The Illawarra-South Coast can sometimes be a little geographically elastic. None more a time than during the NSW Tourism Awards.
At Monday night’s 2026 awards our corner of the world just cleaned up: from the escarpment right down to the Sapphire Coast, regional operators proved once again that our backyard punches well above its weight.
The legends at Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour cruised to silver in Adventure Tourism and Destination Wollongong’s cheekily controversial Why Bother campaign snagged bronze for Tourism Marketing & Campaigns. It goes to show that bragging about the Gong pays off, as this year’s success backs up DW’s 2025 bronze win.
Up the pass in the Southern Highlands, newcomers Burradoo Park Farm clinched silver for New Tourism Business, while historic Bargo favourite Kalinya Estate notched back-to-back silvers for 5 Star Accommodation.
It was a gold all the way further down the coast. Berry’s chilled Mt Hay Retreat defended its crown with back-to-back Gold for 5 Star Accommodation, Huskisson’s Jervis Bay Brewing Co also scored back-to-back gold, topping the state’s craft beverage rankings to head to nationals. Tathra Beach Eco Camp did the same in the Caravan & Holiday Parks category, and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council defended its 2025 ranking as the benchmark in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences.
Add in gold for Bawley Point’s Willinga Park, Batemans Bay’s 1920 at Catalina Club, plus a bronze nod for Ulladulla’s Cupitt’s Estate (adding to its 2025 silver), and it’s fair to say we’re completely spoiled for choice.
Massive cheers to all our tourism trailblazers!
The 2026 winners
The 2026 winners are listed below in category alphabetical order:
4-4.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Ibis Styles The Entrance
5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Mt Hay Retreat
SILVER: Kalinya Estate
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
GOLD: Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
Adventure Tourism
GOLD: Sydney Kayak Experience
SILVER: Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
BRONZE: Oz Jet Boating
Business Event Venues
GOLD: Willinga Park
SILVER: City of Newcastle - Newcastle City Hall
Caravan & Holiday Parks
GOLD: Tathra Beach Eco Camp
SILVER: Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park
BRONZE: Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Tourism Star: Tarragon Lodge Holiday Park^
Cultural Tourism
GOLD: Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council
SILVER: Yarrila Arts and Museum
BRONZE: Port Macquarie Museum
Tourism Star: Nundle Woollen Mill^
Ecotourism
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
SILVER: Tweed Eco Cruises
BRONZE: Sydney By Kayak
Tourism Star: Kestrel Nest EcoHut^
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
GOLD: Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
SILVER: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
BRONZE: Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park
Excellence in Food Tourism
GOLD: Broken Bay Pearl Farm
SILVER: Our Italian Table
Festivals & Events
GOLD: Groovin the Moo Lismore
SILVER: The Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel Motel, Tidal Sounds Music Festival
BRONZE: Newcastle Pride Festival 2025
Highly Commended: Luna Park Sydney Harbour Party 2025/2026
Hosted Accommodation
GOLD: The Belfry Guesthouse
Local Government Award for Tourism*
GOLD: City of Newcastle - Visit Newcastle
SILVER: Central Coast Council
Major Festivals & Events
GOLD: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
SILVER: Deni Ute Muster 2025
Major Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: Brighton Coach & Tours
Major Tourist Attractions 2026
GOLD: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
SILVER: Art Gallery of New South Wales
BRONZE: The Big Banana Fun Park
Highly Commended: Sydney Zoo
New Tourism Business
GOLD: Newy Food Adventures
SILVER: Burradoo Park Farm
BRONZE: Trentham Waters Resort
Self-Contained Accommodation
GOLD: Mt Kanimbla Retreats
SILVER: The Ridge Gloucester
Service to Tourism Industry*
GOLD: Clarence Valley Council - My Clarence Valley
SILVER: Sparrowly Group
Take 3 For The Sea Award For Visitor Litter Prevention*
GOLD: Vision Walks - Eco Tours
SILVER: Australia By Nature
BRONZE: Sydney Kayak Experience
Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
SILVER: Tweed Eco Cruises
BRONZE: Mudgee Ale Trail
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
GOLD: City of Newcastle - Seek Off Beat
SILVER: Destination Central Coast
BRONZE: Why Bother - Visit Wollongong
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
GOLD: 1920 at Catalina Club
SILVER: Harwood Hotel
BRONZE: The Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel Motel
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
GOLD: Better by Bike
SILVER: Coffs Coast Accommodation
BRONZE: Ask Roz Blue Mountains
Highly Commended: My Dream Adventures
Tourism Wineries**
GOLD: Printhie Wines
SILVER: Mograni Creek Estate
BRONZE: Cupitt’s Estate
Tourism Distilleries & Breweries**
GOLD: Jervis Bay Brewing Co
SILVER: Husk Farm Distillery
BRONZE: Earp Distilling Co
** Only the highest scoring winner between these two categories advance to the Australian Tourism Awards. This year the highest score was achieved by Jervis Bay Brewing Co.
Tourist Attractions
GOLD: Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
SILVER: Old Dubbo Gaol – Dubbo Regional Council
BRONZE: Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
Unique Accommodation
GOLD: Sierra Escape
SILVER: The Silos Accommodation
BRONZE: Starscape Australia
Visitor Information Services
GOLD: Mudgee Visitor Information Centre
SILVER: Central Coast Visitor Centre
BRONZE: Young Visitor Information Centre
The Outstanding Contribution by an Individual* accolade was awarded to Steve Hinks.
^Tourism Stars are awarded to organisations who have showed a special edge, catching the attention of the judges because of their commitment, innovative approach and resilience.