Laura Stone who runs Sydney by Kayak has been crowned NSW Top Tour Guide for 2026 receiving the gold gong.
NSW Top Tour Guides for 2026 was announced at Taronga Zoo yesterday evening which celebrated the professionalism and expertise of the six top guides from across the state.
Rebecca Dunning of Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour received the silver medal while Alkira Alridge of Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council was awarded the Bronze medal.
Elena Babazogli of Showtime Kayaking received the Highly Recommended award.
“Tour Guides do so much more than guide visitors. They bring our destinations to life through their knowledge, storytelling, personality, passion and connection to place.
“This year’s finalists represented an exceptional standard of professional guiding across NSW, so to be recognised among this group is a significant achievement,” said NSW Tourism Association CEO, Natalie Godward.
Tour Guides Australia President, Greg Esnouf added: “Great tour guides are storytellers, cultural ambassadors and experience creators. They give visitors something that cannot be replicated by a map, an app or an itinerary – genuine human connection and a deeper understanding of the places they visit.
NSW Top Tour Guide Awards for 2026 include
Gold – NSW Top Tour Guide
Layra Stone of Sydney By Kayak
Silver
Rebecca Dunning of Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
Bronze
Alkira Alridge of Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
Highly Recommend ed
Elena Babazogli of Showtime Kayaking
Finalists
Adrian Clayton of Sydney Kayak Experience
Peta Alexopoulos of Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats.
The NSW Top Tour Guides will represent NSW at the Australian Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra next month.
