Welcome to October's Southern Snapshot – your update on the people, projects and opportunities shaping the visitor economy across Southern NSW.
This month, we celebrate local excellence, with regional businesses recognised on the state stage, opportunities to share industry-shaping ideas, and new experiences inspiring travellers to explore our wonderful region.
Happy scrolling,
Destination Southern NSW Team Email | Website | LinkedIn PO Box 1025 Goulburn NSW 2580
Image: Sunset & Stars Kayak Tour by Navigate Expeditions | Credit Jessica Taunton
Navigate Expeditions launches new coastal kayak adventures
Congratulations to Jess Tauton at Navigate Expeditions, who has unveiled two immersive new tours showcasing natural beauty, flavours and night skies.
Tilba Kayak & Wine Tour Explore nature's flavours on a guided paddle across pristine Corunna Lake, spotting wildlife and enjoying views of Mt Gulaga. Finish your adventure at Tilba Valley Winery with a tasting of three wines and a generous artisan cheese platter. Explore the tour
Sunset & Stars Kayak Tour Experience the Sapphire Coast's newest adventure with a glide across Wallagoot Lake at dusk, observing wildlife like black swans and kangaroos. After a lakeside supper of local cheeses, paddle with special underwater lights to see marine life as the stars emerge above. Explore the tour
Goulburn Spring Gardens Festival debut
A brand-new event is set to bloom in Goulburn on 18–19 October. The Spring Gardens Festival will open its gates to eight private gardens, many welcoming visitors for the very first time. Coinciding with the Steampunk Victoriana Fair, the weekend promises heritage, colour and creativity across the city.
Celebrating our Business NSW Awards state finalists
Congratulations to the outstanding Southern NSW businesses recognised as state finalists in the 2025 Business NSW Awards. Their innovation, leadership and commitment to excellence showcase the strength of our visitor economy.
Would you like to share your new product, experience or event? Contact your Industry Development Manager to learn more.
Industry Insights
Data, insights and updates 📊
Visitor spending reaches record $55.9 billion in NSW
Tourism Research Australia reports visitor expenditure in NSW hit a record $55.9 billion in 2024–25, up 5.7% year-on-year. International spend grew 15.1% to $13.9 billion, with China leading the rebound at +23.7%.
New Planning Policy
The NSW Government’s new Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy will make it faster and easier to stage events, host live performances, and unlock outdoor dining opportunities, including easier farm-gate dining.
IDA EOIs open
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have opened for the first round of projects to be considered by the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), including developments related to hotels critical to visitor economy growth. The IDA supports major investment projects by streamlining processes and coordinating government actions.
Australia's June travel stats
According to the TRA, Australians took 27.6 million overnight trips and 69 million day trips in the June 2025 quarter, spending $33.1 billion. International visitors made 1.7 million trips, injecting $8.5 billion into the economy.
Accessible Tourism
Tourism Research Australia's Accessible Tourism report reveals that accessible tourism accounts for 20% of all trips in Australia, underscoring both the scale of this market and the potential for more inclusive visitor experiences.
Small Business Month
Explore the events available this October, as part of NSW Small Business Month. The program features free and low-cost events covering topics such as staffing, cybersecurity, marketing, artificial intelligence, and mental health.
NSW - Top spring getaway
New Tourism & Transport Forum research shows NSW is the top choice for Australian travellers this spring, with the South Coast named the most popular regional destination. Affordability, accessibility and flexibility were identified as key drivers.
USA inbound visitor surge
The Australian Travel Industry Association's (ATIA) latest Travel Trends Report indicates that inbound American visitation increased in July 2025, up 19.2% compared to 2024. NSW welcomed more than 23,000 Americans, reinforcing the US as a key international growth market.
Generational travel trends
Research has revealed that food experiences drive Gen Z's travel choices, Millennials opt for road trips, Gen X prefer urban escapes, and Boomers love romance-led travel.
Small Business Red Tape Survey
Small businesses are encouraged to share their experiences with red tape and compliance via an online survey. Survey closes 31 October.
Please note that while we are keen to share information relevant to the sector, it is essential to recognise that the data we're sharing may not accurately reflect our local conditions.
Upskill & Connect
Training, events and industry engagement 🎫
Southern NSW & ACT Tourism Roundtable
19 November | 10am - 4pm | Old Parliament House The Tourism Roundtable will bring together tourism operators, councils, government and industry stakeholders to share insights, connect with experts, and co-design practical solutions for sustainable regional growth. Find out more
Local Government Regional Event Leadership Program
11 Nov - 2 Dec | Online Four-week online program designed to help councils deliver more strategic, efficient and impactful events. Limited to 10 councils. Find out more
Eurobodalla Tourism Forum 2025
10 November | 5pm - 8:30pm | Bay Pavilions Bringing together the people and ideas shaping the future of tourism in Eurobodalla. Find out more
Sea Otter MTB Summit
21-23 October | Batemans Bay A major outdoor industry event exploring sustainability, trends, trail development and tourism growth. Find out more
Opportunities to Grow
Grants and funding now open 🌱
Maitri Grant Program
$5 million available to strengthen Australia–India links across education, science, arts and tourism. Tourism projects encouraged.
Destination Southern NSW acknowledges the many Aboriginal Nations and Aboriginal People of the Southern NSW region as the traditional carers and custodians of the land that we all now live and work on. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Destination Southern NSW values the diversity of this region and works in partnership with local Aboriginal communities to respectfully celebrate and share Aboriginal culture with visitors to the region and also with locals who live here.
Destination Southern NSW Ltd is supported by the NSW Government and Destination NSW
Destination Southern NSW, PO Box 1025, Goulburn, NSW 2580, Australia
