They are the unsung heroes of the tourism industry…until now. The NSW Tourism Association has announced its best guides for 2026, so consumers can be sure they are getting well-qualified private tour leaders.
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 were announced at Taronga Zoo yesterday evening, at an event 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
Laura Stone of Sydney By Kayak.
Founder of Sydney By Kayak, Laura has been guiding on Sydney Harbour since 2013. As a qualified instructor and Director of the family-run award-winning ecotourism business, Laura blends storytelling with environmental education, mentors other guides and inspires paddlers while modelling passion for her children.
Silver
Rebecca Dunning of Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
As founder and lead guide of Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Rebecca has spent a decade creating immersive paddle boarding experiences that connect visitors with the waterways, culture and lifestyle of the Illawarra region. Bec delivers her tours with a focus on safety, storytelling, inclusivity and authentic connection to place.
Bronze
Alkira Alridge of Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council.
A proud Thaua woman with ties to several nations, Alkira grew up immersed in culture through dance, NAIDOC events and caring for Country. She now guides with the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, delivering the Bilbaan Cultural Experience along the Bundian Way, sharing language, dance and history with warmth and authenticity.
Highly Recommended
Elena Babazogli of Showtime Kayaking.
Guiding since 2017, Elena is an Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism graduate with broad experience across hiking, kayaking and adventure guiding nationwide. She joined Showtime Kayaking as a founding lead guide and Operations Manager. Elena delights her guests leading unique night tours in illuminated clear kayaks.
Finalists
Adrian Clayton of Sydney Kayak Experience.
Adrian is an iconic Sydney sea kayaker with over 20 years’ experience and has guided over 10,000 participants. As a Paddle Australia Sea Guide, Instructor and Assessor with British Canoe Union qualifications, his expeditions include Bass Strait, the full NSW coastline and Tasmania. A true Sydney local, he’s renowned for harbour knowledge and storytelling.
Peta Alexopoulos of Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats.
As Co-founder of Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats, Peta delivers eco-conscious, nature-based wellness experiences. She personally designs and guides small-group retreats blending hiking, ocean immersion, movement, yoga and sound—creating safe, authentic journeys connecting guests to country and self.
The NSW Top Tour Guides will represent NSW at the Australian Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra next month.
