The North Coast's tourism industry celebrated the businesses, experiences and people shaping one of Australia's most dynamic visitor economies at the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.

Delivered for the second year by NSW Tourism Association and Destination North Coast, the ceremony was held at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour.

The awards recognised 49 outstanding entries across 17 categories - a significant expansion on last year’s inaugural program, which featured 33 finalists across 11 categories.

The growth reflects a visitor economy that continues to evolve despite economic pressures, with more operators striving for excellence, embracing innovation and investing in exceptional visitor experiences.

A total of 17 Gold, 12 Silver and 9 Bronze honours were awarded, spanning attractions, events, accommodation, dining, ecotourism and more.

The Belfry Guesthouse was also inducted into the Hall of Fame after three consecutive wins in the regional tourism awards program, recognising sustained excellence in their field.

New in 2026, the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards introduced the Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism Award, recognising an individual who has made an enduring impact on the region's visitor economy.

Tanya Watts was announced as 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.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said: "The North Coast continues to set the benchmark for regional tourism in Australia.

“To see the finalists grow from 33 to 49 in just its second year is incredibly exciting, and what is even more exciting is the quality of the businesses behind the entries.

"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.

"Last year's winners showed the rest of Australia exactly what the North Coast is capable of and I can't wait to see what this year's finalists achieve at the NSW Tourism Awards and beyond.

"Congratulations to every business that entered this year's awards! The awards process is rigorous by design - challenging businesses to reflect, improve and benchmark themselves against industry best practice.

“The effort invested benefits not only individual businesses, but the North Coast visitor economy as a whole."

Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston said: “To see this program expand to 17 categories in its second year is a testament to how far our tourism industry has come, and to the appetite among operators for the kind of recognition, mentoring and expert feedback that this program provides.

“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.”

Tonight’s winners are now on their way to compete at the NSW Tourism Awards in November, with the chance to represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2027, following in the footsteps of North Coast operators who excelled on the national stage last year.

2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards

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

Silver winners

  • 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 winners

  • 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 winner

  • Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism - Tanya Watts