Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council’s recently opened business is a finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards. Photo: Supplied.
Seven Far South Coast businesses and events have been named finalists in the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards.
There are 125 finalists across 30 categories. The winners will be announced at the NSW Tourism Gala on 27 November at Sydney Olympic Park.
Three Far South Coast festivals have made it into the finals: Batemans Bay’s Crank It Up Festival, Merimbula’s EAT Festival Sapphire Coast and Narooma’s Oyster Festival.
Other finalists include Tathra Beach Eco Camp, Region X Kayaking, Walking and Camping Adventures in Batemans Bay, Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council and Foxdog Distillery and Brewery in Mogo.
The latter two are notable finalists because they only opened last year.
Eden Local Aboriginal Council CEO Dean Muscat said making it into the finals highlighted the council’s commitment to sharing authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences with visitors to the Far South Coast. Through its expanding tourism program, the organisation is creating meaningful employment for Aboriginal people, preserving cultural knowledge and building community pride.
“This recognition is a moment of pride for our whole community,” Mr Muscat said. “It’s a reflection of our Elders’ vision, the passion of our Country Custodians and the growing interest from visitors who want to experience culture the right way — with respect and authenticity.
“To be acknowledged alongside other leading tourism operators shows how far we’ve come and where we’re heading.”
Foxdog’s Dean Abel (left) and Ben Plenty at work making gin. Photo: Supplied, Foxdog Distillery.
Narooma Rocks general manager Renee Pearce said the oyster festival’s inclusion in the finalists recognised its excellence, strength, creativity and dedication to the state’s visitor economy.
The annual not-for-profit festival shines a light on the exceptional culinary appeal of the native oyster, and on its growers, estuaries and environmental benefits.
Planning for the 18th festival on 1-3 May is underway and will highlight agritourism businesses, sustainable seafood, Yuin culture and the relaxed, active lifestyle of Narooma and the South Coast.
Organisers said chefs, producers, vendors and sponsors were lining up to collaborate on the next festival, drawn by the community spirit, the stunning landscape and the wealth of culinary opportunities.
Ms Pearce said the 2025 oyster festival delivered record-breaking results, with visitors staying almost six nights, longer than ever before.
“The economic and social benefits show how a small community can deliver a world-class experience while staying true to its roots,” she said.
“The festival showcases our world-class oysters, but it also delivers benefits which flow on to all kinds of businesses and community groups — from printers to plumbers and fishermen to filmmakers.”
In 2025, the festival welcomed more than 9700 people, who stayed an average of 5.7 nights, consumed 67,000 NSW oysters and generated a $4.7 million boost to the economy — creating the equivalent of 23 full-time jobs.
Satisfaction was rated at 99 per cent, and 97 per cent of visitors said the festival was their sole inspiration to travel to Narooma and Eurobodalla.
The Australian Oyster Shucking Championship is a highlight of the Narooma Oyster Festival. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
The showcase included dozens of oyster growers and shuckers from the South Coast, seafood experts, 25 regional brewers, wineries and distillers, a dozen Yuin cultural experiences and businesses, 26 local charities and community groups.
“This year’s festival was also the biggest weekend of the financial year for Narooma, and we couldn’t do it without our volunteers,” Ms Pearce said. “This incredibly generous and talented group of people gave around 5700 hours of their time and expertise, and they should be really proud of the feedback they received from attendees.”
The festival has celebrated the rock oyster and the South Coast region since 2007. Held annually in May, it is now the largest food and drink festival in southern NSW and contributes millions of dollars to the regional economy at a traditionally quiet time of the year.
Its growth and popularity now attract around 10,000 people annually, mostly aged between 26 and 55, and mainly from Sydney, Canberra, Illawarra and the South Coast. Visitor satisfaction has averaged 95 per cent over the past five years.
Categories in the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards include tours, attractions and experiences, festivals and events, accommodation, food and drink tourism, sustainable tourism, tourism services and new tourism businesses.
