2026 NSW Tourism Awards Finalists: NSW’s Leading Attractions Revealed

Art Gallery of New South Wales

The best of New South Wales tourism is in the spotlight, with the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards finalists announced across a diverse range of visitor experiences.

Among the finalists are some of the state’s most recognisable attractions, from major cultural institutions and wildlife parks to historic sites, gardens and outdoor adventures. The Attractions category highlights the extraordinary range of experiences available to visitors travelling across NSW.

Art, Culture and Sydney Attractions

Sydney is strongly represented in the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards Attractions category, with the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Sydney Zoo among the finalists.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s leading art museums, providing visitors with opportunities to discover Australian and international art in a spectacular Sydney setting.

Sydney Zoo offers another major visitor experience, bringing wildlife and conservation experiences to Western Sydney and providing visitors with opportunities to encounter animals from Australia and around the world.

Wildlife Experiences Across NSW

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the NSW North Coast, provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with wildlife while exploring the Coffs Coast region.

Further south, Symbio Wildlife Park in Sydney Surrounds South is also a finalist. The wildlife park is known for its animal encounters and family-friendly visitor experiences.

These attractions demonstrate the important role wildlife tourism plays in encouraging visitors to explore NSW and discover experiences beyond the major cities.

Gardens, Heritage and Outdoor Adventures

Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens

The North Coast is particularly well represented, with Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern Rivers Rail Trail and The Big Banana Fun Park all named finalists.

Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens combines gardens, nature and unique visitor experiences in the Northern Rivers, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail provides an opportunity to explore the region by bicycle, walking or other recreational activities.

The Big Banana Fun Park at Coffs Harbour is one of Australia's best-known family attractions, offering entertainment and activities for visitors of different ages.

Grounded By Designs, representing Sydney Surrounds North, also features among the finalists, adding another distinctive tourism experience to the category.

Discovering NSW History

Old Dubbo Gaol

Heritage tourism is represented by Old Dubbo Gaol, a finalist from the Country and Outback region.

The historic attraction provides visitors with an opportunity to step back into the past and discover stories connected with the former gaol and the development of Dubbo.

Together, the Attractions finalists demonstrate how NSW tourism extends well beyond traditional sightseeing, connecting visitors with art, wildlife, history, nature, gardens, recreation and family entertainment.

2026 NSW Tourism Awards Attractions Finalists

The finalists in the Attractions category are:

• Art Gallery of New South Wales — Sydney
• Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary — North Coast
• Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens — North Coast
• Grounded By Designs — Sydney Surrounds North
• Northern Rivers Rail Trail — North Coast
• Old Dubbo Gaol - Dubbo Regional Council — Country and Outback
• Sydney Zoo — Sydney
• Symbio Wildlife Park — Sydney Surrounds South
• The Big Banana Fun Park — North Coast

Grounded By Designs

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards celebrate tourism businesses and organisations demonstrating quality, capability and commitment across the state's visitor economy. The Awards will be held at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November 2026.

NSW Tourism Association

Website: https://www.nswtourism.com.au/
Email: info@nswtourism.com.au
Address: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Destination NSW

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

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