PORT Macquarie’s tourism sector has again been recognised on the regional stage, with the Port Macquarie Museum taking home a Silver Award and Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats named among the finalists at the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
Held at Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour, the awards celebrated the businesses, experiences and individuals driving tourism across the North Coast, recognising 49 outstanding entries across 17 categories.
The Port Macquarie Museum received Silver in the Cultural Tourism category, highlighting its ongoing work in preserving and sharing the region’s rich history with visitors and locals alike.
Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats also earned recognition as a finalist in the highly competitive Ecotourism category, showcasing the growing reputation of the Port Macquarie-based operator for delivering immersive nature-based experiences.
The awards, presented by the NSW Tourism Association and Destination North Coast, expanded significantly in their second year, growing from 33 finalists across 11 categories in 2025 to 49 finalists across 17 categories in 2026.
NSW Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Natalie Godward said the growth reflected the strength of the region’s visitor economy.
“The North Coast continues to set the benchmark for regional tourism in Australia,” Ms Godward said.
“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.”
Destination North Coast General Manager Michael Thurston said the awards continued to strengthen the region’s tourism industry.
“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,” Mr Thurston said.
The North Coast’s Gold Award winners will now progress to the NSW Tourism Awards in November, where they will compete for the opportunity to represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2027.
By Sis HIGGINS
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