16th July 2026

 

HUSKISSON HOTEL 

HUSKISSON NSW

6pm for 6:30pm until 9pm

$120 pp

 

($95 for members and $65 for finalists)

 

People's Choice Voting Open Now

Choose your favourite adventurous activity providers from all the finalists in the program or organisation categories

VOTING CLOSES 15 JUNE 2026

13 Categories

Emerging Outdoor Professional

Recognises an emerging leader within the broader Outdoor Industry.

This includes recreation, adventure tourism, therapy, events or supporting organisations — who is making a positive impact early in their career. *Education professionals apply through OEA - see below.

Outstanding Contribution to the Outdoor Industry

Recognises an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Outdoor Industry.

This award honours leadership, vision and impact that strengthens the broader Outdoor Industry ecosystem across NSW & ACT.

 

Outdoor Organisation of the Year

4 categories include:

  • Education
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Therapy 
  • Recreation

Recognises an organisation demonstrating excellence and impact within the industry.

Adventure Event of the Year

Awarded to a standout adventure event delivering excellence in planning, participation, experience and contribution to the Outdoor Industry.

 

Open to all events that encourage people to get active and outdoors.

Outdoor Play Award

Highlights an initiative, program or organisation that promotes outdoor play and connection to nature.

 

There is no limit to age group participation. 

Supporting Organisation of the Year

Recognises an organisation that plays a vital support role for the Outdoor Industry through advocacy, partnerships, services or resources.

Overall Outdoor Organisation of the Year*

The pinnacle award celebrating outstanding achievement and leadership across one or more Outdoor Industry sectors.

Industry's Choice Award*

A peer-voted award recognising an organisation or initiative that has earned the respect and recognition of the Outdoor Industry.

Outdoor Education Australia Award Categories

If you wish to enter the Outdoor Education Australia categories, you must do so via the Outdoor Education Australia Awards website. This enables you to enter not just the NSW / ACT awards but possibly become a finalist at the National Outdoor Education Awards to be presented at NOEC (September 2026).

  • You must be a member of one of the OEA members to enter (e.g Outdoors NSW & ACT)

  • These categories also closed on 10 May 2026

  • Submissions will be judged at state level first, then national. 

  • All state / territory winner will be finalists at national level. 

Emerging Outdoor Education Practitioner

Outdoor 

Education Practitioner

Service to Outdoor Education

Award

Outdoor Education Exemplary Program

JOIN US AT

The Outdoor Industry Awards

Outdoors NSW & ACT Members get $25 per person off, 

by using the code in your membership portal

 

Finalists check your inbox for your discount code

  • 27 February 2026

    Awards Open for Applications

  • 10 May 2026

    Awards Close for Submissions

    Entries need to be in by Midday (12pm) 10 May 2026

  • 13 - 31 May 2026

    Judging Period

    Submissions are judged by a panel of Outdoor Industry Professionals

  • 15 May - 15 June 2026

    People's Choice Voting Opens

    The public are invited to vote for their favourite entry

  • 9 June 2026

    Judges Deliberation Day

    A must attend event for all judges (virtual)

  • 16 July 2026

    Awards Evening

    Cocktail evening from 6pm in Jervis Bay, NSW