The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has taken out Gold in the Adventure Tourism category at the 2025 North Coast Tourism Awards, with additional recognition of a Silver award in the Tourist Attraction category.
The awards, hosted at Elements of Byron on Wednesday 31 July, celebrated the outstanding achievements of tourism operators across the region, recognising innovation, visitor experience and industry leadership.
Back-to-back Gold Awards
This year’s win marks back-to-back Gold Awards for the Rail Trail, following its 2024 success in the Outstanding Tourism Start-Up category.
Dean Cooper, Regional Lead for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, said the award is a powerful acknowledgment of the team’s vision, collaboration and community impact.
‘Winning Gold this year in the Adventure Tourism category is an incredible honour. It reflects not just a great visitor experience, but the combined efforts of multiple councils, community champions, trail operators and volunteers,’ said Dean.
Success of multiple open sections
‘This win represents the success of multiple open sections from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and from Casino to Lismore, all of which have rapidly established themselves as iconic drawcards for the region.
‘We are grateful to Tweed Shire Council, Richmond Valley Council and Lismore City Council for their leadership in construction and ongoing operation.
A huge thank you also to our trail users, local villages, supporters, and commercial operators. Without your energy and passion, this trail wouldn’t be what it is today,’ he said.
Rail Trail continues to grow
The Rail Trail continues to grow as a key piece of visitor infrastructure, with thousands of visitors discovering the unique beauty, stories and flavours of the Northern Rivers.
The award also highlights the trail’s potential for the future. The Rail Trail is on track to become one of Australia’s premier multi-day cycling and walking experiences.
The 2025 North Coast Tourism Awards, presented in partnership with Destination North Coast and Business NSW, attracted strong competition from across the region, making this year’s win even more significant.
‘To be recognised with a win again this year—and as Silver award winners in the Tourist Attraction category— is testament to the continued momentum of the Rail Trail and its powerful connection to nature, local culture and sustainable tourism,’ Dean said.
For a full list of award winners and finalists, visit Destination North Coast’s website.
For more information, contact Virginia Jones on 0429 267 735 or email: [email protected].
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