The North Coast Tourism Symposium 2026

The 2026 North Coast Tourism Symposium and Regional Tourism Awards brought the industry together for two days of connection, inspiration and celebration.

Almost 200 tourism professionals gathered at Aanuka Beach House for the 2026 North Coast Tourism Symposium, hosted by Destination North Coast. Under the theme "From Vision to Visitor Ready: Distinctive Places, Shared Future", the event showcased innovation, sustainability and strong destination leadership.

Delegates enjoyed a full day of industry development, networking and conversation, including breakout sessions and cultural storytelling on Diggers Beach. Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones headlined the program, joined by DNC Chair John O’Neill for an in-conversation session on the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.

Mr O’Neill said the strong attendance reflected the industry’s appetite for collaboration and a shared vision for the North Coast’s future.

Congratulations to Valla Beach Tavern winning Bronze at the Regional Tourism Awards

Industry Excursion to Gaagal Wanggaan National Park

The Board of Gaagal Wanggaan and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recently hosted a tourism industry visit to Gaagal Wanggaan National Park, giving key stakeholders firsthand insight into the park’s cultural significance and tourism potential.

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is a unique coastal park, located between Nambucca Heads and Scotts Head on the Mid North Coast of NSW, is traditionally owned by the Gumbaynggirr People and jointly managed with National Parks and Wildlife. 

Led by Michael Donavon and Back to Country Coordinator Dennis Milgate, the visit offered a valuable opportunity to learn more about the deep connection between Gaagal Wanggaan, Gumbaynggirr culture and community.

The excursion also opened discussions about the park’s future as a tourism destination, including plans for new facilities, visitor experiences and activities. These opportunities are being explored with a focus on respectful, sustainable tourism development that protects the park’s cultural values while enhancing the visitor experience.

Gaagal Wanggaan National Park holds immense cultural importance and offers strong potential for tourism that supports the local community and economy, celebrates heritage and creates meaningful experiences for visitors.

Aboriginal Cultural Discovery Tours to the park can be booked through National Parks and Wildlife Back to Country Coordinator Dennis Milgate.

Please email well in advance to organise: dennis.milgate@enviroment.nsw.gov.au

Small Business Month

Tell us what you want!

October is Small Business Month, and we are beginning to work with our stakeholders to build a range of workshops, networking events and other activities to celebrate.

We'd love to hear from you want you'd be interested in attending and what topics you'd love to learn more about to help us develop the program. Please take three minutes to fill in the survey below.

EOI Shop Local Campaign

To celebrate small business month, and all the amazing small businesses across the Nambucca Valley we will be developing a Shop Local Campaign which will launch to coincide with Small Business Month in October.

If your business is interested in being involved, please express your interest via the form below by Friday 28 August 2026.

Help Us Build the First National Benchmark for Farm Tourism

Tourism Australia has launched the National Farm Tourism Survey, and we're asking Nambucca Valley farmers to have their say.

Farm tourism is one of the fastest-growing corners of Australia’s visitor economy — but until now, no one has had a clear, evidence-based picture of where the sector actually stands. That’s what the National Farm Tourism Survey is here to change.

If you're a farmer delivering visitor experiences, or you know farmers in the region welcoming guests onto their properties, your input will help build the first real benchmark of what agritourism means to farmers, their families and the communities around them. It takes just a few minutes to complete. 

Commissioned by Tourism Australia, the survey is gathering deep, rich insights into where farm tourism operators are at right now, from paddock tours and farm stays to cellar doors and cooking classes.

Register Your Interest:

Advertising in the New Destination Guide

We're exploring the opportunity to produce a new Nambucca Valley Destination Guide to showcase the region's best experiences, businesses and attractions.

Register your interest to receive advertising information, pricing and updates as they become available.

CREATIVE AUSTRALIA: Arts Projects Grants

This program supports a bunch of activities that benefit the arts sector and the wider community, including audiences and communities both in Australia and overseas.

It’s a great opportunity for projects that help connect people with the arts, support artists and organisations, and create positive impact more broadly.

Grants close 1 September 2026.

Revive Live Music Grants

The Australian Government’s "Revive" cultural policy recognises how important live music is and is putting more support into the music industry.

The "Revive Live" program has been extended with an extra $25 million and will now run until 30 June 2027. It’s there to help keep live music venues and festivals going, reduce cancellations, and support the long-term future of the industry.

What the grant aims to do:

- Create more performance opportunities for Australian artists

- Help original Australian music get discovered

- Support live music venues and festivals so they can keep operating

- Build a stronger, safer, more inclusive live music scene

- Improve access for disabled artists, workers, and audiences

How our community can use it:

- Back local musicians and original Australian music

- Help keep venues and festivals alive in our area

- Make live music more accessible and inclusive for everyone

- Support a more sustainable future for our local music scene

Workshops

Exploring AI: Content Images & Video

Join us for a practical, hands-on AI workshop delivered by the Digital Solutions Program alongside our Local Council Partner, Nambucca Valley Council. You will explore simple ways to use AI in your business and leave with tools, prompts and content you can put to work straight away.

Date: 12 August 2026

Time: 10am – 1pm

Location: Nambucca Heads Connected Learning Centre

If you would like us to work in partnership with you to promote our stunning location, special offers, or upcoming events in the valley across our social networks, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Erica Foley at Erica.Foley@nambucca.nsw.gov.au to discuss partnership opportunities and how we can help share your message with our audience.

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