Tourism businesses from across NSW have been recognised among the state’s best, with the finalists of the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards announced today following a rigorous assessment of quality and excellence across the state’s visitor economy.

More than a competition, the Awards presented by the NSW Tourism Association form part of a national program underpinned by Australia’s established tourism industry framework.

Entrants are required to meet recognised industry quality standards, with submissions assessed through a comprehensive judging process involving 50 judges and a consumer review score component.

Every finalist meets recognised tourism industry accreditation requirements, demonstrating capability and high benchmarks across their operations.

The Awards attracted 210 nominations, including 48 new entrants, across 30 categories spanning tourist attractions, accommodation, events, food and beverage experiences, ecotourism, tour operators and other businesses contributing to the NSW visitor economy.

The NSW Tourism Awards are part of Australia’s longest-running tourism awards program, which has recognised tourism excellence nationally for more than 40 years.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said being named a finalist was a significant accolade because of the work, capability and commitment required to reach this stage.

“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,” Miss Godward said.

“That rigour is what gives the NSW Tourism Awards their credibility. Being named a finalist is a huge achievement in itself. It recognises not only what visitors see, but the extraordinary amount of work happening behind the scenes to build strong, sustainable and exceptional tourism businesses.”

This year, the NSW Tourism Association expanded its entrant support program, introducing a new mentoring service alongside draft reviews and a series of entrant support webinars.

“A quarter of the entrants took advantage of the personalised mentoring, with over 50 per cent of businesses participating in the entrant support webinars that are delivered with contributions from industry experts and Awards judges.

“What we're hearing from businesses is that the value of entering extends well beyond the Awards night,” Miss Godward said.

“The process helps operators step outside the day-to-day tasks and work on their business. We want entrants to come out of the Awards with greater insight into how they operate and where they can continue to improve. That ultimately strengthens tourism across NSW.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the finalists reflected the quality of tourism experiences helping drive the state’s visitor economy.

“The NSW Tourism Awards shine a light on the businesses delivering great experiences and setting the standard for tourism right across our state,” Mr Kamper said.

“From major attractions and events to hotels, restaurants and tour operators, these businesses bring visitors through the doors, support local jobs and put money into communities across NSW.”

“The Minns Labor Government is backing a strong and growing visitor economy, and the commitment of these operators will be critical as we work towards our $91 billion tourism target by 2035.”

For eligible Gold winners, the NSW Tourism Awards are also the pathway to represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards, where state and territory winners compete for national recognition.

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards, proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, will be held at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November, following the NSW Visitor Economy Forum 2026: Unlocking Growth.

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards finalists are:

Attractions

  • Art Gallery Of New South Wales, Sydney
  • Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, North Coast
  • Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, North Coast
  • Grounded By Designs, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Northern Rivers Rail Trail, North Coast
  • Old Dubbo Gaol - Dubbo Regional Council, Country and Outback
  • Sydney Zoo, Sydney
  • Symbio Wildlife Park, Sydney Surrounds South
  • The Big Banana Fun Park, North Coast

Events

  • Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, Country and Outback
  • Casino Truck Show, North Coast
  • Deni Ute Muster 2025, Riverina/Murray
  • Groovin the Moo Lismore, North Coast
  • Lismore City Council - Eat the Street, North Coast
  • Luna Park Sydney Harbour Party 2025/2026, Sydney
  • Mid-Western Regional Council - Flavours of Mudgee, Central NSW
  • Newcastle Pride Festival 2025, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Sea Otter Australia, Southern NSW,
  • The Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel Motel, Tidal Sounds Music Festival, North Coast

Ecotourism

  • C-Change Adventures, North Coast
  • CoastXP, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Dolphin Swim Australia, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Riverina/Murray
  • Sydney By Kayak, Sydney
  • Sydney Kayak Experience, Sydney
  • Tweed Eco Cruises, North Coast
  • Vision Walks - Eco Tours, North Coast
  • Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney, Sydney
  • WildNets Adventures, North Coast

Cultural tourism

  • City of Newcastle - Newcastle Art Gallery, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Clarence Valley Council, North Coast
  • Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, Southern NSW
  • Nundle Woollen Mill, Country and Outback
  • Old Dubbo Gaol - Dubbo Regional Council, Country and Outback
  • Port Macquarie Museum, North Coast
  • Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head, North Coast
  • Yarrila Arts and Museum, North Coast

Visitor information & tourism services

  • Ask Roz Blue Mountains, Sydney
  • Better by Bike, North Coast
  • Central Coast Visitor Centre, Sydney Surrounds North
  • City of Newcastle - Seek Off Beat, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Coffs Coast Accommodation, North Coast
  • Destination Central Coast, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Mudgee Visitor Information Centre, Central NSW
  • My Dream Adventures, North Coast
  • Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre, North Coast
  • Why Bother - Visit Wollongong, Sydney Surrounds South
  • Young Visitor Information Centre, Southern NSW

Tours & activities

  • Anderson's Tours, Sydney
  • Australia By Nature, Sydney
  • Bigwave Skydive Shellharbour, Sydney Surrounds South
  • Brighton Coach & Tours, Sydney
  • CoastXP, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Manning River Ferry Services, North Coast
  • Mudgee Ale Trail, Central NSW
  • Newy Food Adventures, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Oz Jet Boating, Sydney
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Sydney Surrounds South
  • Sydney Kayak Experience, Sydney
  • Taste Marketplace, Sydney
  • Tweed Eco Cruises, North Coast
  • Vision Walks - Eco Tours, North Coast

Food & beverage

  • 1920 at Catalina Club, Southern NSW
  • Broken Bay Oyster and Pearl Farm, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Cupitt's Estate, Sydney Surrounds South
  • Earp Distilling Co, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Foxdog Distillery + Brewery, Southern NSW
  • Harwood Hotel, North Coast
  • Holbrook Paddock Eggs, Riverina/Murray
  • Husk Farm Distillery, North Coast
  • Jervis Bay Brewing Co, Sydney Surrounds South
  • MOA and Co, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Mograni Creek Estate, North Coast
  • Our Italian Table, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Printhie Wines, Central NSW
  • Spare Chef Catering, North Coast
  • The Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel Motel, North Coast
  • Valla Beach Tavern, North Coast

Accommodation & event venues

  • Amaroo Escape, North Coast
  • Amaroo Valley Springs, Sydney Surrounds South
  • BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, North Coast
  • Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Burradoo Park Farm, Sydney Surrounds South
  • City of Newcastle - Newcastle City Hall, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Glenayr Farm, Central NSW
  • Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie, Sydney Surrounds South
  • Ibis Styles The Entrance, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Into The Wild Escapes, All of NSW
  • Kalinya Estate, Sydney
  • Mt Hay Retreat, Sydney Surrounds South
  • Mt Kanimbla Retreats, Sydney
  • Sea Sea Hotel, North Coast
  • Sierra Escape, Central NSW
  • Somnium at Bingie, Southern NSW
  • Starscape Australia, Central NSW
  • Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park, Sydney Surrounds North
  • Tarragon Lodge Holiday Park, Riverina/Murray
  • Tathra Beach Eco Camp, Southern NSW
  • The Belfry Guesthouse, North Coast
  • The Cudgee at Mudgee, Central NSW
  • The Ridge Gloucester, North Coast

Learn more about the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards here.