Congratulations to the NSW 2026 Top Tour Guides!
Announced at An Evening at Taronga at Taronga Zoo Sydney and supported by eeger, the 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide Awards recognised the outstanding individuals who bring New South Wales' destinations, stories and experiences to life for visitors every day.
Delivered by NSW Tourism Association in partnership with Tour Guides Australia, the awards support the ongoing development, recognition and professionalism of the tour guiding sector, while celebrating the professionalism, passion and expertise of tour guides from across the state, and the vital role they play in creating memorable and meaningful visitor experiences.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said the Awards recognise the people who sit at the heart of the visitor experience.
"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.
"Congratulations to our 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide and to each award recipient and finalist. They are incredible ambassadors for our industry and for New South Wales."
Introducing NSW's 2026 Top Tour Guides
GOLD Laura Stone - Sydney by Kayak
BRONZE Alkira Aldridge - Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
SILVER Rebecca Dunning - Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
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 - Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
BRONZE Alkira Aldridge - Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
SILVER Rebecca Dunning - Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
As founder and lead guide of Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Bec 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 Aldridge - Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
BRONZE Alkira Aldridge - Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
BRONZE Alkira Aldridge - 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 COMMENDED Elena Babazogli - Showtime Kayaking
FINALIST Peta Alexopoulos - Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats
FINALIST Peta Alexopoulos - Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats
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.
FINALIST Peta Alexopoulos - Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats
FINALIST Peta Alexopoulos - Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats
FINALIST Peta Alexopoulos - 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.
FINALIST Adrian Clayton - Sydney Kayak Experience
FINALIST Peta Alexopoulos - Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats
FINALIST Adrian Clayton - 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.
In partnership with
NSW Top Tour Guide Awards
Eligibility
The nomination can be made by:
- Tour Guides
- Tour Operators on behalf of one of their Tour Guides
- Guides operating in the private or public sector
The Tour Guide must:
- Work in the natural, cultural or heritage environments in a paid or voluntary capacity.
- Be available for a 30 minute interview as part of the judging process
- Either as their own business or their nominating business, be Sustainable Tourism Accredited
Entry Requirements
Information requirements:
- An overview of the tour guide
- Provide details about a tour recently delivered - including planning, delivery, evaluation and customer service
- Submission is limited to max 5,000 words
- 30 minute interview with judging panel (in person or online)
- A letter of reference from your employer or a partner tourism organisation
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