Winners of North Coast Tourism Awards revealed

SEVERAL Northern Rivers tourism operators were recognised with top honours at the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, held at a gala ceremony at Elements of Byron Resort.

Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens took out gold in the Tourist Attractions category, while the Savour the Tweed food festival was named winner in Festivals & Events. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail claimed top honours for Adventure Tourism, and Pipit Restaurant took gold in the Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services category.

An aerial view of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Photo: SUPPLIED

Accommodation providers also featured strongly. Ecoasis, a nature retreat at Uki in the Tweed Valley, was awarded gold for Ecotourism, while Contained in Nimbin Accommodation won in the Self-Contained Accommodation category. First Sun Holiday Park, located on the beach at Byron Bay, received gold for Caravan & Holiday Parks.

Yen Trinh and Ben Devlin at Pipit in Pottsville. Photo: SELENA EVISON

Byron Bay Bluesfest and farm-to-table restaurant Potager – A Kitchen Garden were inducted into the Hall of Fame, recognising their sustained excellence in the tourism industry.

“They are great examples of our products that succeed on a national level and have that national relevance and reach,” Destination North Coast general manager Michael Thurston said.

Here Come the Mummies performing at Bluesfest 2025. Photo: KURT PETERSEN

Mr Thurston said the awards, which are the only remaining regional tourism awards in the state, were being held in partnership with the NSW Tourism Association, which supports business development and advocacy across the state’s visitor economy.

“It means that the awards are completely aligned with the state and national awards, so winners immediately go through to being finalists for the state awards and it gives them a much better chance of national success,” he said.

Potager restaural at Carool in the Tweed hinterland. Photo: LIAM HARDY PHOTOGRAPHY

Other local operators also received recognition. Let’s Go Surfing – Byron & Ballina took silver in Adventure Tourism, while the Lismore Lantern Parade received bronze in Festivals & Events. The Ballina Visitor Information Centre earned bronze in Tourism Retail, Hire & Services, and Cape Byron Kayaks was awarded bronze in Adventure Tourism.