North Coast Regional Tourism Awards finalists revealed

CRYSTAL Castle & Shambhala Gardens, Cape Byron Kayaks and Pottsville restaurant Pipit are among the finalists in the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.

Presented by Destination North Coast in partnership with the NSW Tourism Association, the winners will be announced at a gala event at Elements of Byron resort on July 31.

The awards ceremony will follow the annual North Coast Tourism Symposium, a one-day conference that brings together tourism operators and industry leaders from across the region. The event highlights innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable practices, playing a key role in shaping the future of the region’s visitor economy.

This year’s awards feature 33 finalists across 11 categories, celebrating the excellence, diversity and creativity that define the North Coast tourism sector.

Among the finalists are Byron Bay surf schools Let’s Go Surfing and Soul Surf School, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Murwillumbah-based bike hire company Better By Bike.

Ballina Shire Council and the Tweed Tourism Company were also recognised for their contributions to regional tourism.

The Health Lodge, an integrated healthcare centre in Byron Bay offering both complementary and mainstream medicine alongside wellness retreats, also made the list of finalists.

Several local accommodation providers were honoured, including First Sun Holiday Park in Byron Bay, Reflections Holidays, Contained In Nimbin, ecoAsis at Smiths Creek in the Tweed hinterland, Invercauld House Motel in Goonellabah and The Tyalgum Hotel.

LightNUp Inc., the not-for-profit organisation behind the beloved Lismore Lantern Parade held annually to celebrate the winter solstice, was also named a finalist.