The NSW Nationals in the state government are investing $2.5 million to bolster the tourism sector across the state to ensure the continued recovery of the visitor economy.
Wildlife encounters, food and wine activities, as well as wellness retreats are among 18 projects that will receive grants of between $80,000 and $150,000 via the Experience Development Fund.
Nationals Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the grants would turbocharge visitation to regional NSW and Greater Sydney.
"The NSW visitor economy is bursting back to life, and we know from visits to Destination NSW websites and top NSW search terms online that all points of the state's compass are on the radar of travellers," Mr Franklin said.
"We are passionate about creating opportunities for businesses to attract these travellers by driving demand from new and returning visitors as the State forges ahead on its path to recovery.
"Supporting local tourism businesses is a top priority and this funding will ensure our tourism operators deliver the best possible visitor experiences."
Projects that have been funded include:
• $150,000 to Frogarium in Bonville for the development of a facility and provide guided tours of frog fauna and freshwater wildlife.
• $150,000 to Charlotte Pass Snow Resort to install a zip line that will offer a year-round Snowy Mountains visitor experience.
• $150,000 to RADgrowers in Albury to create infrastructure and visitor facilities for farm-to-table experiences.
• $150,000 to Tinkersfield in the Crackenback Valley to develop an eco-wellness experience.
• $116,445 to Osborn House in Bundanoon to develop a cooking school that will include a kitchen garden experience.
• $150,000 to develop Trentham Waters Resort Water Park Experience in Trentham Cliffs.
• $150,000 to Poachers Pantry and Vineyard in Springrange to create a dedicated space to hold food smoking and wine masterclasses.
• $150,000 to Collector Wines in Collector to develop new tasting experiences and visitor offerings.
• $150,000 to Badlands Brewery to establish a brewery and taproom in Orange.
• $150,000 to Cedar View Estate in Jamberoo to develop three eco-friendly luxury villas.
• $150,000 to Quoll Headquarters in Tenterfield to repurpose a shed into a multipurpose centre with conferencing, dining and bathroom facilities.
• $150,000 to Urungie Partnership in Gilgooma to create personalised, bespoke farm tour experiences.
• $150,000 to McWilliam's Wines in Hanwood to showcase a variety of new activities, tours and tasting experiences.
• $147,208 to Madison's Mountain Retreat to develop an alpaca immersion experience.
• $88,750 to develop accessible powered camping sites, cabins and amenities at a fish farm at Jacks Creek.
• $150,000 to Hillview Farmstay at Mount Adrah to create a paddock-to-plate restaurant experience.
• $130,586 to create a farm experience in Jilliby to benefit those with special needs.
