NSW Tourism Association has announced the winners of the 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide Awards, recognising the outstanding individuals who bring NSW’s destinations, stories and experiences to life for visitors every day.

Announced at An Evening at Taronga at Taronga Zoo Sydney, the awards celebrated the professionalism, passion and expertise of tour guides from across the state and the important role they play in creating memorable and meaningful visitor experiences.

Top Tour Guide winners

Laura Stone was named the 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide, receiving Gold for Sydney By Kayak.

Rebecca Dunning of Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour received Silver, while Alkira Aldridge of Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council was awarded Bronze. Elena Babozogli of Showtime Kayaking was also recognised as Highly Commended.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said: "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."

The NSW Top Tour Guide Awards are delivered by NSW Tourism Association in partnership with Tour Guides Australia, supporting the ongoing development, recognition and professionalism of the tour guiding sector.

Tour Guides Australia President Greg Esnouf said: "Great tour guides are storytellers, cultural ambassadors and experience creators. They give visitors something that cannot be replicated by a map, an app or an itinerary – genuine human connection and a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

"The standard represented by this year’s finalists demonstrates the depth of talent within the professional guiding sector in NSW. "We congratulate the 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide and all of this year’s award recipients and finalists on their achievement."

2026 NSW Top Tour Guide Awards

Gold – 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide Laura Stone – Sydney By Kayak

Silver Rebecca Dunning – Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour

Bronze Alkira Aldridge – Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council

Highly Commended Elena Babazogli – Showtime Kayaking

Finalists

Adrian Clayton – Sydney Kayak Experience

Peta Alexopoulos – Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats

The 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide will now represent NSW at the Australian Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra next month.