Accommodation operators shine at NSW Tourism Awards

Sierra Escape and Mt Hay Retreat have entered the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, with the two accommodation businesses each securing Gold in their categories for a third consecutive year.

The recognition was among the highlights for accommodation operators at the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards, held at ICC Sydney on Monday November 9.

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Hosted by the NSW Tourism Association, the awards celebrated businesses across accommodation, attractions, events, tours, food and beverage, and visitor services.

Sierra Escape won Gold in Unique Accommodation, ahead of The Silos Accommodation, which received Silver, and Starscape Australia, which took Bronze. Mt Hay Retreat claimed Gold in 5 Star Accommodation, with Kalinya Estate awarded Silver.

Both Hall of Fame inductees achieved their three consecutive Gold wins between 2024 and 2026.

Other accommodation category leaders included Tathra Beach Eco Camp, which won Gold in Caravan & Holiday Parks; The Belfry Guesthouse, which topped Hosted Accommodation; Mt Kanimbla Retreats, which won Self Contained Accommodation; and Ibis Styles The Entrance, which secured Gold in 4 or 4.5 Star Accommodation.

Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park received Silver in Caravan & Holiday Parks and Bronze in Excellence in Accessible Tourism. Blue Lagoon Beach Resort took Bronze in Caravan & Holiday Parks, while The Ridge Gloucester received Silver in Self Contained Accommodation.

Read more Awards stories HERE.

Tarragon Lodge Holiday Park also earned a Tourism Star, a special recognition selected by the judging panel for outstanding potential and commitment. Fellow recipients were Kestrel Nest EcoHut and Nundle Woollen Mill.

Recognising the work behind the welcome

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said the awards acknowledged the considerable effort behind successful visitor experiences.

“There is so much more to running a successful tourism business than what people see when they visit. Behind every great experience are people who work incredibly hard, who care about what they do and who are constantly looking for ways to make their business better,” Godward said.

“These businesses have earned their place among the state’s leading tourism businesses through a rigorous assessment process. That is a significant achievement and one they should be immensely proud of.”

Entrants were assessed against nationally recognised industry standards, with submissions reviewed by a panel of 50 judges alongside a consumer review score component. The process included internal verification and an independent external audit review by BYRONS.

The association also expanded its entrant support program this year. A quarter of entrants used its new personalised mentoring service, while more than half participated in support webinars and regional programs.

Accessibility in focus

Accessible tourism attracted a strong field, with seven finalists in Excellence in Accessible Tourism — the highest number in recent years.

Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens won Gold in the category, with Northern Rivers Rail Trail receiving Silver and Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park taking Bronze. Crystal Castle also won Gold in Tourist Attractions, while Northern Rivers Rail Trail topped Major Tourist Attractions.

Among the individual honours, Steve Hinks, Director at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, received the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the winners demonstrated the contribution tourism businesses make to communities across NSW.

“From the city to the coast and the bush, these operators are telling the stories of their local communities, bringing visitors through the doors, supporting local jobs and putting money back into towns right across NSW.”

Eligible Gold winners will progress to represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards, with national winners to be announced at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre in Victoria on February 19, 2027.

View the full list of 2026 NSW Tourism Awards winners HERE.