Call for Entries: 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Award

The Rocks Walking Tours

Entries are open for the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, offering a prime opportunity for tourism organisations and individuals delivering events, exhibitions and tours to gain formal recognition for their outstanding heritage projects across NSW.

The biggest and most anticipated celebration of exceptional heritage practice, the annual Awards honour excellence in the conservation, protection and interpretation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage.

The category of Events, Organisations and Tours is one of nine categories featured in this year’s Awards.

Other project categories span Aboriginal Heritage, Architecture, Advocacy, Built Conservation, Interiors and Objects, Landscape, Education and Interpretation, as well as Resources and Publication.

Individual award categories are free to enter and four-fold, including three peer-nominated categories: Lifetime Achievement, Heritage Skills and Young Achiever. The Cathy Donnelly Memorial Award for women will also be presented this year. Special award categories are also featured including People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice and the coveted President’s Prize.

Entry into the Heritage Awards will close at 11.59pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 4 March 2026.

Shortlisted projects will be announced during April, and the 32nd annual National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards Ceremony will be held at Sydney’s Doltone House on Friday 15 May 2026.

Returning Chair of the National Trust Heritage Awards Jury for 2026, renowned architect Matt Devine, says the 2026 Awards arrive at a pivotal time for heritage and conservation.

Transport Heritage Expo

“With the need to protect and maintain the special places we all love amid the pressures that come with growth, this year’s Awards are especially timely.

“The 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards serve as a landmark occasion to adequately acknowledge those who are working hard to preserve NSW’s rich heritage for future generations.

"These Awards are about more than buildings or landscapes. They showcase how innovation and development can in-fact coexist with conservation. Therefore, the Heritage Awards importantly highlight how we can honour our state’s past while still shaping its future,” adds Matt Devine.

Tickets to attend the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards Ceremony are available for purchase until 1 May, unless sold out prior. Would-be attendees are encouraged to secure spots early as this popular event swiftly sells out each year.

For more information and to enter the 2026 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/national-trust-heritage-awards-nsw/

Australian Heritage Festival - https://australianheritagefestival.org.au/

The National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards are a signature event of the Australian Heritage Festival, coordinated annually by the National Trust. The NSW Government through Heritage NSW is principal sponsor of the Australian Heritage Festival and the National Trust Heritage Awards.

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