2026 Winners Announced
NSW Tourism Association and Destination North Coast are proud to announce the winners of the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, celebrating the outstanding businesses, experiences and individuals driving tourism excellence across one of Australia's most dynamic visitor destinations.
Presented at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour, the awards recognised excellence across 17 categories, highlighting operators who are delivering exceptional visitor experiences, embracing innovation and contributing to the continued growth and success of the North Coast visitor economy.
Natalie Godward, Chief Executive Officer of NSW Tourism Association, said the awards recognise far more than success on the night.
" These awards are so much more than a trophy - they’re a business development program that gives operators the opportunity to benchmark themselves, receive independent expert feedback and continue building stronger businesses, which is especially important in these tough economic times."
Destination North Coast General Manager, Michael Thurston, said the continued growth of the awards reflects the strength and ambition of the region's tourism industry.
“These awards aren’t just about celebrating a win on the night - they build real capability across the region, helping businesses sharpen their offering and set themselves up for sustained success. Congratulations to everyone who entered.”
GOLD WINNERS
- Tourist Attractions – Northern Rivers Rail Trail
- Festivals & Events – Tidal Sounds Music Festival, Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel
- Ecotourism – Tweed Eco Cruises
- Cultural Tourism – Yarrila Arts & Museum, City of Coffs Harbour
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services – Better By Bike
- Business Event Venues – Crystalbrook Byron
- Tour & Transport Operators – Tweed Eco Cruises
- Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Spare Chef Catering
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Husk Farm Distillery
- Caravan & Holiday Parks – Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff North
- Hosted Accommodation – The Belfry Guesthouse*
- Self Contained Accommodation – The Ridge Gloucester
- 4–4.5 Star Accommodation – Sea Sea Hotel
- 5 Star Accommodation – Crystalbrook Byron
- New Tourism Business – Manning River Ferry Services
- Excellence in Accessible Tourism – Northern Rivers Rail Trail
*Hall Of Fame (GOLD 2024, 2025, 2026)
Hosted Accommodation – The Belfry Guesthouse
SILVER & BRONZE WINNERS
SILVER
- Tourist Attractions – The Big Banana Fun Park
- Festivals & Events – Eat the Street, Lismore City Council
- Ecotourism – Vision Walks – Eco Tours
- Cultural Tourism – Port Macquarie Museum
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services – Coffs Coast Accommodation
- Tour & Transport Operators – Vision Walks – Eco Tours
- Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Harwood Hotel
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Woolgoolga Brewing Co.
- Caravan & Holiday Parks – Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville North
- Hosted Accommodation – Amaroo Escape
- New Tourism Business – What's Beyond the Mile
- Excellence in Accessible Tourism – Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
BRONZE
- Tourist Attractions – Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
- Ecotourism – C-Change Adventures
- Cultural Tourism – Clarence Valley Council
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services – My Clarence Valley, Clarence Valley Council
- Tour & Transport Operators – Coffs Harbour Trike and Private Tours
- Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Valla Beach Tavern
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Mograni Creek Estate
- Caravan & Holiday Parks – Discovery Parks Forster
- Hosted Accommodation – Cascade Springs
HIGHLY COMMENDED
- Cultural Tourism – Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head
Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism
Tanya Watts
Recognising an individual who has made an enduring impact on the region's visitor economy. Tanya Watts is the inaugural recipient, recognised for more than 20 years of leadership, collaboration and tireless advocacy for the North Coast tourism industry. Through business events, mentoring and a genuine whole-of-destination approach, Tanya has helped strengthen not only the businesses she has worked with, but the region as a whole.
2026 Program Details
Key Dates
- Nominations Open: 9 March
- Entrant Support Webinars: Tuesday's at 2pm from 10 March
- Nominations Close: 2 April
- Draft Reviews Open: 7 April
- Business Standards due: 24 April
- Draft Submission Deadline: 24 April
- Submissions close: 8 May
- Finalists announced: 17 June
- North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Gala: 30 July, Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour
Entrant Support Resources
After your nomination has been approved, you will be invited to access our Entrant Resource Hub for a wealth of Entrant Support Resources.
Regional Awards FAQ's
Take a look at our FAQ's for lots more information on how the program works and how to maximise this opportunity for your business!
Entrant Support Sessions
Weekly entrant support sessions guide entrants through the submission process with NSW Tourism Awards experts and judges. Register to attend these free sessions below.
All sessions start at 2pm.
Tuesday, 10 March
Introduction to NSW Tourism Association, the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards
Tuesday, 17 March
Getting Application Ready
Tuesday, 24 March
Showcasing Business Excellence – Qu 1
Tuesday, 31 March
Excellence in Business & Product Development – Qu 2
Tuesday, 7 April
Excellence in Marketing – Qu 3
Tuesday 14 April
Excellence in Customer Service – Qu 4
Tuesday 21 April
Excellence in Sustainable & Responsible Business Practices – Qu 5
Tuesday 28 April
Entrant Q&A Webinar (1)
Tuesday 5 May
Entrant Q&A Webinar (2)
Categories
- Tourist Attractions
- Festivals and Events
- Ecotourism
- Cultural Tourism
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience
- Tourism Retail, Hire and Services
- Business Event Venues
- Tour and Transport Operators
- Adventure Tourism
- Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries
- Caravan and Holiday Parks
- Hosted Accommodation
- Self-Contained Accommodation
- 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
- 5 Star Luxury Accommodation
- New Tourism Business
- Accessible Tourism
- Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism
Rules & Regulations
Take a look through the Rules and Regulations of the program to ensure eligibility and compliance. Get in touch in anything needs further clarification.
Next Steps
- Nominate your business – checking category eligibility, rules and regulations
- Read through questions
- Start collating evidence – set up a folder to save your files
- Brainstorm key points for each question
- Attend Entrant Support webinars - Register here
- Start working on submission early to be eligible for a draft review
- Complete your final submission
- Book tickets: Gala Night and North Coast Tourism Symposium - 30 July 2026
Judging Panel
The awards are assessed by a panel of highly experienced judges. Each judge undergoes dedicated training and collaborates in teams to conduct a rigorous assessment of every category.
Their detailed feedback provides businesses with valuable insights, supporting growth and continuous improvement.
Benefits of Entering
- The option of one entry, two awards programs
- Access to comprehensive entrant support program
- An opportunity to review business goals and record successes
- Raise your profile by receiving public recognition of your achievements
- Ensure business growth and development
- Benchmark against industry competitors
- Examine the productivity of marketing activities
- The opportunity to represent New South Wales at the Australian Tourism Awards
Gala Awards Night
Thursday 30 July 2026
Pacific Bay Resort
Cnr Pacific Hwy & Bay Drive,
Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450,
2025 North Coast Tourism Award Winners!
2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Award Winners...
2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Award Winners...
The North Coast’s top tourism operators were honoured at the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards at Elements of Byron.
The awards recognised 33 outstanding finalists across 11 categories, celebrating a diverse and dynamic regional tourism industry that continues to shine.
A total of 11 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze medals were awarded, with honours spanning attractions, events, accommodation, dining, ecotourism, and more.
Two iconic tourism businesses - Byron Bay Bluesfest and Potager – A Kitchen Garden - were inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, recognising sustained excellence in their fields.
...lead to NSW Tourism Award winners...
2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Award Winners...
The North Coast proved the strength of its tourism offering on the state stage, with a standout showing at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards from businesses that progressed from the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards program.
Adventure Tourism
SILVER: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
BRONZE: Soul Surf School
Business Event Venues
BRONZE: Mantra on Salt Beach
Caravan & Holiday Parks
SILVER: Ingenia Holidays Nambucca Heads
Cultural Tourism
SILVER: Port Macquarie Museum
Ecotourism
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
Festivals & Events
BRONZE: Savour The Tweed
Hosted Accommodation
GOLD: The Belfry Guesthouse
BRONZE: The Health Lodge
Local Government Award for Tourism
BRONZE: My Clarence Valley
Major Festivals & Events
BRONZE: Bluesfest Byron Bay
Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD: Vision Walks – Eco Tours
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
GOLD: The Tweed Tourism Company
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
GOLD: Pipit Restaurant
SILVER: Harwood Hotel
BRONZE: Aanuka Beach House
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
GOLD: Better by Bike
SILVER: City of Coffs Harbour
Tourism Distilleries & Breweries
SILVER: Earth Beer Company
Tourist Attractions
GOLD: Northern Rivers Rail Trail
SILVER: Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
...lead to Australian Tourism Award finalists!
...lead to Australian Tourism Award finalists!
Watch this space to hear which North Coast Regional Tourism Award winners progressed from Regional to State to National level at the Australian Tourism Awards!
From Regional Awards to the national stage!
Doing the North Coast proud!
This could be you next year!