The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary was among numerous Hunter attractions to shine at the NSW Tourism Awards this week.
The region garnered three gold medals at the prestigious event, which took place at The Star Sydney, with a further eight operators picking up silver.
Balloon Aloft collected two top gongs for Adventure Tourism and Excellence in Accessible Tourism, while Cedars Mount View was named the best Self-Contained Accommodation.
Those to finish second in their categories included City of Newcastle (Local Government Award for Tourism), Nelson Bay’s Moonshadow – TQC Cruises (Major Tour & Transport Operators), Anna Bay’s 4WD Tours R Us (Major Tourist Attractions; and Tour & Transport Operators), Lake Macquarie’s Showtime Kayaking (New Tourism Business), MidCoast Council: Barrington Coast (Visitor Information Services), Barrington Coast: Whatever It Takes (Tourism Marketing & Campaigns) and Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary (Tourist Attractions).
Bronze went to Belmont’s Sails Holiday Park (Excellence in Accessible Tourism) and City of Newcastle (Tourism Marketing & Campaigns).
Port Stephens Council’s director of community futures Steve Peart was on hand to collect the accolade on behalf of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
“It’s an honour to accept this award,” he said.
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a partnership between council, the NSW Government and a local volunteer care group known as Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
Its focus is on conservation and protecting the threatened species so that future generations can enjoy witnessing koalas in the wild.
“A decade ago, we counted thousands of koalas in this region,” Mr Peart said.
“But, today, their population numbers are in the hundreds.
“So, this award recognises the relentless dedication of our passionate staff to conservation and preservation efforts.”
The 2024 category winners include:
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
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
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
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