From hidden gem to shining star: Finalists spotlight Coffs’ evolution

Coffs Harbour’s fresh impetus as a destination of choice for higher value inquisitive visitors chasing something different has been boosted with a staggering 13 businesses named as finalists in the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards. 

“To have so many singled out by the judges speaks to the successful repositioning and evolution of the City,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said. 

“It’s been a subtle but significant change of focus which will pay dividends for a location which stands out from the crowd.” 

The North Coast Tourism Awards cover a huge area stretching from Forster to the Queensland border and to have so many Coffs experiences short-listed for major honours builds on a wave of momentum. 

With 13 finalists, Coffs Harbour has more finalists than any other Local Government Area on the North Coast. 

In recent weeks Coffs Harbour has been feted publicly, after feature callouts by Sydney Weekender, The Guardian, the Today Show and Australian Traveller. 

MuveRank rated the Coffs region as the fifth hottest ‘move to’ destination in Australia. 

That comes on top of an urban strategist proclaiming Coffs as the best mid-sized city in the nation for Council’s efforts to make the place more livable. 

The good news juggernaut has been further stoked by the City gaining ECO Destination recertification earlier this year, and Qantas revealing its next generation Airbus A220s will service here from October. 

Coffs is the only regional airport on the Mainland announced in the initial rollout for the modern aircraft. 

“We’re undertaking activities and initiatives that support and develop sustainable economic growth, investment, employment and tourism for the City of Coffs Harbour - marketing the destination as the premier regional city in NSW to live, work, visit and do business,” Ms Cowley said. 

The City’s Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) has played a strong part in this narrative, with a mind-boggling 34,000 people passing through the doors in the six months since it opened. 

The 13 local finalists in the North Coast Tourism Awards are: 

• Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM)  

• Pacific Bay Resort Coffs Harbour 

• The Hoey Moey 

• Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience 

• Gumbaynggirr ECO immersive stand up paddle tours (Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours)

• Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre 

• Shearwater Restaurant 

• Coffs Harbour Trike and Private Tours 

• Coffs Coast Tickets by Paradox Media 

• The Big Banana Fun Park 

• Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Tiga Cross - Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Lindsay Russell - Broken Open Productions 

The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges on 1 August. 

The Awards acknowledge growth and entrepreneurship, and commend the success of tourism businesses throughout the North Coast Destination Network region. 

Photo: Stunning Coffs Harbour.