Each month, we’ll bring you a focused update on what matters most for tourism operators in Southern NSW, from local wins and industry insights to grants, training and awards. It’s everything you need, delivered short and sharp.
Happy scrolling,
Destination Southern NSW Team Email | Website | LinkedIn PO Box 1025 Goulburn NSW 2580
Banner Image: Bingi Dreaming Track, Eurobodalla National Park Island | Credit Destination NSW
Regional Highlights
Local stories worth celebrating 🎉
Tilly Jones, Cr Bryce Wilson, Deputy Mayor Esma Livermore, Martina Woodford, Hon Kristy McBain, Alan Longhurst - Credit Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Bungendore Top Town!
Congratulations to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and the Bungendore community on winning Gold in the Small Tourism Town category (population between 1500 and 5000) at Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2025.
The NSW Government announced a $5 million upgrade for Merimbula Airport to extend the runway to support larger aircraft and unlock new opportunities for the South Coast.
Reflections Bermagui hosted the AFLW GWS GIANTS team for a training weekend. Players participated in cultural learning with Aboriginal Umbarra Biripi woman Lynne Thomas, climbed the summit of Gulaga mountain, trained on Bermagui Beach and had a kick with local kids.
Credit: Tidal Restaurant
Tidal takes the title, again!
Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar Merimbula is a finalist in the 2025 Regional NSW Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence in two categories, Seafood Restaurant &
Congratulations to the Seahorse Inn team, who have taken out two wins in the Wedding Industry Awards. Each staff member plays an essential role in creating dream weddings that couples can cherish.
Would you like to share your new product, experience or event? Contact your Industry Development Manager to learn more.
Tourism Impact Surveys | Have Your Say
Share your thoughts, via the two surveys links below, on how tourism in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley shires affects daily life, and how the new Mountain Bike Trails (MBT) influence your community. Your feedback will help us better understand the value tourism and mountain biking bring to the region, while also identifying opportunities for improvement.
Each survey takes just three minutes and closes on September 17th, 2025.
The NSW Government has released the refreshed NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which sets an ambitious target of $91B in visitor expenditure by 2035, supported by 8.5M aviation seats, 40,000 new hotel rooms, and 150,000 jobs. The strategy outlines five key pillars and a staged growth path to drive sustainable, industry-led growth in the visitor economy.
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.
Opportunities to Grow
Grants and funding now open 🌱
Live Performance Venue Grant Program Round 2
Supports hospitality venues in hosting live performances. Close 23 September | More info
Innovate with nbn® Grants $125,000 available across seven categories, including Arts & Tourism and Sport & Recreation. Closes 12 October | More info
Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants Up to $100,000 to enhance cellar door experiences, attract visitors, and grow agritourism. Closes 31 October | More info
16-26 September | Online Free access to Destination NSW's digital skills webinar series. Find out more
Safe AI for Small Business 11 September | 2:00pm | Online Protect your business from AI-driven scams. Register now
Event Governance Course Delivered via seven online lessons Find out more
Awards & Recognition
ATEC Tourism Export Awards 2025 Submissions close 12 September More info
Canberra Region Tourism Awards Submissions close 26 September | Gala: 21 November More info
Acknowledgement of Country
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
