Destination North Coast

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Coffs Harbour, NSW
Destination North Coast

Destination North Coast supports the visitor economy across the North Coast of NSW, working with industry, councils and communities to help tourism thrive.

We represent 14 local government areas from the MidCoast to the Tweed. We represent 14 local government areas from the MidCoast to the Tweed, including Lord Howe Island, bringing people together to grow the region in a sustainable way. Tourism is a major part of our local economy, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses, and helping keep our communities vibrant and connected.

09/10/2026

🌾 Destination North Coast GM Michael Thurston is joining the 2026 Agri & Aqua Tourism Summit in The Tweed on 20–21 October!

Michael will be part of the ‘Can We Make Agritourism Easier?’ panel, exploring the challenges of planning, regulation, tax and insurance, and how we can make it easier for regional businesses to turn their ideas into visitor experiences.

🚜 Bringing together farmers, producers, tourism operators and industry experts, the Summit is all about practical ideas, real experiences and new opportunities.

Across two days, you'll hear from businesses that have successfully diversified, learn how to turn existing assets into new income streams and explore some of The Tweed's leading agritourism experiences on guided famil tours.

Whether you're already welcoming visitors or just starting to explore what's possible, this is an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired!

👉 Find out more and register

07/10/2026

🏆 From a February launch to a NSW Tourism Awards finalist in just eight months!

What a start for Manning River Ferry Services! 🚢

After taking home Gold in the New Tourism Business category at the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards in July, this exciting new Manning Valley business has now been named a finalist in the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards! 🎉

Founded by Annie and Linc Jackson, Manning River Ferry Services is bringing new life to the beautiful Manning River, connecting communities and giving visitors a fresh way to explore the region through passenger ferry services, scenic cruises and private charters.

It's an inspiring example of how a great idea, local knowledge and plenty of determination can create something special for a destination.

👏 A huge congratulations to Annie, Linc and the team on an incredible first eight months!

Read their story: https://dncnsw.com/manning-river-ferry-services/

06/10/2026

🎉 35 North Coast finalists are heading to the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards!

A huge congratulations to the outstanding tourism businesses, experiences, events and organisations from across our region that were selected from 210 nominations across 30 categories to be named finalists in this year’s Awards. These are:

Amaroo Escape
Better by Bike
BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park
Casino Truck Show
C-Change Adventures
Clarence Valley Council
Clarence Valley Council – My Clarence Valley
Coffs Coast Accommodation
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
Groovin the Moo Lismore
Harwood Hotel
Husk Farm Distillery
Lismore City Council – Eat the Street
Manning River Ferry Services
Mograni Creek Estate
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Port Macquarie Museum
Sea Sea Hotel
Spare Chef Catering
The Belfry Guesthouse
The Big Banana Fun Park
The Hoey Moey, Park Beach Hotel Motel
The Hoey Moey – Tidal Sounds Music Festival
The Ridge Gloucester
Tweed Eco Cruises
Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head
Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff North
Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville North
Valla Beach Tavern
Vision Walks – Eco Tours
Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre
WildNets Adventure Park
What’s Beyond the Mile
Yarrila Arts and Museum

What a fantastic representation of the breadth and quality of tourism across the North Coast. 👏

Winners will be announced at the NSW Tourism Gala at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November. Congratulations to all our finalists and best of luck! 🏆

02/10/2026

Barrington Coast tourism operators and industry partners — this one’s for you 👋

Registrations are now open for the Tourism Industry Networking Night, hosted by MidCoast Council at Serenity Diamond Beach.

Join fellow operators and industry partners for an evening of connection, collaboration and local industry updates, including insights from Ashley Gray, Destination North Coast's Industry Engagement Manager, and Melanie Berriman, Resort Manager at Serenity Diamond Beach.

You’ll also have the opportunity to tour the relaunched property and hear more about its latest offerings.

📅 Wednesday 14 October
⏰ 5:30pm–8:00pm
📍 Serenity Diamond Beach
🥂 Arrival beverage and canapés provided

Places are limited and registration is essential. Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/barrington-coast-tourism-industry-networking-night-tickets-1999470382739

30/09/2026

A great couple of days connecting with industry across the Macleay Valley 🌊🍃

We recently held our Board meeting at the Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club, taking in the incredible outlook over one of Australia’s iconic surf breaks before joining local operators and Kempsey Shire Council for an evening of networking at Mezzaluna 2440 and experiencing the distinctive surf, art and hospitality offering at Sea Sea Hotel.

The following morning, Board members headed out into the region, visiting Waves Campground at Delicate Nobby with owners Kit and Anna, where Director Margaret Shannon even got acquainted with their pet python, Finch 🐍, before continuing to Mountain Nursery in South Kempsey and the reimagined Old Cheese Factory in Frederickton.

From surf and nature to food, agriculture, heritage and creative enterprise, the visits showcased the diversity of experiences and businesses that make up the Macleay visitor economy.

A big thank you to Kempsey Shire Council for its continued support of tourism in the region, and to the local industry for coming along, connecting and sharing what’s happening across the Macleay.

24/09/2026

Big news for The Tweed! 🌿🌊

The Tweed has been named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027, making it the only Australian destination on this year’s global Top Destinations list! 🌏 ✨

From its emerald coastline and riverside villages to incredible food, outdoor adventures, creative culture and wellness experiences, The Tweed has earned its place among some of the world’s must-visit destinations.

It’s an incredible recognition for the region and for the local tourism operators and businesses who create the experiences that make The Tweed so special.

Read more via Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-the-tweed-new-south-wales

📸

18/09/2026

🚲 Rail trails are transforming regional tourism, connecting communities and creating new opportunities for local businesses.

The 2026 Rail Trails Conference is coming to Canberra on Friday 6 November, bringing together trail managers, tourism professionals, councils, volunteers and rail trail advocates from across Australia.

🌿 Hear inspiring rail trail success stories
💡 Explore opportunities for tourism and local business
🤝 Connect with industry leaders and trail supporters
🚲 Learn how established trails continue to grow and evolve

The North Coast will be in the spotlight, with Dean Cooper from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail presenting Beyond the Ribbon Cutting: How the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Continues to Evolve and Grow.

Interested in rail trails, active tourism or regional development? This national conference is for you!

Find out more and register 👉 https://www.railtrails.org.au/2026-conference/

08/09/2026

What does the future of tourism in Byron look like? 🌿

Join the conversation at Beyond Tourism: Advocacy for Now & the Future of Business, hosted by the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston will join Natalie Godward, CEO of the NSW Tourism Association, and Cameron Arnold, NSW Tourism Association Board Member and Cape Byron Trust, for a discussion about the issues shaping the future of tourism.

From industry advocacy and government engagement to tourism funding, quality assurance and more, it’s also an opportunity for Byron tourism businesses to ask questions, raise the issues that matter and have their say.

Date: Friday 25th September
Time: 3.30pm–5.00pm
Venue: The Loft, Byron Bay

Registration is required here: https://events.humanitix.com/beyond-tourism-advocacy-for-now-and-the-future-of-business

04/09/2026

Macleay Valley tourism industry, we’re coming your way! 👋

Destination North Coast invites tourism and visitor economy businesses from across the Macleay Valley to join us for an informal networking evening in Crescent Head.

Meet members of the Destination North Coast Board and team, connect with fellow local operators, and share conversations about the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping the Macleay Valley visitor economy.

📅 Wednesday 23 September
⏰ 5pm-7pm
📍 Mezzaluna 2440, Crescent Head

Drinks and canapés will be provided, so come along, make some new connections and catch up with familiar faces from across the industry.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Click the link in our bio to register ⬆

📸 Mezzaluna 2440

Address

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Website

https://dncnsw.com/

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