Australian Reptile Park, SomersbyCredit: Destination NSW
A resident koala resting in a tree at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast.
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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.
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Australian Reptile Park, Somersby Credit: Destination NSW
Keeper Dan holding a resident cuddly koala at the Australia Reptile Park on the Central Coast.
Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Men kayaking on Sydney Harbour in summer.
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Kayaking, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Men kayaking on Sydney Harbour in summer.
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.
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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.
Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
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Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum Credit: Destination NSW
Couple touring the Husk Farm Distillers property in North Tumbulgum and meeting the resident cattle.
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.
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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.
The Oriana, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying cocktails at the retro-chic Bela Vista Bar in The Oriana Hotel, Orange.
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The Oriana, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying cocktails at the retro-chic Bela Vista Bar in The Oriana Hotel, Orange.
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
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Farmers Hut at Wilga Station Credit: Wilga Station
Woman relaxing by the window at Farmers Hut at Wilga Station
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens, One Mile.
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Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a visit to the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens, One Mile.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands