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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.

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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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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.