The Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre has been named a finalist in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony in Coffs Harbour on 30 July.
The nomination follows a two-year revamp of the centre, which Bellingen Shire Council Group Leader Community Partnerships Maxine Compton said had delivered a lift in both sales and visitor numbers.
“The Centre has been refreshed with a new internal fit-out, which has made it lighter, brighter and more welcoming for locals and visitors,” said Ms Compton. “A bookable meeting room has been added, and our local makers and producers are also benefiting, with around 85% of all products sold in the Centre sourced locally.”
Ms Compton said the centre played a key role in shaping visitors’ first impressions of the shire.
“Our Visitor Information Centres are important points of discovery for visitors and are often the first point of contact they have with our Shire, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a lasting sense of our Shire’s connected, sustainable and creative spirit while tapping into local knowledge about places to eat, stay and play,” she said.
The centre is located at the gateway to Bellingen and Dorrigo, within the Bellingen cultural precinct alongside the library, museum and Memorial Hall.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Cr Steve Allan praised the centre’s curated retail offering as a standout feature.
“A key feature of the Centre is its thoughtfully curated gift and souvenir retail space, which showcases a diverse range of locally sourced products. The retail space also highlights artwork by local artists, creating a platform that supports the creative community while offering visitors authentic, meaningful mementos of their trip,” said Cr Allan.
Mayor Allan said the centre served as a bridge between visitors and the broader community.
“By promoting local businesses, natural attractions, and cultural experiences, the Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre acts as a bridge between visitors and the community, ensuring that tourism benefits are shared while preserving the area’s distinctive identity and environment,” he said.
The 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Gala will be held on Wednesday, 30 July at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. For more information, visit Visit Bellingen Shire.
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