This intimate Berry retreat wins 2025 NSW Tourism Awards

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. The NSW Tourism Awards recognise excellence in the tourism industry across the state. The winners are a go-to list of NSW’s best attractions, tours, festivals, accommodation and food tourism. And none more so than the winner of the 5 Star Accommodation category, Berry’s Mt Hay Retreat.

Gold, silver and bronze awards were judged by a panel of 55 independent judges, and presented across 30 categories celebrating excellence in business practices, visitor experiences and sustainability. In total, 78 winners were presented from 125 finalists, marking one of the largest and most competitive awards in recent years.

“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," shared NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward.

“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".

Mt Hay Retreat

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.

The six suites are arranged around the top of the hill to ensure spectacular views and ultimate privacy. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto expansive decks, so that no matter where guests are inside the room – spending a lazy day in bed, relaxing on the sofa or sitting at the glass dining table – they can soak in remarkable views at almost all times.

stars above Mt Hay Retreat — Take in gorgeous views, day and night.

La pièce de résistance? An al fresco bathtub, perfect for watching the sunset, glass of wine in hand. Discover more about this winning luxury stay.

The heritage-listed accommodation overlooking award-winning gardens offered by Kalinya Estate came in second, thanks also to its personalised service and dedication to creating memorable experiences for guests.

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific and The Oriana Orange Retro Hotel & Resort took out gold and silver, respectively, in the 4-4.5 Star Accommodation category.

Culinary delights to discover

What is a getaway without amazing food? Tweed favourite, Pipit Restaurant, took our gold in the Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services category, and for good reason. With a focus on sustainable proteins and championing local ingredients, Pipit uses an open wood fire to achieve deep flavour in every bite. Enjoy it from the Scandi-style dining room, or get involved in the action with occasional pop-ups and masterclasses.

Harwood Hotel – a pub nestled on the banks of the Clarence River – and Coff’s Harbour’s Aanuka Beach House took out silver and bronze, respectively.

In order, Printhie Wines, Cupitt’s Estate and Courabyra Wines took out the top three spots for best wineries. While Jervis Bay Brewing Co was the winner of the best Tourism Distilleries & Breweries.

For those who prefer to get a little more hands-on, the winners of the Excellence in Food Tourism will be of particular interest to you. Tocumwal Chocolate School took gold for its offering of immersive and expert-led classes focusing on the delicious art of creating chocolate and pastry. Stay while you learn, with a luxe B&B on site. Alternatively, try your hand at Italian cuisine, thanks to silver winner, Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello . Here, master the art of homemade pasta, traditional Italian village-style bread and more.

The full list of winners

Get hands-on at the Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello. (Image: Destination NSW)

4-4.5 Star Accommodation

GOLD: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
SILVER: The Oriana Orange Retro Hotel & Resort

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

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

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

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

This intimate Berry retreat was dubbed NSW’s best luxe accommodation

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

Mt Hay Retreat

Culinary delights to discover

The full list of winners

Iconic Emirates Wolgan Valley to reopen as first-ever Ritz Carlton Lodge this year

This cosy cabin in rural NSW is among the world’s 10 most-loved Airbnbs

This Wes Anderson-style boutique hotel is a hidden gem in Sydney

The new tiny home offering views of a Blue Mountains icon

Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast