NSW tourism operators have triumphed at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Representing the best of the state’s tourism industry, NSW finalists competed against more than 170 of Australia’s top tourism businesses across 26 categories.

The state’s representatives took home two Silver and two Bronze awards in a highly competitive national field.

Silver awards were won by Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Mt Hay Retreat; while Bronze awards went to Eden Local Aboriginal Council and Contained in Nimbin.

Every NSW finalist had already achieved Gold at the NSW Tourism Awards, qualifying them to represent the state at the national level – an achievement that places them among the very best tourism experiences in Australia.

The results highlight the exceptional quality, innovation and dedication of NSW tourism businesses and reinforce the state’s reputation for delivering world-class visitor experiences.

View the full winners list here.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said: “Reaching the Australian Tourism Awards is an incredible achievement! Every NSW finalist has already proven they are the best in our state and competing on the national stage against Australia’s top operators is something to be immensely proud of.

“The calibre of entries from across the country this year was exceptionally high and judging was incredibly close. To come away with national medals in such a competitive field speaks volumes about the quality and professionalism of our NSW tourism businesses.”

Ms Godward said the awards process plays an important role in strengthening the industry and encouraging continuous improvement.

“The Tourism Awards program challenges businesses to step back and assess every aspect of their operation – from customer experience and sustainability to innovation and leadership," Ms Godward said.

“The awards entry process helps operators refine their businesses and continue raising the standard of tourism experiences across the state, and we encourage businesses to use the entry process and support throughout as a business development opportunity.”

NSW Tourism Association Chair The Hon. Stuart Ayres said: “Our finalists represent the passion, creativity and dedication that make NSW one of Australia’s most compelling destinations.

"We congratulate every operator who represented our state and look forward to seeing them continue to grow, innovate and inspire.” NSW Tourism Association congratulates all winners and acknowledges their hard work and passion in shaping the state’s tourism industry.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail Regional Leads Dean Cooper and Annalyse McLeod said: “We're absolutely thrilled. It's a real honour to be recognised nationally. We all know that it's labour intensive, but it's exceptionally valuable.

"The framework that NSW Tourism Association has created has been marvellous. Definitely do it. It's been really amazing to reflect on achievements, but also to push you forward into the next year and thinking about your vision and how you can work towards those things.”

Woman on a swing at Mt Hay retreat

Mt Hay Retreat owner Louise Warren said: " We’re pretty excited to have won a Silver Award at a national level! When you're such a small business and a family run business, it feels like a huge achievement actually.

"It's a pretty extensive process but it's actually really helpful to encourage you to reflect on your own business and what you've been doing over the last 12 months and what you're planning on doing on the next 12 months.

"It's quite thorough and gives you an eagle eye view of your business which is really productive and really healthy.”

Eden Local Aboriginal Council's Alkira Aldridge, Clair Mudaliar, Dean Muscat and Kye Lygon said: “We are just over the moon. We were just happy to be here. We didn't expect to win anything. We are just over the moon.

"The submission is such a great process to go through, because it shows all the things that you could improve, all the things that you could be doing better. It's a really, really good process. It so worthwhile to go through it. It's a really valuable learning experience for a business on its own, even if you don't win anything.”

Contained in Nimbin accommodation

Contained in Nimbin owner Nicole Linder said: “We feel pretty fantastic. We came here just hoping to be inspired by the site in general, but to come away in the top three, it's awesome for us.

"The process was intensive, but it was worthwhile in terms of benchmarking, where we're at and to focus on where we can improve bit by bit in the coming year as well.”