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

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

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