Thirst for Sydney, an app for exploring Sydney Harbour, has won 'Best Travel Blog or Travel App of the Year' at the 2015 Australian Society of Travel Writers annual awards for excellence in journalism.

Held at Ayres Rock Resort, September 5, the awards ceremony recognises Australia's leading writers, editors, publishers, content creators and public relations professionals in the travel industry.

Travel writer and co-creator of Thirst for Sydney, Rob Dunlop, received the award for the app.

“When the app launched, I was thrilled at being able to provide such a unique way for Sydneysiders and locals to explore and meet up. And now to receive such a prestigious award from the industry is even more thrilling, and confirmation of what I keep hearing – people really enjoy using the app,' he says.

Thirst for Sydney features five itineraries with maps, photos, ferry timetables and walking directions for exploring the harbour, while the connect function allows users to announce themselves and send messages to other users of the app — locals and travellers.

Dunlop explains: “The app has a two week shifting calendar where people can announce their visit. For example, travellers can post messages inviting Sydneysiders to join them for drinks — usually at a sunny harbourside beer garden. Then anyone using the app can respond and send private messages. Even when users aren't in the app, they'll receive notifications of messages.”

He says that this feature receives most of the attention. “Travellers love meeting locals and locals love meeting travellers.”

All five itineraries, which can be taken as day trips and include visits to local watering holes, start and finish by ferry at Circular Quay. Routes include Kirribilli Plus — exploring Kirribilli, Milsons Point and Lavender Bay; Bays of the East – exploring Double Bay and Watsons Bay; West of the Bridge — exploring McMahons Point, Balmain and Darling Harbour; Manly and Mosman Bay.

Thirst for Sydney is available free on the App Store.  It is currently available for iOS only.  Visit www.thirstforsydney.com to download.