NSW Tourism Association has announced the finalists for the inaugural NSW Top Tour Guide Award, recognising outstanding individuals who bring destinations to life through guided experiences, storytelling and deep local knowledge.
This new award category reflects growing industry recognition of the vital role tour guides play in creating quality tourism experiences across the state. Finalists span a wide range of guided experiences, from wildlife and water-based adventures to Aboriginal cultural tours and inner-city explorations.
Winners will be revealed on 4 June 2025 during a dedicated NSW Tourism Association event in partnership with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney, set against the spectacular backdrop of Vivid Sydney.
The event is proudly delivered in collaboration with Outdoors NSW & ACT, Tour Guides Australia, and Journey Beyond, demonstrating a shared commitment to recognising professional excellence and lifting standards across the guiding sector.
As part of this initiative, NSW Tourism Association has also announced a formal partnership with Tour Guides Australia, the national peak body for accredited tour guides. This partnership will enhance training, recognition, and professional development for guides across the state.
With the industry facing a significant shortage of accredited and experienced tour guides, this timely partnership reflects a shared commitment to growing a skilled, passionate and professional tour guiding workforce—one that continues to elevate the visitor experience across Australia.
“We are excited to be partnering with Tour Guides Australia to strengthen and support our guiding workforce,” said Natalie Godward, CEO of NSW Tourism Association.
“This kind of collaboration is exactly what our industry needs—smart, strategic alliances that help solve long-term workforce challenges while supporting high-quality visitor experiences, and the NSW Top Tour Guide finalists represent the very best of our tourism sector—passionate, professional and deeply connected to the stories and landscapes of NSW."
Tour Guides Australia President Greg Esnouf welcomed the partnership, noting the organisation’s strong focus on supporting and accrediting guides nationwide.
“Tour Guides are Australia’s frontline ambassadors bringing to life this country’s stories and natural beauty,” he said.
“The collective strength of working closely with peak tourism bodies across the nation allows us to support operators by building a sustainable guide workforce into the future and promote the profession as one of the best jobs in the world.”
All finalists will receive affiliate membership with Tour Guides Australia, with the Gold, Silver and Bronze Top Tour Guides receiving full professional accreditation.
2025 Finalists – NSW Top Tour Guide Award
- Tiga Cross – Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tom Cosgrove – Sydney Oyster Farm Tours
- Rebecca Dunning – Stand Up Paddleboarding Shellharbour
- Ben Butof – Activity Tours Australia
- Justin Steele – Local Sauce Tours
- Nathan Lygon – Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council (above)
- Amanda Fry – Experience Nature
- Graham Chapman – Chapman Tours
The NSW Top Tour Guide winner will represent the state at the Australian Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra later this year
