The awards are an opportunity for tourism operators from Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eurobodella and the Sapphire Coast to showcase how they contribute to the visitor experience on the South Coast. 

Eden's application involved a six-page written submission and onsite judging on July 23. 

Finalists were announced on Monday with the winners to be crowned at a gala event in the Ulladulla Civic Centre on August 26.

Manager Eden Visitor Information Centre manager, Shannon Woloshyn, said the centre was proud to be representing Eden and the Sapphire Coast at this prestigious awards ceremony.

"To get this far we were up against some excellent visitor centres which makes this an even more exciting accomplishment," Ms Woloshyn said.

"To be chosen as a finalist is another proud accomplishment following the visitor centre’s recent incorporation, winning the Eden Business Awards for Excellence in Tourism last December and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013," she said.

Ms Woloshyn said to be named as a finalist was fitting recognition for the tiresless work of the centre's seven board members and 24 regular volunteers.

She said an enormous amount of hard work had been carried out in the past year, especially in the field of promoting the Sapphire Coast region online as well as through publications such as the heritage map.

"Being a finalist is a great reflection on the entire Eden community which is an integral part in creating a positive experience for visitors," she said.

The Eden Killer Whale Museum also has been chosen as a finalist in the heritage and cultural tourism category.