Big wins for South Coast and Illawarra at tourism awards
Full list of winners at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards.
South Coast and Illawarra tourism operators have scored major wins at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, with the region recognised across brewing, accommodation, holiday parks, wildlife conservation and destination marketing.
Destination Wollongong also earned statewide attention, picking up bronze in the Tourism Marketing and Campaigns category for its “Discover the Hidden Gems of the Illawarra” campaign.
The awards were handed out at a gala event at Waterview in Bicentennial Park last night, where more than 120 finalists gathered.
The South Coast’s biggest triumph of the night came from Jervis Bay Brewing Co, which won gold in the Tourism Distilleries and Breweries category. Judges praised the brewery for its strong community involvement and for creating a welcoming visitor experience that reflects the best of Jervis Bay.
Founder of Jervis Bay Brewing, Paul Walker, thanked his team for their efforts after receiving the award.
“It is a lot of hard work, passion, a lot of sleepless nights, but it’s also been surrounded by people who make it so enjoyable. The team we have is outstanding,” he said.
“We make beer on the most pristine beaches - it’s amazing. The community is amazing. Sometimes you just land on your feet, and I’m pinching myself right now.
Symbio Wildlife Park, which received silver in the Take 3 For The Sea Award for Visitor Litter Prevention. The park was recognised for its hands-on approach to conservation and visitor education.
It’s been a big year for Symbio, which won Outstanding Visitor Attraction, Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, and Matt Radnidger, the managing director, won Outstanding Business Leader in the Illawarra Business Awards.
Cupitt’s Estate picked up silver in the Tourism Wineries category, continuing its run as one of the region’s most popular food, wine and farm experiences.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward congratulated all finalists, saying the awards reflect the dedication and effort shown by tourism operators across the state.
“We’ve seen an increase in the standard of entries this year, showing how our tourism industry continues to up the ante, year-on-year. And, the entry process is robust, for good reason – it encourages reflection, growth and continual improvement. At its heart, these awards are about celebrating our people – the faces and stories behind our tourism experiences – and the pride they bring to New South Wales,” she said.
Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, said the government was committed to strengthening tourism in NSW.
“We are lucky to live in a state where visitors can immerse themselves in stunning natural experiences, connect with the world’s oldest living culture and enjoy our world-class arts, music and sporting events,” he said.
“The NSW Government remains committed to supporting the people and businesses recognised through the NSW Tourism Awards – those creating jobs, strengthening communities and delivering unforgettable visitor experiences day-in and day-out.”
FULL LIST OF 2025 NSW TOURISM AWARD WINNERS
4–4.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
SILVER: The Oriana Orange Retro Hotel & Resort
5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Mt Hay Retreat
SILVER: Kalinya Estate
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
GOLD: Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
SILVER: Bundyi Cultural Tours
Adventure Tourism
GOLD: Oz Jet Boating
SILVER: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
BRONZE: Soul Surf School
Business Event Venues
GOLD: ICC Sydney
SILVER: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
BRONZE: Mantra on Salt Beach
Caravan & Holiday Parks
GOLD: Tathra Beach Eco Camp
SILVER: Ingenia Holidays Nambucca Heads
BRONZE: Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie
Cultural Tourism
GOLD: Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council
SILVER: Port Macquarie Museum
BRONZE: Adam Edwards Photography
Ecotourism
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
SILVER: Kestrel Nest EcoHut
BRONZE: Showtime Kayaking
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
GOLD: Blue Mountains Climbing School
Excellence in Food Tourism
GOLD: Tocumwal Chocolate School
SILVER: Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello
Festivals & Events
GOLD: Crank It Up Festival
SILVER: Narooma Oyster Festival
BRONZE: Savour The Tweed
Hosted Accommodation
GOLD: The Belfry Guesthouse
SILVER: Amaroo Valley Springs
BRONZE: The Health Lodge
Local Government Award for Tourism*
GOLD: City of Wagga Wagga
SILVER: Destination Central Coast
BRONZE: My Clarence Valley
Major Festivals & Events
GOLD: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
SILVER: Deni Ute Muster 2024
BRONZE: Bluesfest Byron Bay
Major Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: ULTIMATE Travel
SILVER: Moonshadow – TQC Cruises
BRONZE: Brighton Coach & Tours
Major Tourist Attractions
GOLD: Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us
New Tourism Business
GOLD: The Silos Accommodation
SILVER: Foxdog Distillery + Brewery
BRONZE: Reflections Holidays - Wilderluxe Lake Keepit
Self-Contained Accommodation
GOLD: Contained in Nimbin Accommodation
SILVER: Palmers Lane Estate
BRONZE: The Drawing Rooms of Berry
Service to Tourism Industry*
GOLD: Sparrowly Group
SILVER: The Hotel School Australia
BRONZE: Destination Research & Development
Take 3 For The Sea Award For Visitor Litter Prevention*
GOLD: Sydney By Kayak
SILVER: Symbio Wildlife Park
Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
SILVER: Oz Jet Boating
BRONZE: 4WD Tours R Us
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
GOLD: The Tweed Tourism Company
SILVER: Orange360 – Enjoy the Now
BRONZE: Visit Wollongong – Discover the Hidden Gems of the Illawarra
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
GOLD: Pipit Restaurant
SILVER: Harwood Hotel
BRONZE: Aanuka Beach House
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
GOLD: Better by Bike
SILVER: City of Coffs Harbour
BRONZE: Outback Jess - Spotto Books
Tourism Wineries
GOLD: Printhie Wines
SILVER: Cupitt’s Estate
BRONZE: Courabyra Wines
Tourism Distilleries & Breweries
GOLD: Jervis Bay Brewing Co
SILVER: Earth Beer Company
Tourist Attractions
GOLD: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
SILVER: Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
BRONZE: Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council
Unique Accommodation
GOLD: Sierra Escape
SILVER: Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
BRONZE: Wilga Station
Visitor Information Services
GOLD: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
SILVER: Destination Central Coast
BRONZE: Hunter Valley Information Centre
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual*
Rose Wright
2025 Tourism Stars
Outback Jess – Spotto Books
Starscape Australia
Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney
Dominic May – Coast XP
Hall of Fame
Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
Sydney By Kayak
The Tweed Tourism Company