The best of the NSW visitor economy was acknowledged last night with winners announced for the 2024 NSW Tourism Awards. 

More than 500 industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate the tourism and hospitality sectors in NSW, with winners awarded with gold, silver and bronze accolades for their commitment to tourism excellence.

The NSW Tourism Awards program is managed by the NSW Tourism Association and recognises visitor economy businesses that are delivering world-class visitor experiences.

Category winners will represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards in March 2025.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners for their outstanding contributions 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.”

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said: “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.”

Awards honour Lyndel Gray

The NSW Tourism Awards honoured Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW CEO Lyndel Gray with the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual accolade.

The award recognises those who have gone above and beyond their own commercial focus to contribute to the broader NSW tourism industry.

Ms Gray is also Chair of Destination Sydney Surrounds South and Deputy Chair of Surfing NSW and was previously Executive Director Tourism at Destination NSW.

Ms Godward said: “With 37 years of tourism experience, including senior roles at Destination NSW and Tourism Australia, Lyndel has driven significant sector growth, led major initiatives such as 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.”

Ms Gray said: "This is such a tremendous industry that thrives on collaboration and is continuously innovating. It has been my absolute pleasure to be involved in its success over the decades, both internationally and domestically. Thank you sincerely for the recognition".

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

2024 category winners

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

GOLD: The Oriana Orange – Retro Hotel & Resort

5 Star Luxury Accommodation

GOLD: Mt Hay Retreat

SILVER: Kalinya Estate

Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander Tourism Experience

GOLD: Bundyi Cultural Tours

Adventure Tourism

GOLD: Balloon Aloft

SILVER: Let’s Go Surfing

BRONZE: Oz Jet Boating

Caravan & Holiday Parks

GOLD: Holiday Haven Lake Conjola 

SILVER: Tathra Beach Eco Camp

BRONZE: Tasman Holiday Parks Racecourse Beach

Cultural Tourism 

GOLD: Port Macquarie Museum

SILVER: Local Sauce Tours

BRONZE: Dubbo Regional Council - Old Dubbo Gaol

Ecotourism

GOLD: Kestrel Nest EcoHut

SILVER: Sydney By Kayak

BRONZE: Navigate Expeditions

Excellence in Accessible Tourism

GOLD: Balloon Aloft Australia

SILVER: Blue Mountains Climbing School

BRONZE: Sails Holiday Park

Excellence in Food Tourism 

GOLD: Love Lord Howe

SILVER: Food I Am

BRONZE: Tocumwal Chocolate School

Festivals & Events 

GOLD: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash

SILVER: Tumbafest Inc

BRONZE: Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail

Hosted Accommodation

GOLD: Black Sheep Inn

SILVER: Amaroo Valley Springs

Local Government Award for Tourism 

GOLD: Bathurst Regional Council

SILVER: City of Newcastle

Major Festivals & Events 

GOLD: Bluesfest Byron Bay PTY LTD

SILVER: Strawberry Fields Festival

Major Tour & Transport Operators

GOLD: Captain Cook Cruises - Sydney

SILVER: Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

Major Tourist Attractions 

GOLD: Symbio Wildlife Park

SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us

BRONZE: The Big Banana Fun Park

New Tourism Business 

GOLD: Beneath The Bay

SILVER: Showtime Kayaking

BRONZE: The Brooklet

Self-Contained Accommodation

GOLD: Cedars Mount View

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

SILVER: Cruise Eden

Tour & Transport Operators 

GOLD: Blue Mountains Day Tours

SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us

BRONZE: Activity Tours Australia

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns 

GOLD: Tweed Tourism Company

SILVER: Barrington Coast: Whatever It Takes

BRONZE: City of Newcastle

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

GOLD: Potager

SILVER: Pipit Restaurant

BRONZE: Frankie’s Restaurant and Bar

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services 

GOLD: Ask Roz Blue Mountains

SILVER: Hirehood

BRONZE: Outback Jess - Spotto Books

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

GOLD: Cupitt’s Estate

SILVER: Husk Distillers

BRONZE: Cape Byron Distillery

Tourist Attractions 

GOLD: Northern Rivers Rail Trail

SILVER: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

BRONZE: Barooga Sporties Group

Unique Accommodation 

GOLD: Sierra Escape

SILVER: Wilga Station

BRONZE: Myall River Camp

Visitor Information Services 

GOLD: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre

SILVER: MidCoast Council: Barrington Coast

BRONZE: Albury Visitor Information Centre

Tourism Star winners

The Tourism Stars, also known as Judges Choice Awards, go to organisations that have really connected with the judges because of their commitment, innovative approach and resilience.

he 2024 Tourism Stars are Destination Sydney Surrounds South - South Coast Centre of Excellence, Bathurst Winter Festival and Tom’s Outdoors.

Two Hall of Fame entrants were also honour, after winning the same category in 2022, 2023 and 2024 - Potager and Balloon Aloft Australia. 

Find out more information about the awards and the winners here: https://nswtourismassociation.com.au/nsw-tourism-awards

NSW First Program drives industry excellence

Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards participated in NSW First Program events and initiatives during 2023-24.

The Destination NSW initiative helps visitor economy businesses to develop, promote and sell world-class experiences.

Finalists attended NSW First workshops on topics including experience development, inbound strategy and opportunities in cruise tourism; they also joined NSW First webinars covering subjects including agritourism, culinary, EV-friendly road trips and wellness; and took part in partner programs such as Digital Skills Accelerator, Sustainability Skills Micro-credentials and the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.

Learn more about NSW First here.