NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Carmel Tebbutt and Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay announced the new direction following the acceptance of the report and its recommendations by the NSW Government in December.

Minister Tebbutt confirmed that protecting our world-class parks and reserves and their conservation values was critical and that providing a range of innovative and interesting ways for people to experience them would help to promote conservation while tapping into the growing global market for nature-based tourism.

“While protecting our parks remains the priority, this report presents a clear case for incorporating sustainable tourism so we are up there with other famous and successful destinations,” Ms Tebbutt said.

Ms McKay said the 10 member taskforce, headed by the former head of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Brian Gilligan, had considered almost 300 submissions in compiling the recommendations.

Key recommendations in the report include:

• a focus on iconic experiences in key areas close to Sydney and within three hours drive of major airports servicing Newcastle, the Gold Coast, Ballina, Coffs Harbour and Canberra;
• a review of accommodation and leasing policies and legislation to provide a clear understanding of the range of acceptable low-impact accommodation options, including camping, huts, standing camps and cabins;
• increased marketing and promotion of parks to attract visitors;
• changes to encourage sustainable nature-based tourism outside parks that will encourage visitors into neighbouring areas;
• a calendar of regular events suitable to parks and reserves, such as the ‘Island Hopping’ event to take place as part of Crave Festival this October in Sydney Harbour National Park; and
• improved planning of nature-based experiences at a regional level with all public land agencies and the tourism industry involved.

The report also highlights the extensive work already underway in our national parks to help visitors get the most out of their experience.

NPWS will be working closely with Tourism NSW over the coming period to implement the report’s recommendations.

Read the full report on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website.

Five NPWS products, places and partnerships made the finals in the prestigious awards – which celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success – including:

• Montague Island Tours, Far South Coast – Ecotourism category;
• Lane Cove River Tourist Park, Sydney – Tourist and Caravan Parks category and Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism category;
• Cape Byron Headland Reserve, Northern Rivers – Heritage and Cultural Tourism category;
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse B&B and Self Catering Cottages, Mid North Coast – Unique Accommodation category; and
• Greater Blue Mountains Drive, Blue Mountains – New Tourism Development category.

Lane Cove River Tourist Park, located in Lane Cove National Park just 10 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, won both of its categories, while Montague Island Tours, a multi-award winning partnership between NPWS and Conservation Volunteers Australia on Montague Island Nature Reserve off the far south coast, took out its third Gold Ecotourism Award. In doing so, the business joined the esteemed NSW Tourism Hall of Fame.

Montague Island Tours and Lane Cove River Tourist Park will now enter the national tourism awards at the end of February.

Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!

For more information on the NSW Tourism Awards, visit the Tourism NSW corporate website.

As part of NPWS's review of marketing and promotional materials and in line with recommendations from the Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks, NPWS and DECC have worked to develop the exciting new look for national parks visitor materials.

Using information gathered through visitor and non visitor testing and feedback, the new visual identity is designed to engage and motivate both current and potential visitors to enjoy the wonderful range of parks experiences on offer.

The 2009 Guide to NSW National Parks includes some great new features including location and experience highlights for each region, profiles on a selection of our unique park accommodation and an inside spread on great things to do and great places to stay.

The entry page to the national parks area of the DECC website has also been refreshed in the new look, with more emphasis on events, experiences, guided tours and regional highlights.

In December, NPWS also launched its new visitor e-newsletter, Naturescapes, a quarterly email update covering activities, events, experiences and places to stay in NSW national parks. Visitors can subscribe to Naturescapes by email or via our website.

Visitors will see the revitalised design on 2010-11 Annual Passes, while a program is in development to roll out the new look to park brochures and other visitor materials across the state.

To order copies of the 2009 Guide to NSW National Parks, phone 1300 361 967 or visit our website.

Research shows that numbers are up at many of our parks, including Blue Mountains National Park, where the extensively refurbished Wentworth Falls Picnic Area received 21 per cent more vehicles in December 2008-January 2009 than the previous summer, and 26 per cent more visitors were counted on nine of the park’s popular walking tracks.

On the south coast, Murramarang National Park had one of the busiest summers on record, with camping and cabin occupancy at Depot Beach, Pretty Beach and Pebbly Beach at 100 per cent. Likewise, Arakoon State Conservation Area camping grounds at South West Rocks on the mid north coast have been booked to capacity throughout the school holiday period. This is in line with reports that camping and caravan holidays have seen a marked revival this summer, with a significant increase in first-time campers.

The harbour islands of Sydney Harbour National Park have been extremely popular over summer, with around 10,000 people enjoying their spectacular ambience and harbour views for picnics and barbecues, including some 2,100 visitors celebrating New Year’s Eve on the islands and several hundred more celebrating Boxing Day and Australia Day on Shark Island.

At Cape Byron State Conservation Area, 15 per cent more vehicles have used the carpark than at the same time the year before, while Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park received four per cent more visitors over the school holidays than the previous summer.

The Visitor Centre at the state’s biggest national park, Kosciuszko, has seen a hike in visitor numbers over late December 08 – early January 09, an increase of some six per cent compared to last year.

Head of National Parks and Wildlife, Sally Barnes, said these increases are strong evidence that investment in improvement programs and park promotions are paying off.

"The visitor experience is a key focus for us and it's great to see that our programs to improve infrastructure and services in national parks such as the Blue Mountains, Kosciuszko, Sydney Harbour and along the coast are getting results, with summer visitation stronger than we've seen in some time.

"We have a special opportunity to make a major contribution to sustainable tourism in NSW by offering the kind of nature-based experiences that help people connect with the environment and their natural and cultural heritage.

"Great things are happening and it's encouraging to see statistics such as these demonstrating the benefits of our efforts to deliver high quality visitor experiences through enhanced facilities, more effective promotion and stronger partnerships," she said.

For more information on NPWS’s visitor statistics, email the NPWS Visitor Data and Research Officer.

The initiative will see volunteers on a five day exploration of Sydney Harbour National Park, visiting a different location each day such as Clark Island to engage in hands-on activities to conserve, preserve and protect this fragile reserve.

Participants, who are led by an experienced Conservation Volunteer guide, will spend their nights at historic Governor's Cottage at Middle Head, an enviable location with an impressive early-Sydney military fort system and spectacular views of the harbour.

Departures will take place once a month until October 2009 with a maximum of eight people in each group.

Sydney Harbour National Park comprises scattered pockets of bushland around the harbour and provides habitat for many native animals, including long-nosed bandicoots, bats, brushtail possums, echidnas and more than 150 species of birds.

NPWS is pleased to support this exciting initiative and is seeking to develop more opportunities for volunteer tourism projects that are fun, educational and great for the environment.

For more information on the program, visit the Conservation Volunteers Australia website or phone 1800 032 501.

'Best of Australia – The Australian Alps' is the result of a highly successful collaboration involving NPWS and Tourism Snowy Mountains in partnership with agencies across Victoria and the ACT.

The documentary, which screened to a Channel 9 audience of around 1 million on January 2nd, paints an intimate portrait of the natural and cultural landscapes of the Snowys, and includes insights from Aboriginal elders, leading ecologists and young field researchers as well as everyday Australians expressing what they love about the Australian Alps, one of Australia's eight National Landscapes.

The documentary also highlights the many activities and experiences that make the high country a fantastic place to visit in any season.

A fold-out map of the Alps including highlights, driving tours, information on local flora and fauna and not-to-be-missed activities and experiences in the region has been developed as a companion to the documentary DVD. Both are available now with the latest issue of Australian Geographic and as a DVD and map pack from NPWS and Snowy Mountains visitor centres.

See for yourself the wonders of this extraordinary landscape - we're giving away 10 copies of the latest Australian Geographic, including the 'Best of Australia – Australian Alps' DVD and map.

To enter, send us an email with your name and postal address, and your answer to the following question:

'In which NSW national park is Australia's highest mountain?'

The first 10 correct entries drawn will receive a copy of the Jan-Mar 2009 Australian Geographic. Entries close 20 February 2009.

Starting in the town centre, the Coastal Walk follows the spectacular coastline nine kilometres south to Tacking Point Lighthouse, winding nearly three kilometres along the coastal boundary of Sea Acres Nature Reserve.

The two organisations have joined forces to install high quality infrastructure including boardwalks, steps, lookout platforms and signage along the walk to make it easy and attractive for locals and visitors to use.

“The Coastal Walk builds on the area’s reputation for a healthy lifestyle and provides a great opportunity to see spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, coastal rainforests, and maybe a whale out to sea,” said NPWS project manager Harry Creamer.

NPWS has also installed new signage providing information to make the walk more enjoyable, on topics including whale watching and local history.

For more information on the project, email the NPWS project manager.

NPWS Aboriginal Discovery rangers Chris Tobin and Janelle Randall-Court hosted a group of Blue Mountains Tourism representatives and local tourism operators in December on a famil of their new Aboriginal Discovery venture in the bushland around Wentworth Falls in Blue Mountains National Park.

The tour commenced at the popular Conservation Hut with an artefact presentation and discussion on traditional and contemporary Aboriginal life in the Blue Mountains before heading out on a return bushwalk to Queen Victoria Lookout, with participants learning about bush tucker and bush medicine along the way.

The famil wrapped up with morning tea back at the Conservation Hut and an open discussion inviting feedback from participants on future tour opportunities and experience packaging for different markets.

An aim of the program is to offer visitors to the Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s eight National Landscapes, the opportunity to experience the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region, even if they’re only visiting for a short break, through 1-2 hour tours in conjunction with commercial operators.

For more information on packaging Aboriginal Discovery tours with your local Blue Mountains business, phone 02 4784 7301.

The Orana show provided an opportunity for tourism operators, outdoor specialists and caravan manufacturers to showcase their products to people in the Central West over three days of displays and demonstrations.

NPWS staff from the Upper Darling Region teamed up with Bourke Shire Council and the Back O’Bourke Exhibition Centre to promote the extraordinary national parks of the region and to highlight the exciting new seasonal Discovery program of walks, talks and tours.

The new NPWS Regional Community Relations trailer was a centrepiece of the display, featuring photos of the local landscapes and heritage, while newly recruited Discovery rangers were on hand to tell visitors about the great new program and, with Bourke tourism staff, the benefits of the region.

In addition, a number of new display banners produced in co-operation with the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre complemented the presentation and helped staff to promote visiting national parks and joining a Discovery activity as part of a visit to the Bourke area.

For more information on the national parks of Central NSW, visit our website.

Wake to the sound of the surf at your doorstep, spend the day enjoying the subtropical waters of the surrounding Cape Byron Marine Park and then retire to a barbecue on the front porch and watch the sun set over the Byron hinterland. This is holiday living at its very best.

Mildenhall Cottage is one of four beach cottages within the Cape Byron State Conservation Area being restored by NPWS and the Cape Byron Trust.

Architecturally rebuilt to reflect its original character and heritage, the cottage has the ‘quirky’ beach shack features of its era but all the modern conveniences needed to ensure a comfortable and relaxing holiday.

All bedrooms and living areas in Mildenhall Cottage have direct views to the world famous Pass surf and distant views of Mount Warning and the surrounding Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. So you can either sit back and take in the views or head out and enjoy one of the many activities available nearby, including surf schools, sea kayaking, hang gliding, snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching during season, and tours of Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Mildenhall Cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms and has disabled access. For more information and booking enquiries contact the Professionals Real Estate, Byron Bay on 02 6685 6552 or via email. Bookings are available from February.

Operated by Anita Menhofer and Michael Zschaeck, the tour business is Ecotourism accredited for its comprehensive interpretation of the region’s natural history and low impact practices.

Product: Tours range from 5 days to 3 weeks, and most have a maximum number of only six participants – true to the company’s philosophy to deliver an outstanding experience of nature.

On guided bush walks into the heart of the Gondwana Rainforests in the hinterland of North Coast NSW, clients explore the geology, flora, fauna and contact history between the Aboriginal nations and white people in the region. After a day’s walk, accommodation is in a range of carefully selected places, from national park cabins to B&B’s and holiday houses, often in stunning locations.

All guides are trained outdoor leaders and passionate experts in the history of Gondwana and the flora and fauna of the area.

Participants: Most of Hinterland Tours’ clients are international tourists who want to explore Australia’s unique nature on foot and “off the beaten track”. They appreciate the very small groups and the fact that they often have tracks all to themselves in this special, uncrowded World Heritage area.

Favourite Park: Anita says “The many national parks in the area are characterised by an amazing diversity within a small distance, but New England National Park is my favourite, due to its vast untracked wilderness area, its diverse vegetation communities reflecting a steep topography plunging down from 1560 metres to 200 metres, and the solitude one can experience there.”

For tour details and information on the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, visit the Hinterland Tours website.

Part of the Sydney Festival 2009, the Dawn Chorus concert series brought together the magic of more than 100 voices in an acoustic ensemble with the beauty and serenity of Sydney's best-loved harbour beaches at sunrise.

More than three thousand visitors gathered in the pre-dawn on the sands of Shark Beach in Sydney Harbour National Park to hear the uplifting music of the second performance in the series, a collection of classics and new works commissioned especially for the event.

Lasting 45 minutes, this unique occasion made for an inspiring start to the weekend in an extraordinary location, an experience even the weather couldn't diminish.

For information on Nielsen Park in Sydney Harbour National Park, visit our website.

NPWS is a proud supporter of this exciting new feature event on the Swim Classic agenda, which also officially launches Clean Up Australia Day.

The Fort Denison Charity Sprint will see participants racing for cash and prizes for charity, while also helping to raise awareness of Sydney Harbour's endangered little penguins.

The charity race will start at Fort Denison – the historic island garrison that forms part of Sydney Harbour National Park – with swimmers sprinting to the Man O War steps at the Opera House. All the action can be watched from the shoreline around the Opera House and Farm Cove in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

The Fort Denison Charity Sprint will start at 9.00am, with the 1km Mini and 2km Sydney Harbour Swim Classic races – both of which are open to the public – following at 9.30am.

For more information, visit the Sydney Harbour Swim Classic website.

National parks across NSW will be hosting Starry, Starry Night Discovery tours during school holidays throughout 2009 with activities peaking on 2-5 April with the international 100 Hours of Astronomy celebrations. This 100-hour, round-the-clock, round-the-world event will enable national park visitors to join hundreds of thousands of other earthlings looking skywards to observe planets, stars, constellations and the mysteries of the universe.

Starry, Starry Night Discovery tours offer visitors a fantastic opportunity to join expert national park Discovery guides and amateur astronomers in an exploration of the universe, learning about astronomy, hearing Aboriginal stories about the night skies and meeting some of our native nocturnal wildlife.

“National Parks provide the perfect dark night skies for star-gazing, so it is only natural they play a starring role in this global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to both ancient and modern society and culture,” said Sally Barnes, Head of National Parks and Wildlife.

“A number of national parks and reserves across NSW will be hosting events throughout the school holiday periods this year. We’re hoping these events will encourage people to visit a national park and exchange the city lights for their more spectacular astral equivalent.”

Starry, Starry Night activities have already taken place at several locations, including Bare Island in Botany Bay National Park, Muttonbird Island in Coffs Harbour, Woody Head in Bundjalung National Park, Dorrigo National Park and Linden Observatory in the Blue Mountains. Each has proved hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.

The International Year of Astronomy will be celebrated in more than 130 countries worldwide and is being held to mark the 400th anniversary of Galileo first turning a telescope to the sky.

For information on upcoming Starry, Starry Night Discovery activities and 100 Hours events in your region, check out our website – new activities will be uploaded regularly.

The inaugural BMC Mountains to Beach race will see more than 200 mountain bikers from around the world take on the thrills of a wild terrain offering up winding singletrack and high country mountain climbs and descents to rainforest gullies, coastal cliff tracks and sandy beaches.

On their way to the coast, riders will pass through Kosciuszko, Wadbilliga and Eurobodalla national parks, an epic journey of racing and cruising stages that will take five days to complete.

NPWS is a partner in the event, with our Snowy Mountains and Far South Coast regions collaborating with organiser Wild Horizons to make this exciting experience a reality.

For more information, visit the Wild Horizons website.

1 March – Fort Denison Charity Sprint
Olympians will compete against celebrities and others in this fast-paced charity swim commencing at Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour National Park.

1 March – Clean Up Australia Day
Like many Australian families and businesses around the country, national parks across the State are signing up for Clean Up Australia Day. This iconic day of volunteer service enables people to contribute to the upkeep of our national parks by helping to collect rubbish. Parks registered to participate in the program are listed on the Clean Up Australia Day website.

2-6 March – BMC Mountains to Beach
An epic mountain bike race starting in Kosciuszko National Park and finishing on the sands of the far south coast.

6-7 March – CMC Rocks the Snowys
Roots and country music return to Friday Flat at Thredbo in Kosciuszko National Park for this annual festival.

15 March – Shark Island Picnic 2009
Part of Sydney Harbour Week, this annual event is a great day out for family and friends on one of Sydney's iconic harbour islands. Bookings are essential.

2-5 April – 100 Hours of Astronomy
NPWS will team with local astronomers to offer Starry, Starry Night Discovery tours in national parks during this globally celebrated weekend, a highlight on the International Year of Astronomy calendar.

2 May – Wild Endurance
A 100km trek through the Blue Mountains over 48 hours, raising much-needed funds for The Wilderness Society. This is a great team building opportunity so why not gather together a group of colleagues or friends and take on the challenge – registrations are open now.

Fear of invasion at various times throughout Sydney's past led to the construction of these military fortifications and gun emplacements, none of which were ever actually fired in defence, though local legend suggests that the demise of Bottle and Glass Rocks, which once rose to some height off South Head, was due to target practice by the guns at Middle Head.

Middle Head’s well-preserved fortifications also conceal the eerie 'Tiger Cages', where soldiers were once trained for war by simulating prisoner-of-war conditions.

Visitors can explore these fascinating reminders of Sydney's military past on a Middle Head Forts Tour, which runs on the fourth Sunday of each month from October to May.

Between June to September most years the tunnels are closed to protect the threatened Bentwing bats that return each winter to hibernate.

Middle Head commands spectacular views of Sydney, with North Head to the left, South Head to the right and the Pacific Ocean stretching away in front. The lookout can be hired as a venue and is a unique location for wedding ceremonies and photography shoots.

For more information on Middle Head, the Middle Head Forts Tour and hiring the site as a venue, phone 02 9247 5033 or email Sydney Harbour National Park Information Centre.

Winners of the NSW Government Heritage Volunteers Awards 2008 – On 20 November, Planning Minister the Hon. Kristina Keneally MP and Heritage Council of NSW Chair Gabrielle Kibble presented the annual NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Awards, which honour the contribution of some of our 'unsung heroes' in the community to heritage conservation, management and promotion. Several NPWS-nominated groups and individuals received the award, including:

• Shoalhaven Aboriginal Women’s Elders Group – For their involvement in the NPWS-staff designed and delivered ‘Aboriginal Mentoring Program’, which encourages year 11 and 12 students to voluntarily participate in Aboriginal Culture Workshops and to undertake a community project. The Elders have been integral to the success of the project, becoming role models to the students and inspiring them to re-connect with their culture.
• South West Rocks Dunecare – The group has dedicated more than 15 years to the restoration of the high-conservation areas at Arakoon, Hat Head National Park and South West Rocks, donating around 1500 volunteer hours each year.
• Andy Macqueen – The historian and author is a passionate advocate for conserving the Blue Mountains' unique natural heritage and protected areas.
• The Friends of Colo – Formed almost 10 years ago as part of a joint program with NPWS, this group of around 50 volunteers has worked tirelessly to conserve and preserve one of our remaining wild rivers, the Colo.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Volunteer Guides – A highlight of a visit to Sea Acres Nature Reserve in Port Macquarie is a walk along the elevated rainforest boardwalk with one of the Centre's volunteer guides. Numbering up to 40, the volunteers include retirees, semi retirees and students who have, over the past 20 years, given more than 40,000 hours of volunteer service.
• Friends of Trial Bay Gaol – Nominated by South West Rocks Art Council, this group was formed in 2003 to maintain the Gaol's museum collection. The group of around 10 donates more than 2000 volunteer hours a year maintaining the archives, undertaking education, exhibition work and promotion for the museum and site.

The Conservation Management Plan for the Meeting Place Precinct in Botany Bay National Park was awarded the Heritage Planning Award at the Planning Institute of Australia (NSW) Awards for Planning Excellence in October. The Meeting Place Masterplan was developed after extensive community consultation in 2003. Construction work to put the plan’s recommendations into effect is well underway. The plan creates an innovative and effective strategic plan designed to guide good decision-making for this outstanding heritage place.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Cottages in Myall Lakes National Park received a High Commendation for the Office of the Valuer General Heritage Award at the Australian Property Institute (API) NSW Excellence in Property Awards in October. The Awards recognise outstanding achievements in the property profession of the built and natural environment. The extensively restored heritage cottages offer a unique holiday stay in a spectacular location overlooking the coastline of Seal Rocks.

UTS Human Rights Award 2008 – As Community Partners, NPWS and Tourism NSW received the High Commendation Award, along with project coordinator Dr Simon Darcy of UTS, in the category of Creative Media Social Justice at the UTS Human Rights Awards in October, for the development of the Sydney for All accessible tourism web portal. The web portal provides information on accessible Sydney experiences for people with disabilities and visiting Seniors.

Yarrangobilly Caves House, located in picturesque Yarrangobilly Valley in Kosciuszko National Park, was presented with the Best Tourism Business Award at the 2008 Snowy Hydro Tumut Region Business Awards in September. Caves House has been carefully restored to reflect its early 1900s style and offers self-contained heritage accommodation in two large wings – the east wing can lodge up to nine people while the west wing accommodates up to seven.

Congratulations to our staff, partners and volunteers involved for their outstanding effort and achievement!

Australian Geographic, Jan-Mar 2009 "Closer to Heaven" – the evocative huts of Kosciuszko and the Australian Alps, built by cattlemen and ski-tourers, are explored in this beautifully illustrated feature story.

Sunday Telegraph, 18 January "Escape – Tracks less travelled along the river" – The anthropological and archaeological significance of Mungo National Park gets a rap in this feature on places to visit around the great Darling River. Gundabooka National Park pops up as a side trip from Bourke, while fishing and bird-watching are noted as highlights of Kinchega National Park.

SMH Weekend Edition Traveller, 17-18 January "Secrets of the swamp" – A family camping trip with Wollemi Afloat at Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park proves a cruisey adventure for those who like to have someone else pitch the tent.

Time Out Sydney Online, 15 January "Sydney Harbour island day trips" – Highlights the unique opportunities for peaceful summer picnics and fascinating historical adventures on the islands of Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay.

Sunday Mail (Adelaide), 4 January "Coast is made to meander" – A journey down the NSW coast from Kiama to the Victorian border south of Eden highlights the holiday opportunities and hot spots for a stop, including several stunning national parks, along the way.

Fairfax Community, 1 January "Reach for the stars in our national parks" – NPWS's program of Starry, Starry Night Discovery tours offer a universe of fun for kids and adults this summer, and throughout the year in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy. Tours offer fun and practical astronomy sessions with amateur astronomers and storytelling by our specialist Discovery rangers.

Sun Herald Weekender, 7 December "Beacon of light on an unspoilt coast" – it's another shine for the award-winning Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Cottages in Myall Lakes National Park.

Australian Traveller, December "Hot Hotels 2009" – Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Cottages and Q Station make the list of new and refurbished accommodations in this special feature.

Australian Financial Review, 20 November "Al fresco dreaming" – Dreamtime Australia Design sets up a Christmas dinner with a difference on the lawn of stunning Greycliffe House in Vaucluse's Nielsen Park, part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

the(sydney)magazine, 1 November "The Basin – Pittwater harbours one of the best walks in Sydney" – Discover one of the most scenic bushwalks within an hour's drive of Sydney.

Travelling in Australia Magazine, Issue 119 "Essential Australia" – The Blue Mountains, Green Cauldron and Australian Coastal Wilderness are three of our iconic National Landscapes explored in this issue, which also visits the islands of Lord Howe and Montague among other NSW national park destinations.

The prestigious Awards acknowledge best practices in sustainable tourism across four categories, including Destination Stewardship, Community Benefit, Global Tourism Business, and Conservation – for which Lane Cove River Tourist Park (LCRTP) has been nominated.

The 2009 finalists were announced on 3 February in London and represent countries as diverse as the Dominican Republic and Morocco. Selected by an international panel of independent judges, the shortlisted organisations were chosen for their outstanding demonstration of sustainable tourism practices such as the protection of natural and cultural heritage and environmentally-friendly operations.

The World Travel & Tourism Council said a record number of entries were received this year from more than 40 countries.

The next round of judging includes an on-site evaluation of each finalist. The winner will be announced during a special ceremony at the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Brazil on 15 May 2009.

Congratulations to LCRTP and good luck!

For more information, visit the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards website.