NSW Takes Home Gold at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

Seven NSW businesses were recognised in total at the Darwin Convention Centre ceremony last Friday night.

The coveted Gold trophy in the Major Tourist Attractions category was awarded to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby on the beautiful NSW Central Coast. Now in its 76th year of operation, this family reptile park is also the only Australian zoo with a snake and spider venom milking program, which saves over 300 lives a year.

Small business Love Lord Howe scooped Gold in the Excellence in Food Tourism for its unique outdoor dining experiences on World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island. This is also a win for the Lord Howe Island community, cementing its place on the list of ‘must see' Australian destinations.

“These NSW businesses have shown yet again that regional NSW not only has the attraction of beauty, food, accommodation and visitor experiences, but that is also provides international quality attractions and harnesses the power of regional collaboration,” NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director Paula Martin said.

The Tweed Shire is enjoying a double celebration as two of their home-grown businesses brought home national awards. The Tweed Tourism Company won Gold in the Tourism Marketing & Campaigns category, and Potager won Silver for Tourism Restaurant & Catering Services.

Two family-run businesses were also acknowledged. Sydney by Kayak won Silver for Ecotourism and Balloon Aloft Australia won Bronze for Adventure Tourism. 

Tumbafest continued its winning streak from 2022, taking home its second Bronze medal for Festivals & Events.

“The success of tourism operators showcased at these national tourism awards reinforces that the industry is finally on a path to recovery and is working hard to provide unique visitor experiences for both domestic and international visitors,” Ms Martin said.

Powered by Business NSW, the NSW Tourism Industry Council helps businesses operating in the Visitor Economy maximise their potential to ensure New South Wales remains the number one tourism destination in Australia.