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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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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.