About the site
About the draft plan
The draft plan aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 and will be reviewed every year. Actions are timed as short term (Year 1), medium term (Years 2 and 3) or long term (Years 4 and 5).
Our vision: Ku-ring-gai is a destination with authentic experiences that are intrinsically connected to its natural features and landscape, its rich history and heritage, and its vibrant network of local villages.
Pillar 1: Branding, marketing and visitor servicing
Define our brand and help people find and explore Ku-ring-gai.
- Define the destination brand with local operators
- Explore a stand-alone destination website
Pillar 2: Infrastructure and place management
Make our villages and open spaces well connected and welcoming.
- Progress the Green Grid Strategy
- Build visitor economy opportunities into public domain plans
Pillar 3: Visitor experiences and events
Develop experiences that bring locals and visitors together.
- Explore First Nations cultural tourism
- Activate the night-time economy
- Promote the Great North Walk
Pillar 4: Operator engagement and support
Help local businesses and groups serve visitors.
- Connect businesses with NSW support programs
- Streamline approvals for food stalls and coffee carts
What we heard
The consultation to date included an online survey in February 2026 (55 completed responses) and stakeholder meetings. Here is a summary of what we heard. The Background Volume has the full findings.
- Visitors: 526,869 visitors in 2024. 67% were day-trippers and 55% of day-trippers came to visit friends and relatives .
- Types of tourism: nature-based and eco-tourism 87%, food and dining 60%, arts and events 54%.
- Feelings about visitors: 59% positive, 38% neutral, 4% negative.
- Strengths: national parks and bushland rated very good or excellent by 82%.
- Needs improving: public amenities, roads, footpaths and visitor accommodation.
- Council priorities: parks and streetscaping, footpaths, public toilets and public transport rated highest.
- Stakeholder themes: no strong destination brand, little to do at night, limited meeting space and accommodation, and strengths in trails, heritage and First Nations culture.
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