The North Coast’s tourism industry was recognised at the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Gala, held at Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour on Thursday night.
Co-presented by Destination North Coast and the NSW Tourism Association, the awards recognised tourism businesses, experiences and individuals from across the region.
Forty-nine finalists were recognised across 17 categories, with 17 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze awards presented. Awards were presented across categories including attractions, events, ecotourism, dining, accommodation and tourism services.
A new award introduced in 2026, the Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism Award, recognised an individual for long-term service to the North Coast tourism industry. Tanya Watts of Aanuka Beach House was named the inaugural recipient in recognition of more than 20 years of leadership, collaboration and advocacy for the region’s tourism sector.
The Belfry Guesthouse in Bellingen was also inducted into the Hall of Fame after recording three consecutive wins in the hosted accommodation category of the regional tourism awards program.
Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston said the awards recognised achievement while supporting businesses to improve and prepare for future growth.
“Year after year, North Coast tourism operators demonstrate remarkable resilience, creativity and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional visitor experiences that reflect the distinctive character of our region,” Thurston said.
“These Awards are not only about celebrating success on the night. They help businesses sharpen their offering, benchmark themselves against industry best practice and build the capability needed for sustained success. This year’s outstanding field of finalists is a true reflection of that dedication. Congratulations to everyone who entered — your passion and commitment continue to raise the standard of regional tourism across Australia.”
NSW Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Natalie Godward said the number of finalists reflected continued participation in the awards program.
“The North Coast continues to set the benchmark for regional tourism in Australia,” Godward said.
“To see the number of finalists grow from 33 to 49 in only the second year is incredibly exciting, particularly given the calibre of the businesses behind the entries. The awards process is rigorous by design, challenging businesses to reflect, improve and benchmark themselves against industry best practice. That investment benefits not only the individual businesses involved, but the North Coast visitor economy as a whole. I look forward to seeing what this year’s finalists achieve at the NSW Tourism Awards and beyond.”
Gold winners will progress to the NSW Tourism Awards in November, with the opportunity to qualify for the 2027 Australian Tourism Awards.
The awards gala followed the 2026 North Coast Tourism Symposium, hosted earlier in the day by Destination North Coast at Aanuka Beach House. The event attracted almost 200 tourism industry representatives.
Held under the theme From Vision to Visitor Ready: Distinctive Places, Shared Future, the symposium examined issues including innovation, sustainability and destination leadership. The program included representatives from government and the tourism industry discussing opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Karen Jones presented on the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, followed by a discussion with Destination North Coast Chair John O’Neill and questions from the audience.
During the symposium, Port Macquarie was announced as the host destination for the 2027 North Coast Tourism Symposium and Regional Tourism Awards.
“Destination North Coast is delighted to bring the North Coast Tourism Symposium and Regional Tourism Awards back to Port Macquarie,” Thurston said.
“As one of the North Coast’s premier visitor destinations, its outstanding accommodation, conference facilities and visitor experiences make it an ideal host for our largest annual industry event. We look forward to partnering with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to deliver a memorable event for the region’s visitor economy.”
2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards winners
Gold
- 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
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 — Clarence Valley Council – My Clarence Valley
- 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
Individual Award
- Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism — Tanya Watts
Finalists
- Tourist Attractions — Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ecotourism — Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services — Barefoot Boats
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services — Destination Barrington Coast, MidCoast Council
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services — My Dream Adventures
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services — Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre
- Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services — Aanuka Beach House
- Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services — Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries — Pacific Ocean Brewery
- Caravan & Holiday Parks — Reflections Byron Bay: Tiny Homes, Big Views
Like what you’re reading? Support North Coast Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now