The Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre has been named as a finalist in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, with winners to be announced at the Coffs Harbour Awards ceremony on 30 July.
Bellingen Shire Council Group Leader Community Partnerships, Maxine Compton, said this nomination follows a revamp of the visitor information centre over the past two years, which has resulted in increased sales and foot traffic.
“The Centre has been refreshed with a new internal fit-out, which has made it lighter, brighter and more welcoming for locals and visitors. A bookable meeting room has been added, and our local makers and producers are also benefiting, with around 85% of all products sold in the Centre sourced locally,” said Maxine Compton.
“Our Visitor Information Centres are important points of discovery for visitors and are often the first point of contact they have with our Shire, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a lasting sense of our Shire’s connected, sustainable and creative spirit while tapping into local knowledge about places to eat, stay and play.”
The Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre is located at the gateway to Bellingen and Dorrigo, situated in the Bellingen cultural precinct, close to the Bellingen Library, Museum, Memorial Hall and Bellingen CBD.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Steve Allan, was thrilled to hear of the Visitor Information Centre’s nomination and described it as both an information hub and a welcoming space where travellers can discover everything the region has to offer.
“A key feature of the Centre is its thoughtfully curated gift and souvenir retail space, which showcases a diverse range of locally sourced products. The retail space also highlights artwork by local artists, creating a platform that supports the creative community while offering visitors authentic, meaningful mementos of their trip,” said Mayor Allan.
“By promoting local businesses, natural attractions, and cultural experiences, the Waterfall Way Visitor Information Centre acts as a bridge between visitors and the community, ensuring that tourism benefits are shared while preserving the area’s distinctive identity and environment.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Gala on 30 July at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. For more information about what our region has to offer, check out Home Visit Bellingen Shire.