The winners of the 2023 NSW Tourism Awards were announced during a gala evening at White Bay Cruise Terminal Sydney on 8 November 2023, where more than 500 industry representatives celebrated outstanding visitor economy businesses.
The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council powered by Business NSW and supported by Destination NSW.
“The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate those tourism experiences that inspire visitors to #feelnewsouthwales and recognise those businesses who exemplify outstanding tourism experiences,” said Paula Martin, Executive Director, NSW Tourism Industry Council.
“These businesses provide leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services. 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), many of whom are new businesses to the sector.
“This level of representation from emerging businesses tells us that innovation is alive and well in tourism and we are proud of the resilience of the sector."
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said it was an exciting time for the NSW visitor economy, 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.
“Cultural activity is so much of why we love our towns and cities and it’s a big part of what attracts visitors and what keeps them coming back.
“Congratulations to all the winners and the whole hard-working sector.”
Lori Modde, one of the most passionate and hardworking tourism professionals in NSW and ACT was awarded the Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to NSW in recognition of her dedication and advocacy for tourism in her State, over the past 18+ years.
Crank It Up Festival, Batemans Bay was the recipient of the Judges’ Tourism Star Award’, a special award to reward their tremendous resilience and innovation, and Mt Hay Retreat, Berry was awarded the Tourism Star Award for Sustainability, to recognise their outstanding efforts and practices in sustainability.
Winners in the designated national award categories will represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Darwin on 15 March 2023.
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2023 NSW Tourism Awards winners
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
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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
Tourism Star Judges' Award
Crank It Up Festival, Batemans Bay
Tourism Star Judges' Award for Sustainability
Mt Hay Retreat
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