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Welcome to our newsletter

December marks the beginning of summer, and the festive season is already in full swing across the Barrington Coast. We extend our best wishes to our locals, operators, and visitors for a safe and enjoyable summer and school holiday period. As a premier destination for outdoor adventures, family fun and a calendar full of unique events, our region offers something special for everyone this season.

On 6 December 2025, we are excited to host the inaugural Barrington Coast Beach 5s at Main Beach Forster. This dynamic five-a-side tackle-based (modified) sport will be a thrilling championship competition with teams registered across Mens, Womens, and Junior categories (Boys, Girls, and Mixed). The event promises an action-packed day on the sand and is expected to attract hundreds of participants and spectators from across the Barrington Coast, Newcastle, and Port Macquarie.

We are pleased to announce two new appointments in key roles as our team evolves. As we farewell Lauren, we are excited to introduce our new Tourism Industry Development Officer Madeline Hale. Madeline will be actively engaging with the region in the coming months and is available now for all tourism industry enquiries. Additionally, Rachael McFadden has been formally appointed as Senior Destination Experience Officer and will continue as the primary contact for all visitor servicing enquiries, following her successful tenure in the acting role. Our Destination Experience team is here for you all summer. Visit us at our mobile pop-up locations or drop into one of our Visitor Centres for expert advice and local insights. More. Discover more by exploring the Barrington Coast Directory and What’s On guide—help us spread the word so everyone can experience the incredible diversity of businesses and events across our region this season. More.

We hope you enjoy the festive season and we look forward to seeing you out and about helping visitors make unforgettable memories here in the Barrington Coast.

Keep in touch,

Tanya Lipus
Manager, Economic & Destination Development

Madeline Hale
Tourism Industry Development Officer

Business spotlight

We are proud to congratulate several of our local operators who were recognised at the Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW Awards of Excellence, held in Sydney on 20 November 2025.

Reflections Forster Beach Holiday & Caravan Park

• Winner: NSW Holiday Park Innovation Award

Manning Point Holiday Park

• Finalist: NSW Holiday Park of the Year (More than 100 sites)
• Outstanding Contribution by a Young Achiever – Holiday Parks: Tayla Wilson

BIG4 River Myall Holiday Resort

• Silver Award: NSW Holiday Park of the Year (Less than 100 sites)

Congratulations to all recipients for their dedication and excellence in delivering exceptional holiday experiences in the Barrington Coast. More.

Christmas gift ideas

Make Christmas shopping meaningful this year by visiting our Forster and Gloucester Visitor Information Centres. We’re proud to showcase a wide range of locally made products from talented artists and artisans—everything from stunning photographs and handcrafted pottery to delicious jams, honey, chocolates, and unique gifts like tallow-balm, candles, jewellery, and more.

By shopping with us, you’re not only finding the perfect present, you’re supporting local makers and small businesses. Discover treasures like Faulls Ridge Wine Jelly, Belbora Candle Co creations, Whoota Honey, and Destination Magnets by Ali Haigh.

EV Chagrining stations

Coming to Wingham & Gloucester

Both great towns have been selected by DCCEEW for the installation of new electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure, funded by the Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants - Round 3. Council is working with the selected charge point operators to confirm the final design and location for these chargers. Charging infrastructure is expected to be installed and operational in 2026.

Enjoy Barrington Coast responsibly this holiday season 

As the holiday season approaches, Barrington Coast is ready to welcome visitors to its stunning beaches, charming towns, and breathtaking hinterland. But with popularity comes responsibility — and we’re asking everyone to play their part in protecting this special region.

MidCoast Council rangers will be out in force during the busy Christmas and New Year period, working alongside NSW Police and National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure safe and sustainable holiday experiences. Their focus will include:

• Illegal parking and traffic congestion
• Driving on beaches without a permit
• Illegal overnight camping
• Rubbish dumping

Discover the Road Less Travelled: If the coast feels crowded, why not explore the Barrington Coast hinterland? Cool forest walks, waterfalls, and chic cafés await in the mountains — perfect for escaping the holiday rush. 👉 Find inspiration here.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Stay: Popular destinations like Seal Rocks, Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens, Crowdy Head and Harrington often reach capacity early. Visitors are encouraged to book accommodation well in advance.

Industry development

Upcoming webinars on business events and marketing essentials

Touring and Travel Fund - ​ Domestic Travel and International Professional Development

The NSW Government has launched funding to help contemporary music artists, acts, and industry professionals travel for touring and professional development. Up to $5,000 per person is available for activities such as attending events, workshops, residencies, and conducting domestic touring. The funding aims to strengthen the live music ecosystem in NSW. Applications close 24 April 2026 and are assessed monthly. More

Aquaculture Industry Development Program

The NSW Government has established the Aquaculture Industry Development Program, with grants from $100,000 to $2,000,000 available to support eligible businesses in the NSW aquaculture sector. Applications close 18 January 2026, 4:00pm. More

EV Chargers Site Host EOI 2024-2025

The NSW Government is looking for operators interested in hosting EV Charging Stations throughout regional NSW. The EV Destination Charging Grant Expression of Interest is open until 31 December 2025.

For more information and to submit an EOI please visit: EV Site Host EOI 2024-2025 | NSW Government.

Subsonic Music Festival

Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December 
Riverwood Downs, Monkerai

For over 15 years, Subsonic has been building a one-of-a-kind gathering in the foothills of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops- a celebration of music, art, nature, connection, and adventure.

Barrington Coast Beach 5s

Saturday 6 December
Forster Main Beach

Liven up your weekend at the inaugural Barrington Coast Beach 5s Festival. Delivering action packed competition on Forster's Main Beach. It's the game you know, but not as you know it!

Community Carols & Festive Events

From joyful community carols to festive gatherings across the region, there are plenty of ways to wrap up the year with neighbours, friends, and family.
Explore what’s happening near you and join in the holiday cheer.

Australian Tourism Data Warehouse 

The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is Australia’s national platform for digital tourism information. Eligible tourism businesses can easily create a free listing for their accommodation, tour, food and drink establishment, events and more. These valuable listings appear on websites such as Australia.com and VisitNSW.com, and another 50 websites. 

An ATDW listing will promote your business through multiple channels to a much larger audience network ensuring more consumers will see your product and potentially book it. It’s a great way for tourism operators with limited promotion budgets to publicise their product and services.

To get started and leverage free tips and resources visit the ATDW Support Hub or book an Optimisation Call. More.

The Get Connected Program allows NSW tourism operators to showcase their products online free of charge via ATDW. More.

Meet In Regional NSW allows you to list your business event venue. More.

For more information please email our Tourism Industry Development Officer madeline.hale@midcoast.nsw.gov.au

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