Shellharbour SUP queen named one of state's best tour guides
Congratulations to Rebecca Dunning – the Australian SUP champion has scooped up another award, this time for being a top tour guide at Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour has snagged the silver award at the 2026 NSW Tourism Association Top Tour Guide Awards held at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
The local business, run by national SUP champion Rebecca Dunning, was the only Illawarra tourism company nominated for the 2026 awards.
Rebecca said the award was important recognition for her work as a tour guide, her business and for Shellharbour.
“We are trying to put the little gem that we have here in Shellharbour on the global map and these awards really help spotlight the natural assets we have.”
Rebecca said it was an honour to win silver behind gold award-winner Laura Stone of Sydney by Kayak, whose business is renowned for its tours in the harbour city.
As a sign of Rebecca's commitment to constantly improving Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour and providing fun, memorable sessions for people of all skill levels she recently completed months of work with the Australian Tourism Industry Council to improve tour-related accessibility, earning five accessibility badges.
“Accessibility isn’t a one-off project,” Rebecca said. “It’s an ongoing commitment. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the incredible experience of stand-up paddle boarding, and we’ll continue to listen, learn and innovate to make our experience as welcoming and inclusive as possible.”
Rebecca Dunning leading a SUP tour near Reddall Reserve. Photo: supplied
Her next project is to take the business to the global stage and increase the number of international visitors to Shellharbour, she said.
Rebecca was crowned 2025 Open Women’s Australian SUP surfing champion at the Australian Titles at Phillip Island in October 2025. She is looking to clinch a world title having earned a spot in the Australian team for the 2026 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship.
The 2026 NSW Top Tour Guide award winners were:
- Gold – Laura Stone, Sydney by Kayak
- Silver – Rebecca Dunning, Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
- Bronze – Alkira Aldridge, Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Highly Commended – Elena Babzogli, Showtime Kayaking
