Dorrigo National Park won the gold award for excellence in the Tourist Attraction category for attractions of state importance that contribute to the tourism experience within their region.

The Park also won the gold award for excellence in the Ecotourism category which recognises ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) North Coast Region Manager Alan Jeffery said the awards were a great result for all of the staff who work so hard to make memorable experiences possible for the tens of thousands of visitors to Dorrigo National Park and the Rainforest Centre each year.

“The NPWS is widely acknowledged as a key driver in the visitor economy on the North Coast and it was great to see the work done by all recognised”, he said.

“Dorrigo National Park is world-class nature tourism experience attracting 120,000 people each year.

“The park inspires visitors and showcases the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area through high quality interpretation and education designed to enhance and protect the park’s natural values.”

Held at South West Rocks in the grounds of the Trial Bay Gaol at Arakoon National Park, the North Coast Tourism Awards Gala Night was attended by around 150 north coast tourism operators and industry leaders from the Great Lakes to the Tweed.

“Despite atrocious conditions, with driving rain and, howling winds, feedback from those who attended indicated the evening was one of the best North Coast tourism awards nights ever”, Mr Jeffery said.

As a regional winner Dorrigo National Park will now go on to compete in the NSW State Tourism Awards in late November.