World-renowned for its stunning beaches, lush hinterland and enviable coastal lifestyle, the Northern Rivers region of NSW is experiencing an accommodation renaissance with a recent spate of new hotels, refurbishments and unique stays attracting an increased number of visitors.

In the year ending September 2017 the region attracted almost 2.7 million domestic overnight visitors, with 9.7 million nights being spent in the region.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said from Ballina to Tweed Heads, visitors to the region can enjoy an exceptional range of accommodation from backpacker hostels to award-winning boutique hotels.

“We're thrilled to see significant accommodation development in the region from holiday parks to new hotels. In Byron Bay over the last year, we've seen the addition of 99 new villas at Elements of Byron Resort & Spa, 18 brand new two-bedroom cabins at Discovery Parks, refurbishments undertaken at luxury hotels The Byron at Byron and Rae's on Wategos and the opening of converted boutique hotel The Bower,” Mr Marshall said.

With easy access from both Gold Coast and Ballina airports and a year-round subtropical climate, Autumn is the perfect time to visit the Northern Rivers. To inspire your hotel and holiday planning, HotelsCombined has released a list of their 10 most popular hotels in the region:

1. Mantra Twin Towers, Tweed Heads
   The Mantra Twin Towers at Tweed Heads is the perfect base for aquatic and nature lovers. Minutes away from beaches, river cruises, fishing charters and underwater tours, many of the hotel rooms and apartments look out over ocean and river views.
   Destination must do: Try a snorkelling tour with Watersports Guru to explore the marine sanctuary Cook Island Aquatic Reserve and swim with turtles.
2. Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff
   Located in Kingscliff in the Tweed, Mantra on Salt Beach offers exceptional facilities at a beautiful beachfront location with sweeping easterly views of the Pacific Ocean and lush, green grounds to complement its naturally beautiful surroundings.  
   Destination must do: For a delicious meal during your stay, try hip new restaurant The Bombay Cricketers Club at nearby Salt Village for modern Indian-fusion food in a British-inspired, plantation-style Indian oasis.
   
   
3. Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff
   Peppers Salt Resort and Spa is located on absolute oceanfront only 30 minutes from Byron Bay. Surrounded by plunge pools, lagoon pools and tropical foliage, the resort combines seaside-village charm with all the luxuries you'd expect from Peppers Resort just metres from Salt Beach. 
   Destination must do: Explore the Tweed Coast's beaches and headlands on a coastal explorer tour with Mount Warning Tours
   
   
4. Ramada Hotel & Suites, Ballina
   Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina is located on the banks of the picturesque Richmond River offering 115 stylishly appointed rooms. All rooms feature either balconies or courtyards with outdoor settings and pool or river views.
   Destination must do: Explore the Richmond River around Ballina Island on a sunset cruise with Out of the Blue Adventures where you'll cruise around mangrove forests and spot a variety of bird life.
   
   
5. Santai Retreat, Casuarina
   There is no need to fly overseas for a Balinese style holiday, with Casuarina's Santai Retreat offering luxury accommodation complete with tropical gardens, spa facilities, poolside cabanas and fine dining at Thai restaurant The Spice Den.  With Casuarina beach and a local shopping centre just minutes away, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips for the perfect vacation.
   Destination must do: For a delicious dining experience head to nearby Osteria for a sophisticated Italian feast incorporating the best of local produce. 
   
   
6. Discovery Parks, Byron Bay
   Following an extensive upgrade, Discovery Parks Byron Bay now offers luxury cabins and safari tents, just two kilometres from Byron Bay town centre. In addition, the park is home to one of Australia's largest caravan park waterparks, providing hours of fun for the little ones.
   Destination must do: Taste your way around Byron Bay and the hinterland on a Taste Byron Bay tour exploring the region's best foodie finds with Terase Davidson in her funky kombi van.
   
   
7. Glen Villa Resort, Byron Bay
   Located just minutes from the buzz of Byron's town centre, Glen Villa is a resort with a difference – a 'hideaway' adults only camping and caravan park offering 40 deluxe and studio cabins, five spa cabins, six-holiday huts and an array of powered and unpowered camping and caravanning sites.
   Destination must do: There is no better way to explore Cape Byron Marine Park than on water and Go Sea Kayak is just the ticket. Operating several group kayaking tours a day, you'll get up close and personal with the bay's resident dolphins and turtles.
   
   
8. Nomads Byron Bay, Byron Bay
   Located just minutes from Main Beach, Nomads Byron Bay is the perfect place to stay in the centre of town. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, the hostel offers a variety of air-conditioned dorms, ensuite private rooms, an onsite travel shop and daily activities to explore the local area.
   Destination must do: Surfing and Byron go hand in hand, so why not hang ten with the team at Lets Go Surfing who offer surf lessons for beginners and keen novices.
   
   
9. Elements of Byron Resort & Spa, Byron Bay
   Having recently undergone a resort extension adding 99 new luxury two-bedroom, two bathroom rainforest villas, the world's first solar train and an adults-only pool complete with swim-up bar, you can't go past Elements of Byron Bay for the ultimate resort experience right on Belongil Beach. 
   Destination must do:  Start the day right with complimentary beachfront yoga at the resort and be one of the first to see the sunrise.
   
   
10. The Lord Byron, Byron Bay
    Located in the heart of Byron on Jonson Street, The Lord Byron offers resort style accommodation with excellent leisure facilities including a heated pool and day/night tennis court.
    Destination must do: Learn more about the indigenous culture of Byron Bay on an Aboriginal Cultural Concepts tour with Lois Clark where you'll explore local mythological sites of significance.

Share your favourite Sydney and NSW holidays on social media by using the hashtag #IloveSydney or #NewSouthWales.

For more information on holidays in the Northern Rivers go to www.visitnsw.com or HotelsCombined

Media: Florence Rocca, Destination NSW, florence.rocca@dnsw.com.au, M: 0428 555 080

About Destination NSW

Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State's tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State's visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

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