Southern Yarns Networking Events
Connecting tourism operators and industry across Southern NSW
Southern Yarns is a series of informal networking events hosted by Destination Southern, bringing together tourism and hospitality operators, local councils, industry partners and others involved in the visitor economy.
These sessions are designed to create space for conversation, connection and shared insight across the region. They are a chance to hear what is happening, ask questions, and connect with others working in tourism.
At each event, you will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Destination Southern team and Board, hear about current priorities and projects, and be part of the broader conversation shaping the visitor economy.
What to expect
- Industry insights and updates – Stay informed on tourism trends, funding opportunities and regional developments
- Networking and collaboration – Connect with operators, local businesses and industry professionals in an informal setting
- Open discussion – Share your experiences, challenges and ideas, and contribute to conversations about the future of tourism in Southern NSW
- Flexible attendance – No RSVP required. Drop in at any time and enjoy light refreshments while connecting with others
Why Attend?
Southern Yarns is designed to support industry growth through open conversation, shared insights and meaningful connections.
Whether you are an established operator or new to the visitor economy, these events offer a valuable opportunity to hear what is happening across the region, gain practical insights, and connect with others working in tourism.
Recent & Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events:
Check back soon to see where our next Southern Yarns event will be held.
Event Details: Drop in anytime between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Past Events
Crookwell | Ensemble & Co | 10 April 2025
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Key Challenges: Limited promotion of key local attractions like Wombeyan Caves, lack of long-term café leases in Taralga affecting hospitality availability, high energy costs with limited provider engagement for regional projects, and insufficient visibility for local events impacting accommodation sector planning.
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Key Opportunities: Expand and share search insights from VisitNSW and related platforms, ensure proper ATDW linkage for accommodation listings, develop a comprehensive Shire-wide events calendar, promote the concept of a regional Wool Week inspired by Shetland’s model, and leverage new fibre optic and wireless infrastructure to improve digital connectivity.
Jindabyne | Banjo Paterson Inn | 6 February 2025
- Key Challenges: Retaining staff, high cost of living, maintaining year-round visitation, and event sustainability. Thredbo’s pricing structure is discouraging domestic visitors.
- Key Opportunities: Strengthening collaborations, industry training through TAFE, local and regional business connections, and improved advertising strategies.
Braidwood | Troopers Rest | 11 December 2024
- Key Challenges: Poor road conditions, lack of grant awareness, and excessive regulatory requirements for tourism development.
- Key Opportunities: Exploring tiny home accommodation options for agritourism, advocating for streamlined grant application processes, and encouraging Australian-based booking platforms.
Tathra | Tathra Hotel | 23 October 2024
- Key Challenges: Ensuring sustainability of small tourism operators, balancing visitor growth with community needs, and limited access to grant opportunities.
- Key Opportunities: Strengthening coastal tourism strategies, developing sustainability-focused visitor experiences, and promoting eco-tourism initiatives.
Goulburn | Tattersalls Hotel | 27 June 2024
- Key Challenges: Agritourism restrictions due to planning laws, inadequate road signage, and barriers to festival sustainability.
- Key Opportunities: Strengthening community-business relationships through local festivals, improving wayfinding signage, and supporting agritourism-friendly policy reforms.
Cooma | Alpine Hotel | 8 February 2024
- Key Challenges: Housing shortages, lack of premium accommodation, limited childcare, and the need for better public transport connections.
- Key Opportunities: Expanding rail trails, developing an integrated trails master plan, and supporting agritourism insurance models.
Young | Grove Estate | 23 November 2023
- Key Challenges: Road conditions, limited accommodation, difficulty in securing event dates, and lack of updated promotional materials.
- Key Opportunities: Rail trails development, cycle tourism initiatives, improved regional signage, and fostering stronger industry collaboration networks
Share your Challenge or Opportunity
You don’t have to wait for a Southern Yarns event to tell us about a challenge or discuss an opportunity that you have identified.
Share your insights via this form, and one of our team members will be in touch.
Get Involved
Interested in joining a future Southern Yarns event or hosting one in your region?
Contact Us:
Email – info@dsnsw.com.au
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