Big wins for Northern Rivers at NSW Tourism Awards

THE Northern Rivers Rail Trail has been crowned the state’s best tourist attraction at the NSW Tourism Awards, held last night at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney.

E-bike rental company Better By Bike, a major supplier for visitors exploring the Rail Trail, also took home gold in the Tourism Retail, Hire & Services category while The Tweed Tourism Company was recognised for excellence in Tourism Marketing & Campaigns, and entered the Hall of Fame after winning the category three years running.

Vision Walks – Eco Tours achieved an impressive double win, securing gold for both Tour & Transport Operators and Ecotourism. Pottsville’s Pipit Restaurant was awarded gold for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services, while Contained in Nimbin topped the Self-Contained Accommodation category.

There was more success across the region, with Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens receiving silver for Tourist Attraction, and Earth Beer Company picking up silver in Tourism Distilleries & Breweries.

Several local businesses also earned bronze accolades: Soul Surf School (Adventure Tourism), The Health Lodge Byron Bay (Hosted Accommodation), Savour the Tweed (Festivals & Events), Bluesfest Byron Bay (Major Festivals & Events), and Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff (Business Event Venues).

Awards were presented across 30 categories, celebrating excellence in business practices, visitor experience and sustainability.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward praised the calibre of entrants.

“We’ve seen an increase in the standard of entries this year, showing how our tourism industry continues to up the ante, year-on-year,” she said.

The 2025 NSW Tourism Awards were supported by Destination NSW, the state government’s tourism and major events agency.