Ask Roz Blue Mountains is a finalist in the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards, joining 108 finalists selected from 210 nominations across the state. For us, this recognition celebrates 13 years of sharing local stories, supporting businesses and helping people discover the greater Blue Mountains.
It also celebrates the people who make Ask Roz possible: our talented contributors, local businesses, collaborators and the community who read, share and add their knowledge to everything we do.
We also extend a big congratulations to Mt Kanimbla Retreats, who have been named finalists. It’s wonderful to see another Blue Mountains business recognised among the state’s best.
Ask Roz Blue Mountains is a finalist in the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards
Thirteen Years of Discovering the Blue Mountains
Ask Roz began 13 years ago with a clear purpose: connecting people with the places, experiences and stories that make the Blue Mountains special.
From walks and lookouts to dining, accommodation, events and local discoveries, we’ve continued to help visitors and residents explore more of our region while giving local businesses a platform to reach new audiences.
Today, Ask Roz is the region’s No.1 provider of visitor information, averaging more than 7 million content views each month.
Behind those numbers are real people. People planning a weekend away, finding somewhere new to eat, discovering a local event or sharing a favourite place with friends. Every story read and shared helps connect our community and encourages people to experience what the Blue Mountains has to offer.
Recognition Through Expert Assessment
Being named a NSW Tourism Awards finalist is especially meaningful because these awards are assessed by tourism experts against recognised industry standards.
Presented by the NSW Tourism Association, the awards form part of a national tourism awards program that has recognised excellence for more than 40 years.
This year’s judging process involved 50 judges, alongside a consumer review score component. Entrants were required to demonstrate the quality of their visitor experiences, their business capability and their commitment to continuous improvement.
The 210 nominations included 48 new entrants across 30 categories, reflecting the breadth of businesses contributing to the NSW visitor economy.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said the recognition extends beyond the experience visitors see:
“These Awards recognise more than a great tourism experience. Every finalist had to look deeply at their business and demonstrate the quality, capability and continuous improvement that sits behind the experience they deliver.”
For Ask Roz, it’s an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve built, recognise the work behind it and keep improving how we serve our region.
A Proud History, Built Together
Over the years, Ask Roz has proudly received three NSW Tourism Gold Awards, one NSW Regional Tourism Gold Award, Silver and Bronze honours, and three Blue Mountains Business Gold Awards.
Being named a finalist again is something we’re deeply grateful for.
To our incredible contributors, including those who have been with us since day one, thank you. Your photographs, stories, creativity and local knowledge help people see the Blue Mountains through fresh eyes. This recognition belongs to you too.
To the businesses and organisations who collaborate with us, thank you for trusting us to share your stories.
And to everyone who follows Ask Roz, shares our content, sends us discoveries or supports the places we feature: you are a big part of what we do.
Discover, Inform and Inspire
Our mission remains the same as it was 13 years ago: Discover, Inform and Inspire.
This finalist recognition gives us another reason to celebrate our region and the people who make it special. We’re proud of how far Ask Roz has come and excited to keep sharing the greater Blue Mountains with you.
Thank you for being part of Ask Roz. This is your celebration too. 💙