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

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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

outdoor bathtub and view at Mt Hay Retreat
Enjoy your al fresco bathtub.

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

Pipit Restaurant
Pipit Restaurant took gold. (Image: Sabine Bannard)

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

Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello
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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure during Vivid

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Na Woolfe)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass or chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.