Lakeview Luxury Cabins, from Orange, is a finalist in the hosted accommodation category, and the Canowindra Balloon Challenge is a contender for the festivals and events award.

“We’re very excited and very surprised, we’ve never nominated before,” Lakeview Luxury Cabins owner Pam King said. 

“We’ve had one cabin open for three years and the second cabin open for just over 12 months.”

Mrs King said the couple began the business because they were looking for a lifestyle business, which they could also work around family commitments.

The cabins include barbecues and outdoor settings, a cooktop and microwave with a full-sized fridge and cater for couples looking for a quiet getaway.

Canowindra International Balloon Challenge media and grants sub-committee chairwoman Jan Kerr said this was the second time the event had made the finals of the state award.

“Last year we won the silver medal and hopefully this year we can do the same or better,” Mrs Kerr said.

The event has been running for four years and Mrs Kerr said this year there were 10,000 people at the balloon glow, and 12,000 people in total at the festival.

“It’s very exciting to be acknowledged by your peers in the tourism industry, especially as it’s a community-run event,” Mrs Kerr said.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au