Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Chris sits down with Cameron Arnold — long-time local, tourism operator, and one of the key figures behind the evolution of Byron’s visitor economy.

They talk about Cameron’s early years growing up in Sydney, losing his father young, and finding his way through island life, hospitality, and eventually into Byron Bay in the early ’90s. From running hotels and building one of Australia’s first festival glamping operations to decades spent shaping tourism across the Northern Rivers, Cameron shares a lived perspective on how the industry has changed.

The conversation explores the realities of tourism in a place like Byron — the opportunities, the pressures, and the need for clear direction around what kind of destination this community wants to be. They also get into the idea of “product,” what’s missing locally, and how culture, environment, and community can be better reflected in the visitor experience.

A grounded and insightful conversation about tourism, community, and the future of the Byron Shire