The 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards were held on Thursday, with the Lismore LGA performing strongly.

Contained in Nimbin Accommodation won the big prize, Tourism Business of the Year, plus two more gold medals for Outstanding Tourism Startup and Outstanding Accommodation Experience.

A remarkable achievement for a business that is only 11 months old for owners Nicole and Nick Lindner.

"We are still celebrating so we may have a bubbly for lunch," Nicole told the Lismore App, "This exceeded our expectations. We are wrapped."

Nicole said they entered the Tourism Awards to get some personalised feedback to see if they were on the right track because they were such a new business, as well as this being their first business venture.

"We have massive ideas and dreams for this business. Now we just have to get the finances in order," Nicole said.

The Contained in Nimbin Accommodation website describes the business as "a Quality Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, and EcoStar-accredited business offering two private and fully self-contained cottages, three minutes from Nimbin (289 Croft Road).

(Inside one of the Contained in Nimbin Accommodation cottages)

"The cottages are situated on a ten-acre self-sufficient permaculture farm, offering guests private access to Goolmangar Creek. The cottages are sustainably built in a unique and non-traditional building method, from A-grade recycled shipping containers."

The future goal is to create a third family-sized cabin that is disabled-friendly as soon as finances allow.

You can check out the Contained in Nimbin Accommodation website here for more information and to book a cabin.

A silver medal was awarded to Goonellabah's Invercauld House for Business Event Venue of the Year.

Other Northern Rivers winners included a gold for Bluesfest and a silver for Casino Beef Week for Festival/Event of the Year.

A spokesperson for Beef Week said, "Casino Beef Week, a time-honoured celebration of the local beef industry, has once again proven to be a crowd favourite, attracting visitors from near and far. The festival's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers, organisers, and sponsors who pour their hearts into creating an unforgettable experience for attendees."

"Casino Beef Week continues to be an event that embodies the spirit of our community, showcasing the best of our region and fostering connections among locals and visitors alike. As we celebrate this Silver Award, we also look forward to building upon this success in the years to come."

Excellence in Tourism Services was won by the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, with silver for the Casino Returned Serviceman's Memorial Club and bronze for the Byron Visitors Centre.

Alanah Ward from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre took bronze for Outstanding Young Tourism Business Leader.

The 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards proved the Northern Rivers has some incredible new and refurbished businesses that we can be proud of. The North Coast area spans Port Macquarie to the Tweed.