2026 NSW Tourism Award Finalists announced!
Congratulations to all finalists!
The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards finalists have been announced, recognising tourism businesses from across New South Wales as among the best in the state. Each finalist has gone through a rigorous assessment of quality and excellence, and has shown the standards that set the benchmark for the NSW visitor economy.
Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, the Awards are more than a competition. They are part of a national program built on Australia's established tourism industry framework. Every entrant must meet recognised industry quality standards. Submissions are then assessed through a comprehensive judging process involving 50 judges, along with a consumer review score.
This year the Awards attracted 210 nominations, including 48 new entrants, across 30 categories.
"These Awards recognise more than a great tourism experience. Every finalist had to look deeply at their business and demonstrate the quality, capability and continuous improvement that sits behind the experience they deliver." said NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward.
Being named a finalist recognises not only what visitors see, but also the work happening behind the scenes to build strong, sustainable and exceptional tourism businesses.
Congratulations to all our finalists on this achievement!
1920 at Catalina Club
Amaroo Escape
Amaroo Valley Springs
Anderson's Tours
Art Gallery Of New South Wales
Ask Roz Blue Mountains
Australia By Nature
Better by Bike
BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park
Bigwave Skydive Shellharbour
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Brighton Coach & Tours
Broken Bay Oyster and Pearl Farm
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
Burradoo Park Farm
Casino Truck Show
C-Change Adventures
Central Coast Council
Central Coast Visitor Centre
City of Newcastle - Newcastle Art Gallery
City of Newcastle - Newcastle City Hall
City of Newcastle - Seek Off Beat
City of Newcastle - Visit Newcastle
Clarence Valley Council
Clarence Valley Council - My Clarence Valley
CoastXP
Coffs Coast Accommodation
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
Cupitt's Estate
Deni Ute Muster 2025
Destination Central Coast
Dolphin Swim Australia
Earp Distilling Co
Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
Foxdog Distillery + Brewery
Glenayr Farm
Groovin the Moo Lismore
Grounded By Designs
Harwood Hotel
Holbrook Paddock Eggs
Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie
Husk Farm Distillery
Ibis Styles The Entrance
Into The Wild Escapes
Jervis Bay Brewing Co
Kalinya Estate
Kestrel Nest EcoHut
Lismore City Council - Eat the Street
Luna Park Sydney Harbour Party 2025/2026
Manning River Ferry Services
Mid-Western Regional Council, Flavours of Mudgee
MOA and Co
Mograni Creek Estate
Mt Hay Retreat
Mt Kanimbla Retreats
Mudgee Ale Trail
Mudgee Visitor Information Centre
My Dream Adventures
Newcastle Pride Festival 2025
Newy Food Adventures
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Nundle Woollen Mill
Old Dubbo Gaol - Dubbo Regional Council
Our Italian Table
Oz Jet Boating
Port Macquarie Museum
Printhie Wines
Sea Otter Australia
Sea Sea Hotel
Sierra Escape
Somnium at Bingie
Spare Chef Catering
Sparrowly Group
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
Starscape Australia
Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park
Sydney By Kayak
Sydney Kayak Experience
Sydney Zoo
Symbio Wildlife Park
Tarragon Lodge Holiday Park
Taste Marketplace
Tathra Beach Eco Camp
The Belfry Guesthouse
The Big Banana Fun Park
The Cudgee at Mudgee
The Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel Motel
The Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel Motel, Tidal Sounds Music Festival
The Hotel School Australia
The Ridge Gloucester
The Silos Accommodation
Top Paddock Silo Stay
Trentham Waters Resort
Tweed Eco Cruises
Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head
Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff North
Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville North
Valla Beach Tavern
Vision Walks - Eco Tours
Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre
Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney
What's Beyond the Mile
Why Bother - Visit Wollongong
WildNets Adventures
Willinga Park
Yarrila Arts and Museum
Young Visitor Information Centre
Now to book your NSW Tourism Gala tickets for the winners announcements on Monday 9 November at ICC Sydney.
2026 Tourism Gala Tickets On Sale Now!
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An evening to connect, celebrate and dance with the NSW tourism industry
The NSW Tourism Gala is the must not miss event for the NSW tourism industry — bringing operators, industry leaders, partners, government representatives, finalists and tourism colleagues from across the state together for a night of networking, celebration and recognition.
Taking place at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November 2026, the Gala will follow the NSW Visitor Economy Forum, creating one major day of connection for the state's visitor economy.
After a full day of industry insights, discussion and networking at the NSW Visitor Economy Forum, join us in the evening for a spectacular Gala featuring the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards presentations, a three-course dinner, drinks, networking, dancing and our MC Edwina Bartholomew.
Celebrate the people and businesses shaping NSW tourism
The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards presentations are a highlight of the evening, recognising excellence, innovation and professionalism across the state's tourism industry.
For more than 40 years, the Awards have celebrated the achievements of outstanding tourism businesses and individuals across NSW. Come along to support this year's finalists, celebrate the winners and share in the excitement as the industry comes together to recognise another year of achievement.
But you don't need to be a finalist to be part of the Gala!
Whether you're an accommodation provider, attraction, tour operator, destination, hospitality business, tourism professional, industry partner or simply someone who is passionate about NSW tourism, the Gala is an opportunity to connect with the people who make our visitor economy what it is.
Your evening includes
- Pre-dinner drinks and canapés from 6:00pm
- A delicious three-course dinner
- The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards presentations
- Opportunities to network and connect with tourism businesses, industry leaders and partners from across NSW
- Table Decoration Competition, with guests invited to bring a touch of their region to their table and compete for a special prize
- An evening of celebration, entertainment and recognition
- Dancing after the Awards – because the night doesn't finish when the presentations do!
Tickets
Member: $275.00
Non-member: $366.00
Table of 10: $3294.00
Bring your region to the Gala
Get creative and bring a little bit of your region to your table!
Whether it’s a treasured memento, a unique local craft or something that represents what makes your region special, we invite you to decorate your table and showcase the diversity of NSW tourism.
Team up with other businesses from your Destination Network and get creative – there may even be a secret prize for the table judged on the night to best capture creativity and regional spirit!
Table decoration guidelines:
- Maximum height: 60cm
- Maximum width: 60cm
- Please choose environmentally conscious decorations – think reduce, reuse and recycle
- No balloons, confetti, glitter, sparklers or real-flame candles
- Please take all decorations home with you after the event
Table decorations must be brought with you on the evening — ICC Sydney cannot accept decorations delivered prior to the event.
Cancellation & Ticket Transfer Policy
Tickets are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, your ticket may be transferred to another person. We require a minimum of 5 days’ written notice of any ticket transfer.
Please email admin@nswtourismassociation.com.au with the original ticket holder’s details and the name and contact details of the person attending in their place.
Ticket transfers received less than 5 days before the event may not be able to be accommodated.
Tickets cannot be exchanged for cash or credit towards another event.
Stay overnight in Sydney
Meriton Suites are offering NSW Tourism Gala attendees a 20% discount off the best available Flexible Rate. There are hotels on Sussex Street, Kent Street, Pitt Street, World Tower and Campbell Street to choose from.
- Go to www.meritonsuites.com.au to make your reservation.
- Select your hotel, arrival and departure dates and enter the following reservation code: NSWTA26
- This discount is available on 8, 9, 10 November at all Meriton CBD Hotels.
The NSW Tourism Awards, is the pinnacle awards program for the New South Wales visitor economy.
The awards, presented by NSW Tourism Association, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry, and forms part of the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards.
Open to all tourism businesses within New South Wales, categories range for tourist attractions, tour and transport, festivals and events, food, wine, accommodation and more.
Winners of the Awards are announced at a Gala Ceremony in November.
Entrant Support Program
Join the Entrant Support Program to maximise your success
If you're considering entering the NSW Tourism Awards, the Entrant Support Program delivered by the NSW Tourism Association is an invaluable resource. With passionate, knowledgeable support from our team and judging experts, you'll receive guidance that keeps you focused, confident and on track.
The interactive weekly webinars, draft review service and new for 2026 the NSW Tourism Awards Mentoring Program, provides personalised feedback making the process far less daunting, especially for newcomers. This program isn’t just helpful—it’s a major advantage and a clear pathway to success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give your entry the best possible chance.
"The NSW Tourism Association’s Entrant Support Program is a game-changer. The team’s guidance, personalised feedback and interactive webinars made the entire process feel clear, supported and far less daunting. If you’re entering the awards, this program is one of the most valuable tools you can use to set yourself up for success.” Annalyse, Northern Rivers Rail Trail
New for 2026, the NSW Tourism Awards Mentoring Program!
This service provides access to one-on-one guidance from experienced judges and industry professionals, giving entrants practical support and expert feedback at every stage of the process.
Open to all entrants, the program is especially valuable for Tourism Stars award recipients, New Tourism Business entrants, first-time applicants, and Australian Tourism Awards finalists. It’s an ideal way to build a solid foundation and better understand what goes into creating an award-winning submission.
What’s included:
- A one-on-one online planning session to help kickstart your submission
- A detailed draft review with tailored feedback
- A follow-up consultation to refine and strengthen your entry
Investment:
- $250 +GST per entry
- $187.50 +GST for NSW Tourism Association members
Message from Awards Chair - Ron Beeldman
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
"Welcome to the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards Program.
The Awards provide an excellent opportunity to benchmark your business and highlight your achievements of excellence in all aspects of your operations.
The Awards offer you an opportunity to reflect on your business, with questions designed to highlight your strategies, accomplishments, and l
"Welcome to the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards Program.
The Awards provide an excellent opportunity to benchmark your business and highlight your achievements of excellence in all aspects of your operations.
The Awards offer you an opportunity to reflect on your business, with questions designed to highlight your strategies, accomplishments, and lessons you've learned along the way.
With a panel of three highly skilled and experienced judges, you also receive feedback after the Awards to support continuous improvement. Entrants can join our support program, to be guided by experienced mentors and our judging team, through our online workshops.
The NSW visitor economy is leading the country with the largest share of visitors, nights and expenditure, and now is the most advantageous time to document how your business contributes to making NSW the premier destination for all visitors.
On behalf of my fellow judges, we look forward to experiencing and celebrating your success through your participation in this very worthwhile program."
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
"The NSW Tourism Awards have been synonymous with industry development opportunities while also recognising excellence in the industry.” The Hon. Stuart Ayres, Chair of the NSW Tourism Association, has highlighted the significant role of the NSW Tourism Awards in advancing the industry.
I can’t emphasise enough, the awards are a crucial
"The NSW Tourism Awards have been synonymous with industry development opportunities while also recognising excellence in the industry.” The Hon. Stuart Ayres, Chair of the NSW Tourism Association, has highlighted the significant role of the NSW Tourism Awards in advancing the industry.
I can’t emphasise enough, the awards are a crucial platform for receiving valuable feedback and innovative ideas to businesses. These awards not only judge businesses against their peers, thereby fostering a quality-driven environment, but also celebrate and recognise excellence in the tourism sector. This awards process enables leading NSW businesses to be acknowledged on the national stage at the Australian Tourism Awards, underlining their contribution to the industry and promoting their excellence in tourism. "
Australian Tourism Awards Program
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Australian Tourism Awards Program
Winners of the Awards will be announced at a Gala Ceremony held later in the year.
The Gold winners in categories 1-26 will advance to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards and compete against finalists from each State and Territory.
Partners & Sponsors
2025 NSW Tourism Awards Highlights
2025 NSW Tourism Awards: Celebrating Pride, Strength, Community & Passion
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