Some of the visitor economy's most inspiring professionals have been recognised in the inaugural NSW Top Tour Guide Awards.
The winners were announced at an event on Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney.
Delivered by NSW Tourism Association in partnership with Tour Guides Australia, Outdoors NSW & ACT and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney, the awards celebrated excellence in tour guiding - recognising individuals who bring destinations to life through storytelling, knowledge and unforgettable visitor experiences.
2025 NSW Top Tour Guide Award Winners
- Gold: Justin Steele – Local Sauce Tours
- Silver: Nathan Lygon – Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Bronze: Amanda Fry – Experience Nature
- Highly Commended: Rebecca Dunning – Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
- Highly Commended: Tiga Cross – Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
All finalists will receive affiliate membership with Tour Guides Australia, with the top three recipients receiving full professional accreditation. The Gold winner, Justin Steele, will go on to represent NSW at the national Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra.
“These winners represent the heart of what makes tourism meaningful - connection, culture and care,” said NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward, CEO.
“We are proud to honour individuals who deliver not just a service, but a sense of place and purpose. This award highlights the critical role guides play in shaping visitor perceptions and enriching local economies.
"Our partnership with Tour Guides Australia is vital in building a more professional and sustainable guiding sector in NSW.”
The awards also reflect a growing commitment across the sector to raise standards and address the shortage of skilled, accredited guides across Australia.
“Tour guides are more than hosts - they’re storytellers, custodians and cultural interpreters,” said Tour Guides Australia President Greg Esnouf.
“By partnering with NSW Tourism Association, we’re lifting the profile of guiding as a profession and helping build a workforce that delivers quality insightful experiences.”
The event was held in collaboration with Outdoors NSW & ACT, a longstanding advocate for high standards in outdoor and adventure tourism.
“Adventure Guides are often the unsung heroes of the outdoor experiences — leading with safety, educating with passion, and delivering unforgettable moments in some of the most remote and geographically stunning parts of our natural world,” said Outdoors NSW & ACT CEO Lori Modde.
“These awards not only recognise the incredible skill and commitment of these professionals but also highlight the critical importance of qualifications and experience in ensuring safe and enriching outdoor adventures for all.”
Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney hosted the awards aboard one of its vessels, with Sydney Harbour and Vivid Sydney providing an unforgettable backdrop.
“It was an honour to host this celebration recognising the people who deliver some of the most memorable tourism experiences in our state,” said Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney General Manager Daniel Toby.
“We’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate excellence in the tourism sector.”
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: "Tour guides play a vital role in shaping how visitors experience and connect with NSW.
"The 2025 NSW Top Tour Guide Awards celebrate the passion, professionalism and deep local knowledge that define truly memorable guided experiences. Whether showcasing our cities, sharing cultural insights, or guiding nature-based adventures, this year’s finalists represent the very best of our visitor economy. I congratulate them all on their outstanding achievements."
NSW Tourism Association congratulates all finalists for their passion, professionalism and commitment to excellence.
The NSW Top Tour Guide Awards reflect the Association’s commitment to professional development and high standards across the NSW visitor economy.
Australian Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Winners will be announced on 3 September 2025 at Parliament House, Canberra.
