NSW Tourism Awards 2023
White Bay Cruise Terminal hosted more than 500 industry leaders to celebrate the winners of the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards for 2023.
The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council and powered by Business NSW, and supported by Destination NSW.
“These businesses provide leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services,” said Paula Martin, Executive Director, NSW Tourism Industry Council. “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 of them, many of which are new businesses to the sector.
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.”
Destination NSW MD Steve Cox with the new Sydney Travel Guide at the big event.
The winners of the NSW Tourism Awards for 2023 are…
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
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
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
