The Holiday and Travel Magazine

Exciting News! The readership of this Magazine has grown rapidly, recently passing 20 million pageviews on 1 September. An innovative new way of promoting tourism in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales in Australia, selected Australian cities and featured overseas countries. Featuring MICE and Corporate Travel news, destinations, hotels, musicals and events. On the right hand side of the page you will find an index of articles by date, by world location, and by popularity. Happy reading!

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

2026 NSW Tourism Awards: Discover the Best Ecotourism Experiences in New South Wales

C-Change Adventures

New South Wales is home to spectacular coastlines, marine wildlife, waterways, forests and unique nature-based adventures, and the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards are recognising businesses helping visitors experience these natural attractions.

The Ecotourism category finalists showcase a diverse range of experiences, from whale watching and dolphin encounters to kayaking, eco-cruises and guided nature walks. Representing Sydney, the North Coast, Sydney Surrounds North and the Riverina and Murray region, these tourism operators demonstrate the appeal of discovering NSW through nature-based travel.

Explore the NSW Coast with Ecotourism Adventures

Tweed Eco Cruises

The North Coast features prominently among the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards Ecotourism finalists, with C-Change Adventures, Tweed Eco Cruises, Vision Walks - Eco Tours and WildNets Adventures recognised.

These operators represent opportunities for visitors to discover coastal environments, explore waterways and connect with the natural landscapes that make northern NSW a popular destination for nature lovers.

Coastal ecotourism can provide travellers with a different perspective on a destination, combining outdoor recreation with opportunities to learn about local ecosystems, wildlife and environmental conservation.

Marine Wildlife Encounters in Sydney Surrounds North

CoastXP

Sydney Surrounds North is represented by CoastXP and Dolphin Swim Australia, two finalists offering marine-focused visitor experiences.

CoastXP provides coastal adventures that allow visitors to explore the region's spectacular seascapes, while Dolphin Swim Australia is known for experiences centred on swimming with wild dolphins.

Marine wildlife tourism offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate Australia's remarkable marine environment. Responsible operators can also help raise awareness of the importance of respecting wildlife and protecting marine habitats.

Kayaking and Nature Experiences in Sydney

Sydney By Kayak

Sydney is represented by three finalists: Sydney By Kayak, Sydney Kayak Experience and Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney.

Sydney By Kayak and Sydney Kayak Experience offer opportunities to explore waterways from the water, providing a fresh perspective on Sydney's harbour and surrounding landscapes.

For visitors wanting to experience marine wildlife, Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney offers whale-watching experiences that connect passengers with the seasonal movements of whales along the NSW coast.

These experiences demonstrate that nature-based tourism is not limited to remote wilderness areas. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures and discover wildlife while staying in Australia's largest city.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation in the Riverina and Murray

Kestrel Nest EcoHut

Kestrel Nest EcoHut, representing the Riverina and Murray region, is another finalist in the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards Ecotourism category.

Nature-based accommodation can give travellers the opportunity to slow down, enjoy their surroundings and experience a destination beyond conventional sightseeing.

For visitors planning a regional NSW escape, eco-focused stays can complement outdoor activities and provide a different way to connect with local landscapes.

2026 NSW Tourism Awards Ecotourism Finalists

The finalists in the Ecotourism category are:

C-Change Adventures — North Coast
CoastXP — Sydney Surrounds North
Dolphin Swim Australia — Sydney Surrounds North
Kestrel Nest EcoHut — Riverina / Murray
Sydney By Kayak — Sydney
Sydney Kayak Experience — Sydney
Tweed Eco Cruises — North Coast
Vision Walks - Eco Tours — North Coast
Whale Tales Whale Watching Sydney — Sydney
WildNets Adventures — North Coast

Celebrating Sustainable Tourism in NSW

Dolphin Swim Australia

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards highlight tourism businesses that contribute to the quality and diversity of visitor experiences across the state. The Ecotourism finalists demonstrate the many ways travellers can explore NSW through coastal adventures, wildlife encounters, kayaking, eco-cruises and nature-based accommodation.

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards will be held at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November 2026. The Awards recognise excellence across the NSW visitor economy and celebrate the businesses helping visitors discover the state's natural attractions.

NSW Tourism Association

Website: https://www.nswtourism.com.au/
Address: New South Wales, Australia.

Destination NSW

Website: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/
Address: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/