For the first time this year the HMAA Awards for Excellence in Accommodation are being judged in equal parts by a written submission and a mystery guest assessment; these are the only awards to incorporate a mystery guest component in their judging process.

The Big Trout Motor Inn was built by the McGrath family in 1989 and is still managed by Kevin and Stella McGrath, their daughter Tanya Weeks.

It is run with the assistance from a small team of locals employed as permanent and

casual staff, and has a reputation for friendly service, with a high standard of facilities at a reasonable price.

"It is our people that makes us; we are told that by all our repeat guests and we have many of those," Kevin said in their awards submission.

The Oberon District and surrounds has an early settler heritage, which is an attraction to visitors, but the McGraths said individuals and groups visiting are also very interested in the lifestyle of the community.

For city dwellers it is often their first real contact with small rural communities and they are fascinated to learn how the locals live, work and cope with challenges like prolonged drought or "alpine" weather.

Recognising this interest some time ago, the Big Trout Motel became involved in coach tours to and around the area. These tours support local community businesses by visiting local cafés and restaurants, museums and other tourist facilities.

"We also know that in giving visitors this overview of our local area, some are encouraged to consider re-locating here and often return to investigate that option more closely," Kevin said.

"The area is also visited for fossicking, mushrooming, trout fishing, bike riding as well as for the photography of sunsets and snow, and we strive to meet all visitor requirements."

The Big Trout Motel is a member of several tourism groups including - Blue Mountains Tourism, Oberon Australia, Bathurst Regional Tourism as well as the local Oberon Business Association and Oberon Promotions Tourism Association.