The most unique accommodation in NSW has just been revealed

Last night’s NSW Tourism Awards celebrated the trailblazers who are redefining the state’s tourism landscape.

NSW is brimming with brilliant businesses offering incredible experiences, so much so that annual awards are held to celebrate them. This year, the NSW Tourism Association hosted the NSW Tourism Awards for the first time. This prestigious program recognises excellence in the tourism industry across the state. It showcases the best of NSW’s attractions, tours, festivals, accommodation, and food tourism. A whopping 200 award nominations were received this year, which was double last year’s entry numbers. 

Last night, the association announced the winners of its awards for 2024 at The Star in Sydney. The list offers an inspiring insight into the unique offerings and experiences of New South Wales’ vibrant tourism sector and plenty of inspo for your next outing whether you’re a foodie, adventurer, or in need of a getaway. 

Breathtaking views and friendly hospitality await at Mount Hay Retreat.

Spotlight on unique accommodations

The award-winning accommodations not only provide comfort but also immerse guests in the natural beauty of the state.

Among the standout winners is the Gold Award for Unique Accommodation, which went to Sierra Escape in Mudgee. Perched on a 113-hectare property, this luxurious safari tent offers breathtaking views and a tranquil retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This well-appointed property goes above and beyond, equipped with an outdoor bath, fireplace, a fire pit, a king-size bed and a kitchenette for an unforgettable stay. 

Unwind in your private outdoor bath at Sierra Escape.

Other notable mentions include:

• Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Mount Adrah (Gold for Ecotourism): Complete relaxation and disconnect are what you’ll experience during this off-grid stay. Nestled in the Riverina Highlands, this stylish accommodation minimises reliance on external resources and promotes sustainable living practices through solar power, rainwater harvesting, the use of sustainable materials, and a commitment to local produce.
• Black Sheep Inn, Borenore (Gold for Hosted Accommodation): This B&B is housed in a century-old shearing shed turned modern accommodation. You’ll experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary comforts, with five guest rooms featuring private ensuites, stunning countryside vistas, and preserved features like galvanized iron and sheep chutes.
• The Brooklet, Brooklet (Bronze for New Tourism Business): Wellness is at the heart of this ultra-luxe coastal accommodation in the Byron Bay Hinterland. From the fresh country air, mineral pool and ice bath to the tennis court and gym, the facilities encourage relaxation and rejuvenation. The 125-acre estate houses six luxury villas alongside The Bails, a beautifully renovated three-bedroom dairy.
• Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort, Orange (Gold for 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation): The Oriana is a funky 1960s retro-style hotel exuding laid-back holiday vibes. Each room and suite features its own vibrant colour scheme with plush bedding, contemporary art and statement pillows throughout.
• Mt Hay Retreat, Berry (Gold for 5-Star Luxury Accommodation): This intimate retreat is made for romantic getaways. It features sweeping views of 360 acres of farmland, native bush, and the Pacific Ocean, an indoor pool and spa set above mature gardens, and luxurious accommodations designed to provide a serene escape from the everyday bustle.
• Kalinya Estate, Bargo (Silver for 5-Star Luxury Accommodation): A short drive from Sydney is this heritage-listed accommodation that overlooks award-winning gardens. Owners Chris and Mandy Barnes are dedicated to providing personalised service and creating memorable experiences for guests.

Delight in unique, rural accommodation at Black Sheep Inn.

Culinary delights to discover

Foodies and Lord Howe Island locals will be thrilled to learn that Love Lord Howe took home the Gold Award for Excellence in Food Tourism, highlighting its commitment to showcasing local produce and culinary creativity. The team lovingly create picnics and caters for weddings, events, conferences and visiting tour groups.

Order a picnic from Love Lord Howe and sit back to enjoy the stunning views. (Image: Destination NSW)

Further cementing its position as one of the country’s biggest gourmet destinations, The Tweed region shone bright with its two awards in the Restaurants & Catering Services awards.

• Potager, Carool (Gold for Restaurants & Catering Services): This charming timber cottage is a stunning locale for a long lunch.  A celebration of community and the produce grown directly in the estate’s gardens and local farms take centre stage. Expect dishes such as zucchini “pappardelle” with bunya nut, nasturtium pesto, pine nuts, zucchini flowers, and bush lemon, and pangretatta and tarragon roasted Windsor grimaud duck breast with red cabbage and mustard purée, and smoked walnut ketchup.
• Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville (Silver for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services): This coastal haunt showcases the incredible produce of the Northern Rivers region, using an open wood fire to achieve rich flavour in every bite. 

Other culinary winners include:

• Frankie’s Restaurant and Bar, Lithgow (Bronze for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services): Housed within the Zig Zag Motel and renowned for its friendly atmosphere, Frankie’s features a menu of modern takes on classic Italian fare—the lasagna spring rolls are a must-try.
• Cupitt’s Estate, Ulladulla (Gold for Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries): This underrated gem combines a winery, brewery, restaurant, and luxury accommodation set against a lush landscape with views of the Budawang Ranges and Burrill Lake.

Savour the rich flavours of The Tweed region at Potager. (Image: Destination NSW)

More award-winning experiences

In addition to accommodations and food, several other categories celebrated excellence in tourism. Here are some highlights worth discovering:

• Northern Rivers Rail Trail (Gold for Tourist Attractions): This scenic trail through the bucolic The Tweed region guides you through quaint towns and lush hinterland. At 132 kilometres long, it connects Murwillumbah to Casino, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
• Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (Gold for Festival & Events): This family-friendly festival really puts Broken Hill on the map with its offering of live music, camping, and an authentic outback experience.
• Local Sauce Tours, Sydney (Silver for Cultural Tourism): These insightful tours connect locals and visitors with Sydney’s hidden gems be it secret bars, the best Chinatown restaurants, or the most idyllic walks.

Discover The Tweed’s bucolic surrounds via the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

The full list of winners

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

GOLD: Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort, Orange

5 Star Luxury Accommodation

GOLD: Mt Hay Retreat, Berry

SILVER: Kalinya Estate, Bargo

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences

GOLD: Bundyi Cultural Tours, Wagga Wagga

Adventure Tourism

HALL OF FAME & GOLD: Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley, Camden Valley, Mudgee and Byron Bay

SILVER: Let’s Go Surfing, Sydney, Byron Bay

BRONZE: Oz Jet Boating, Sydney

Caravan & Holiday Parks

GOLD: Holiday Haven Lake Conjola

SILVER: Tathra Beach Eco Camp

BRONZE: Tasman Holiday Parks Racecourse Beach, Bawley Point

Cultural Tourism

GOLD: Port Macquarie Museum

SILVER: Local Sauce Tours, Sydney

BRONZE: Dubbo Regional Council – Old Dubbo Gaol

Ecotourism

GOLD: Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Mount Adrah

SILVER: Sydney By Kayak, Lavender Bay

BRONZE: Navigate Expeditions, Far South Coast

Excellence in Accessible Tourism

GOLD: Balloon Aloft Australia, Hunter Valley, Camden Valley, Mudgee and Byron Bay

SILVER: Blue Mountains Climbing School

BRONZE: Sails Holiday Park, Belmont

Excellence in Food Tourism

GOLD: Love Lord Howe

SILVER: Food I Am, Wagga Wagga

BRONZE: Tocumwal Chocolate School

Festivals & Events

GOLD: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash

SILVER: Tumbafest Inc, Tumbarumba

BRONZE: Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail

Hosted Accommodation

GOLD: Black Sheep Inn, Borenore

SILVER: Amaroo Valley Springs, Kangaroo Valley

Local Government Award for Tourism

GOLD: Bathurst Regional Council

SILVER: City of Newcastle

Major Festivals & Events

GOLD: Bluesfest Byron Bay

SILVER: Strawberry Fields Festival, Tocumwal

Major Tour & Transport Operators

GOLD: Captain Cook Cruises – Sydney

SILVER: Moonshadow – TQC Cruises, Nelson Bay

Major Tourist Attractions

GOLD: Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh

SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us, Anna Bay

BRONZE: The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour

New Tourism Business

GOLD: Beneath The Bay, Batemans Bay

SILVER: Showtime Kayaking, Lake Macquarie

BRONZE: The Brooklet, Brooklet

Self Contained Accommodation

GOLD: Cedars Mount View, Hunter Valley

Service to Tourism Industry

GOLD: TRC Tourism

SILVER: Sparrowly Group

BRONZE: Hipscotch

Take 3 For The Sea Award For Visitor Litter Prevention

GOLD: Sydney By Kayak, Lavender Bay

SILVER: Cruise Eden, Eden

Tour & Transport Operators

GOLD: Blue Mountains Day Tours by Chapman Tours

SILVER: 4WD Tours R Us, Anna Bay

BRONZE: Activity Tours Australia, Sydney

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns

GOLD: Tweed Tourism Company

SILVER: Barrington Coast: Whatever It Takes

BRONZE: City of Newcastle

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

HALL OF FAME & GOLD: Potager, Carool

SILVER: Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville

BRONZE: Frankie’s Restaurant and Bar, Lithgow

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services

GOLD: Ask Roz Blue Mountains

SILVER: Hirehood, Northern Rivers

BRONZE: Outback Jess – Spotto Books

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

GOLD: Cupitt’s Estate, Ulladulla

SILVER: Husk Distillers, North Tumbulgum

BRONZE: Cape Byron Distillery, McLeods Shoot

Tourist Attractions

GOLD: Northern Rivers Rail Trail

SILVER: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

BRONZE: Barooga Sporties Group, Barooga

Unique Accommodation

GOLD: Sierra Escape, Mudgee

SILVER: Wilga Station, Bathurst

BRONZE: Myall River Camp, Hawks Nest

Visitor Information Services

GOLD: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre

SILVER: MidCoast Council: Barrington Coast

BRONZE: Albury Visitor Information Centre

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

Lyndel Gray, CEO of Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA).