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This Byron Bay gem was just crowned the NSW North Coast’s best luxury hotel

Credit: Destination NSW

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
The North Coast tourism awards have been announced, and we can’t wait to check back into the luxurious winning hotel.

Stretching from Port Macquarie up to the Queensland border, there’s a lot to love about the New South Wales North Coast; warm, sunny days, golden beaches, ancient rainforests and laid-back towns, for starters. And now, the North Coast tourism industry has announced its finalists for 2026 across a large range of tourism categories, offering even more reasons to travel. None more appealing than the winner of the luxury five-star accommodation category: Crystalbrook, Byron Bay.

About the awards

aerial of byron bay nsw
The NSW North Coast is packed full of beautiful vistas. (Credit: Destination NSW)

The annual awards celebrate outstanding businesses, experiences and individuals across the region in 17  different categories. All finalists will now progress to the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards this November for the opportunity to represent the state on the national stage.

Destination North Coast General Manager, Michael Thurston, said the continued growth of the awards reflects the strength and ambition of the region’s tourism industry.

“These awards aren’t just about celebrating a win on the night," he said, “they build real capability across the region, helping businesses sharpen their offering and set themselves up for sustained success.

About Crystalbrook, Byron Bay

aerial of adults-only pool at crystalbrook byron bay, winner in nsw north coast tourism awards
Relax by the adults-only pool, drink in hand. (Credit: Destination NSW)

I’m not one to ‘relax’ as such on a holiday. I mean to, but then the pull of each new attraction proves too much, and I end my holiday as tired as when I started it. The exception, in my life? A long weekend stay at Crystalbrook, Byron Bay.

And it’s not just the idyllic setting, literally within 45 acres of subtropical rainforest in the beautiful Byron Bay. Or the fact there are only 92 spacious suites, which all feel very private and in their own section of rainforest. It’s that the whole property is dedicated to helping guests prioritise their wellness, in a way that feels natural, organic and enjoyable.

Take an easy walk down to the nearby beach. Join in a session of aqua aerobics in the gorgeous adults-only pool (which is a hoot, by the way), or wait until the workout is done and pull up a lounge for the day – getting up only to take a dip or order another drink from the pool bar. Check into the blissful Eléme Day Spa. And breakfast, oh my goodness. The breakfast menu is mostly very good for your body, but tastes absolutely naughty.

You get it, I’m a huge fan and completely understand why they earned their top spot.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Other finalists

The Belfry Guesthouse
The Belfry Guesthouse has won three years in a row. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Other accommodation category winners also include Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff North and The Ridge Gloucester. The Belfry Guesthouse made its own Hall of Fame category as the winner of Hosted Accommodation for the last three years in a row. A couple of years young, 25-room retro boutique hotel Sea Sea Hotel in Crescent Head took out the 4–4.5 Star Accommodation category.

Find a full list of gold winners below, and bookmark them for your next holiday.

Full list of gold winners:

The details

Bookings: Discover Crystalbrook, Byron Bay for yourself. Book via the website.
Pricing: From $266 per night, but keep an eye out for wellness retreats and other special deals.
Location: 77/97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.