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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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.