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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.

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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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How to spend a restorative weekend on the Central Coast

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a weekend of relaxation and entertainment on the Central Coast.

    Home to more than 40 idyllic beaches, an eco-certified wilderness and a burgeoning hospitality scene, the Central Coast is a favoured holiday destination for good reason. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, you can easily enjoy a day trip here. But with so much to offer, this coastal haven deserves at least a weekend of your time – especially when a stay at Encore by Mingara makes lingering so effortless.

    Here’s how to spend a memorable weekend on the Central Coast discovering its best offerings.

    Day 1

    Afternoon

    Modern, comfortable room interiors at Encore by Mingara, designed for a restful stay on the Central Coast.
    Savour a slow morning before heading home.

    Holiday mode can be switched on as soon as you check into Encore by Mingara, a centrally located boutique hotel in Tumbi Umbi. Loved for its sleek rooms, diverse offerings and unbeatable location, in 2026 the property even received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Taking cues from its coastal surrounds, the hotel’s design is luxurious yet welcoming. A sophisticated palette of ocean blues, ochre and sand tones is complemented by light joinery and punctuated by abstract artworks by the hotel’s artist in residence, Sarah Isbel Hill.

    As the hotel is conveniently found in the Mingara Destination Precinct, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the property’s impressive offerings. Energise the body at Mingara Recreation Club – complete with a world-class gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool – or pop into one of many restaurants or bars. You can also grab a wine from the bottle shop to imbibe in the comfort of your luxurious Harmony or Bravo suite; these generously sized rooms feature plush king beds, separate lounge spaces and dedicated working areas.

    Evening

    couple dining inside restaurant at encore by mingara
    Treat yourself to an evening of great food and cocktails.

    There’s no need to venture out when your hotel gives you access to fantastic dining options. Allow plenty of time to savour the culinary dishes at modern Australian restaurant, Hadley’s. Helmed by chef Peter Streckfuss, the relaxed eatery’s menu spans rib-sticking bites such as wood-fired pizzas and chicken parmigiana through to premium meats and fresh seafood. Pair them with the solid line-up of Australian and international wines.

    Mosey over to Hadley’s Bar for a post-dinner nightcap. The stylish cocktail lounge’s mixologists shake up masterful tipples using the bar’s extensive spirit collection, as well as pouring local craft beers and fine wines.   

    Day 2

    Morning

    Waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track, at the Brisbane Water National Park, on the Central Coast.
    Explore the Central Coast’s great outdoors. (Image: Destination NSW)

    With so much happening onsite, it’s tempting to stay put, but early birds can start their day by catching the sunrise at nearby Toowoon Bay, where a vivid display of warm tones is reflected in the calm waters.

    Back at Mingara Recreation Club, top up your caffeine levels and try treats including scrolls, cakes, scones and tarts at The Roasted Berry. Or settle in for smashed avo or a mushroom bruschetta.

    Fuelled and ready to go, spend some time exploring the Central Coast’s natural beauty. The region is a playground for outdoor lovers who can discover the Brisbane Water National Park, a haven for hiking, cycling and fishing. The 12,000-hectare reserve features stunning waterfalls, including the three-tiered Somersby Falls, and vantage points such as the Staples Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay.

    Afternoon

    Friends enjoying a tour through Distillery Botanica, Erina.
    Sip the flavours of Distillery Botanica. (Image: Destination NSW)

    A well-deserved lunch in the garden at Distillery Botanica awaits just a 20-minute drive away. The brainchild of herbalist and master distiller Philip Moore, this innovative distillery is found in a lush landscape and produces a range of botanically infused craft spirits. Tuck into bruschetta, toasted sandwiches and charcuterie boards, paired with standout concoctions like the Framboise Martini with Botanica Vodka or Botanica Raspberry Liqueur, vanilla, lime and pineapple.

    Evening

    Head back to Encore by Mingara to freshen up for dinner at the onsite restaurant, Ming Dragon. The Chinese eatery offers a traditional yum cha experience with succulent favourites such as sweet and sour pork and steamed prawn dumplings.

    End the night on a high note with entertainment at Mingara Recreation Club. The jam-packed schedule includes live music, major touring acts and big-name tribute band performances, such as Live Baby Live: The INXS Tribute Show.

    Morning

    Breakfast at The Roasted Berry encore by mingara
    Enjoy breakfast at The Roasted Berry.

    The dreamy rooms at Encore by Mingara make sleeping in a little too easy, so take the morning at your own pace with a lie-in and a final swim or a yoga or pilates class. Amble down to The Roasted Berry for another delicious breakfast before your departure.

    Afternoon

    Guest examining a freshly farmed pearl on a tour of the Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
    End your escape with a pearl farm visit. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Another highlight of the Central Coast is the Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Lower Hawkesbury River, a must-visit on your way home. Head to their ‘shellar door’ and join a tour out on the water, where you’ll discover their working oyster leases and indulge in the freshest Australian Akoya, Angasi and Sydney rock oysters. You’ll also get to witness a live pearl harvest and learn the fine art of pearl grading. Those with an appetite can also enjoy a gourmet grazing lunch while soaking up scenic river views. Commemorate the weekend with an elegant pearl memento from the farm’s shop.

    Start planning a Central Coast weekend at your own pace at encorebymingara.com.au.