your phone number, if provided
  • View your street address, if provided
  • View basic information about your organization, if provided
  • View your site usage
  • View your asset download activity

This access will help Destination NSW manage copyright owner rights, provide you with digital assets, keep you updated with new information and improve your user experience.


Do you agree to allow this access? If yes, click the REGISTER button.


You can unsubscribe at any time.

3 + 8 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Permission Request

Destination NSW wants to review your registration for your Destination NSW Media Centre account.

This review will:

  • View your basic account information
  • View your email address
  • View your basic information about your organisation, if provided
  • View your site usage
  • View your asset download activity

This will assist Destination NSW manage copyright owner rights, provide you with digital assets, keep you updated with new information and improve your user experience.


By clicking REGISTER, you agree that you have read and agree to the TERMS & CONDITIONS and Destination NSW's PRIVACY POLICY


You can unsubscribe at any time.