Western Sydney’s Best of the Best revealed at 2025 tourism awards  

• Western Sydney’s best tourism operators have been revealed.
• The region’s finest have been named in 13 categories.
• You can plan your trip to Western Sydney and stay, play and dine at these award winners.

Western Sydney is poised to become a global destination in its own right, and that prediction was celebrated in style at the 2025 Western Sydney Tourism Awards, where the region’s best tourism operators, experiences, and venues were recognised for innovation and excellence.

The evening, hosted by the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce, brought together tourism leaders, councils, and businesses for a night of celebration featuring live entertainment, fine dining, and community spirit.

And as a sure sign that Western Sydney is emerging as a tourism economic powerhouse, guests were treated to a video message from NSW Premier Chris Minns, and appearances by Tourism Minister Steve Kamper and Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones, all highlighting the pivotal role Western Sydney now plays in the state’s visitor economy.

Minister Kamper spoke passionately about the future, describing Western Sydney as “simply amazing” thanks to the commitment and creativity of its people.

He emphasised the game-changing role of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, set to open in 2026, which he said would deliver “once-in-a-lifetime opportunities” for local communities and businesses.

“Our government’s $4.5 billion NSW Take Off Fund has already secured flights with Jetstar and Singapore Airlines, with trans-Tasman connections to New Zealand on the way. By 2031, this airport will generate 30,000 jobs and inject billions into the local economy,” he said.

Kamper also outlined the government’s bold new Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which sets a target of $91 billion in visitor expenditure—up from the current $53 billion. Achieving this will require an additional 40,000 hotel rooms, 8.5 million airline seats, and 150,000 new jobs.

“Western Sydney will be a key driver of this ambition,” Kamper said. “With your innovation and determination, the region is poised to deliver world-class experiences that will attract visitors from across the globe.”

He added: “The future is bright. Western Sydney is not just a jewel to uncover—it’s a destination the world will soon measure itself against.”

The evening began with red carpet arrivals, and guests settled in for a night of entertainment, fine dining, and recognition of the tourism leaders shaping the region’s future

A decadent menu—from smoked salmon and herb-marinated prawns to truffle-infused beef short ribs and a Dubai chocolate tart—set the tone for a night of indulgence.

Western Sydney’s best of the best

The awards program featured 13 categories, showcasing everything from leading hotels and major events to outstanding business leaders and culinary excellence

From community festivals like Lunar New Year 2025 and Starry Sari Night to iconic attractions such as Urbnsurf and the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, the night was a showcase of the diverse experiences that now define Western Sydney tourism.

Tourism business of the year

Platinum Winner: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Gold Winner: Botanic Garden of Sydney Mount Annan

Best bar/pub

Platinum Winner: Oran Park Hotel

Gold Winner: The Warwick

Silver Winner: Guildford Hotel

Best rated Cuisine – hotels/clubs/restaurants

Platinum Winner: District 8, Cabravale Diggers

Gold Winner: Gledswood Homestead and Winery & “New Town Thai Restaurant” by West HQ

Best tourist adventure and leisure attraction

Platinum Winner: Urbnsurf

Gold Winner: LCC Ice Rink and Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

Best music and arts venue

Platinum Winner: Coliseum Theatre -West HQ

Gold Winner: Casula Powerhouse Liverpool

Tour group experience of the year

Platinum Winner: Golden Dragon Travel

Gold Winner: Hoju Muhan Tour

Silver Winner: Greater Sydney Tours 

Apartment hotels and unique accommodation

 Apartment Hotels Platinum Winner: Quest Penrith

Apartment Hotels Gold Winner: Meriton Suites Liverpool

Unique Accommodation Platinum Winner: The William Inglis Hotel

Unique Accommodation Gold Winner: Kalinya Estate

Unique Accommodation Silver Winner: Dido’s place

Campaign awards – hotels and tourism

Platinum Winner: PARKROYAL Parramatta

Gold Winner: Rydges Campbelltown

Events campaign awards – councils

Platinum Winner: “Lunar New Year 2025” – City of Parramatta

Gold Winner: “Starry Sari Night”- Liverpool City Council

Meetings/conference venue of the year

Platinum Winner: Western Sydney Convention Centre

Gold Winner: The William Inglis Hotel

Silver Winner: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley and Parramatta Town Hall

Best visitor economy event

Platinum Winner: Back to Guilford Festival -Cumberland City Council

Gold Winner: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Best Business Leader of the year

Platinum Winner: Belinda Thomson, The William Inglis Hotel

Outstanding hospitality supplier of the year

Platinum Winner: Cargo Crew

Gold Winner: Intaus Group

Outstanding economic tourism project

Outstanding Economic Tourism Project:

Winter Sports World.