Symbio Wildlife Park and Mt Hay Retreat win gold in NSW Tourism Awards 2024

Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh and Mt Hay Retreat in Berry received gold at the NSW Tourism Awards 2024 in Sydney on Thursday (28 November).

The NSW Tourism Association event celebrated tourism and hospitality businesses delivering world-class visitor experiences that are growing the NSW visitor economy.

Symbio Wildlife Park received gold for Major Tourism Attractions, while Mt Hay Retreat received its top gong for 5 Star Luxury Accommodation, with both now to represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards.

In an interview after receiving the award, where Symbio’s Matt Radnidge was asked how they had kept going during what had been a challenging few years, he admitted they didn’t know any different.

“We’ve had a challenging decade, as everybody has, and we’ve just continued our continuous improvement journey, which has led us to here, which is great,” Matt said, flanked by dad John and mum Margaret.

“We’ve been going for 24 years and it’s been heart and soul for the family for that whole time.

“All we’ve ever wanted to do was be the best that we can be. Not better than anybody else, but just the best that we can be.

“It’s nice to get recognition after a lot of challenges and where we are today.”

He said they were often their own harshest critics, so the award was validation they were on the right path.

Meanwhile, Louise Warren said what made Mt Hay Retreat so special and five star was not just the location being perched on top of a hill with 360 degree views, but also being surrounded by incredible facilities and NSW’s most beautiful bushland.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said the benchmark for the NSW Tourism Awards this year was high, so to be recognised as a finalist or one of the winners was a huge achievement.

“The tourism industry can at times be incredibly tough so well done to everyone who has gone above and beyond to deliver, whether that be experiences, food, or amazing venues,” Natalie said.

“We’re lucky in NSW to have such diversity with our tourism from unique country events to immersive ocean adventures, and hero Sydney experiences.

“These awards are a chance to celebrate the strength, pride and passion of our industry, as well as the small to large businesses who offer these unique opportunities to have memorable experiences.”

The awards were supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham congratulated the finalists and winners for their outstanding contribution to the visitor economy.

“Tourism in NSW is set for incredible growth over the next decade, but its success rests on the hard work and hospitality of the people working across the industry,” he said.

“These awards are about recognising those people.”

The Tourism Stars, also known as Judges Choice Awards, go to organisations who have shown a special edge, and connected with the judges because of their commitment, innovative approach and resilience.

This year included Destination Sydney Surrounds South – South Coast Centre of Excellence, which was an industry-led project covering the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley.

Learn more information about the awards and the winners.