The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) of NSW announced the hotel as a top 10 finalist in four categories, before awarding owner and licensee Sean O'Hara with both the country hotel of the year and the best redeveloped country hotel trophies.

"We're thrilled," Mr O'Hara said of the double win.

"We were hopeful but certainly not confident."

Mr O'Hara, whose family has been in the hotel industry for 20 years, took over the privately owned and operated hotel on Faye Avenue in August 2012.

Year-long renovations that overhauled the hotel to include a kids playground, new gaming room, outdoor area and restaurant concluded in June.

It was then announced a finalist in the best gaming room, best outdoor area, best country bistro and best child-friendly hotel categories.

Mr O'Hara accepted the trophies before a crowd of more than 1400 people at a gala presentation ceremony at Dockside, Darling Harbour on Monday night.

"We're extremely proud of the staff and the support from the people of Wagga," Mr O'Hara said.

A panel of judges travelled the state visiting the various venues with over 750 submissions received across the award categories.

AHA NSW chief John Whelan commended the record 436 finalists across 40 categories at the 21st annual awards.

"The record number and high quality of entries this year from right across NSW shows the strength of the hotel industry," Mr Whelan said.

"These venues really do represent the best and brightest in our industry.

"All have worked very hard to achieve excellence in their various categories."

The Kooringal Hotel is open seven days a week and employs 30 staff.