From history to epic headlands, sand dunes to surfing, rainforests to multi-awarded restaurants, the New South Wales North Coast specialises in serving up something for everyone.
Starting from the Central Coast and a long and windy road trip towards the Gold Coast, there are ocean adventures to be found, vibrant culture to experience and stunning memorials from the Second World War to see.
So buckle up and get set to see it all in a single drive or simply pick a spot and soak up the scene.
Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway. A Brisbane to Sydney drive (or the reverse) is a rite ...
The former industrial-turned-surfy town of Newcastle is about 2 hours 20 minutes from the bustle of Sydney and is easily accessible by train from Central Station or Greyhound bus leaving 3 times daily.
The rest of the major stops along the North Coast, such as Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Clarence Valley and Byron Bay are also accessible via bus service, however for the sake of convenience a car is going to provide you with the most freedom and accessibility to some of the coast’s most memorable experiences. We recommend a solid seven days road trip to stop in and enjoy some of the highlights.
As the first eco destination in NSW, the Coffs Coast is an unspoiled playground of natural beauty. From ocean activities to bush r...
Surf beaches, nostalgic coastal towns and dense tropical wilderness – the road trip from Yamba to Byron Bay really does have it ...
Driving from Sydney to Yamba might involve winding along the NSW coast, but if you stick solely to the Pacific Highway you’ll ac...
Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and 45 minutes north of Port Macquarie, the Macleay Valley Coast combines a magnificence of be...
The revival of Gumbaynggirr language has been central to the strong cultural identity evident in the local Indigenous community on...
Go for the surf and beaches. Stay for everything else from Indigenous art to swimming with whales. There are waves being made on ...
Whether you're after a coastal drive, the sight of a winding road cutting through a barren landscape or a the beauty of mountains ...
One of the most awe-inspiring hikes on the North Coast is found in Dorrigo, close to Coffs Harbour and past the charming artist hub of Bellingen. The drive to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is an experience in itself, cutting a steep path beneath mysterious shade-covered roads, finally opening up to hyper-green pastures at the peak of the climb. Once at the centre, sign up for a guided walk through the lush ancient forest towards the impressive Crystal Shower Falls. Or if you’re time-poor simply step out onto the Skywalk, which offers uninterrupted views down across the rainforest towards the sea and an excellent opportunity to spot birdlife.
There are never-ending opportunities to stop and swim on route along the North Coast, however, those keen to stretch their kayak skills should make a stop of Lake Macquarie, a natural saltwater reserve and perfect calm waters to row upon. Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire are a completely mobile hire company that delivers kayaks and stand up paddleboards wherever they’re needed in the local area.
If you prefer to delve a little deeper then Solitary Islands Marine Park in Coffs Harbour is a haven for avid scuba divers and snorkelers. However, this is just one of the many beautiful and largely untouched nature reserves along the North Coast. Be sure to also put Julian Rocks in Byron Bay, Cook Island Aquatic Reserve near Tweed Heads, and Fly Point-Halifax Aquatic Reserve in Port Stephens on your radar.
First things first, pack your sunscreen because you’re going to be spending some serious time on the sand. Mereweather Beach near Newcastle is an early highlight thanks to its bluer-than-blue ocean baths. Here swimmers calmly swim laps as ways crash and spray dramatically along the adjacent rocks.
Once you arrive in Port Stephens though you’ll have some 26 stunning beaches to choose from. Shoal Bay is famous with holidaymakers for its white sands, abundant koalas and regular whale watching sights. The calm waters also make it a favourite with kayakers and paddle-boarders. Romance lovers will adore the azure blues of Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest, a secluded 14km stretch of sand between Seal Rocks and Yacaaba Headland.
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For close to 90 years, the Clarence Valley city of Grafton has been celebrating the arrival of spring with their efferve...
For close to 90 years, the Clarence Valley city of Grafton has been celebrating the arrival of spring with their effervescent jaca...
The sleepy NSW beach town you need to know about now. Located in the Pacific Palms region of NSW's North Coast, the tiny township...
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Whether you're getting hands-on or enjoying as a spectator, the art scene in Newcastle is as dazzling as it is diverse. We scoure...
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Here’s our guide to what you simply cannot miss when visiting the charming coastal village of Yamba. The seaside village of Yam...
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A stretch of Pacific-fringed oceanic beauty, the Macleay Valley Coast is a glittering chain of sapphire-hued beaches. Tucked betw...
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Beyond its beautiful beaches, Port Macquarie is now known for its sophisticated food and wine scene, as well as its sustainability...
Map out your sun-filled holiday in Port Stephens with this guide to its beaches and bays Flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side...
Increase your chances of spotting whales (and dolphins!) in Port Stephens with this handy guide. Port Stephens is an aquatic wond...
From swimming with wild dolphins and seeing whales up close or hiking to the top of Mt Tomaree through bushland brimming with wild...
From patrolled beaches for families to rolling surf for experienced surfers and stunning rock pools, here’s our insider’s guid...
Here is how to hit the Stockton sand dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands. The Stockton Bight sand dunes stretch 32 kilometres ...
From steel city, to city of style, sass and substance, Newcastle is a region that has been well and truly revitalised. The city o...
Get into the rhythm of life in Port Macquarie in these toes-in-the-sand hotspots. If you took a fish-eye view of Port Macquarie, ...
Whether you’re visiting sick koalas in hospital, filling a bucket with fresh fruit at Ricardo’s Tomatoes, or riding a horse al...
Whether you're into building sandcastles or catching waves, Byron Bay has a beach for you. When it comes to great beaches, Byron ...
Lace up your boots and head out for a walk or hike to best appreciate Byron Bay. The best Byron Bay walks and hikes are those tha...
The natural beauty of the Central Coast remains the destination’s enduring attraction and protecting it has become the region’...
Holidaying with the family is one of life’s great joys. You can spend time away from the chaos of everyday life, reconnecting wi...
Byron Bay: the land of sun, sand and sea. It’s the place where wandering tourists bask in soul-reviving sunshine – until it st...
The Tweed is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance; this under-the radar gem on the NSW North Coast has been quietly gathering a ...
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These sleepy towns will reel you in with their underrated beauty and charm. On the Lower Mid North Coast of NSW, the Ba...
Sealy Lookout provides a perfect perch to get your bearings, with the Forest Sky Pier offering staggering coastal views over the city.
Just 30-minutes drive from Coffs Harbour is the artistic town of Bellingen. It’s often touted as a hinterland alternative to Byron Bay but Bellingen has its own special energy thanks to the inspiring rolling hills of nearby Promised Land and quaint coffee shops and galleries.
And what self-respected road tripper can resist the kitschy charms of The Big Banana Fun Park. One part a museum dedicated to the wonder of (yes, you guessed it) the banana. The other, a full-blown theme park ideal for little travellers needing to stretch their legs and let off some steam. It’s weird and completely wonderful.
Boat ghosts AND the great outdoors, Port Macquarie blends a whole lot of history with heavenly scenery. The town was initially founded as a convict settlement, known for housing “the worst of the worst”, and there are a number of federation buildings and cemeteries from this era dotted around town waiting to be explored. All this flies in the face of Port Macquarie’s natural beauty, which is best enjoyed on one of the town’s many seaside strolls, such as the nine-kilometre hike between Lighthouse Beach and the Town Green.
Newcastle is a must-visit simply to experience the melange of cultures that fuse together in this coastal city. Here, straight-laced Victorian terrace houses rub shoulders with vibrant cosmopolitan cafes and buzzing energy of the artistic community. And then you’ve got the laid-back surfers strolling past businessmen and women in suits. It can be discombobulating but in the best way possible. Stop for lunch on the deck at the famous Honeysuckle Hotel, looking out onto the Newcastle Harbour. Then sink your teeth into some history at Fort Scratchley, a former 1880 coastal defence station turned history museum dedicated to the city’s involvement in World Wars I and II.
Visiting Byron Bay is just as much about exploring its breathtaking Bundjalung Country hinterland towns as it is about lying on th...
Twenty years ago, if you were looking for a laid-back beach holiday in New South Wales, Byron Bay was your best bet. But with Byro...
The stretch from Yamba to Coffs Harbour might be short (just under 1.5 hours), but there are some great little stop-offs worth con...
The arrival of its first boutique hotel has helped usher in a new era of cool for Yamba. But the appeal of this quintessential coa...
In addition to its pretty coastline and perfect latitude, the Coffs Coast has an abundance of innovative places to lap up the suns...
With its lush, green landscape folding into a quirky, historic townscape, there’s a certain magic to this hinterland hub that sp...
An archetypical Aussie holiday town defined by its lakes and beaches, Forster is a recipe for recreation and relaxation. One of th...
With 26 beaches and bays, a backdrop of ever-shifting sand dunes and large pockets of lush coastal forest, Port Stephens is a magn...
One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint while on the Coffs Coast is to support destinations and businesses that a...
Port Macquarie is no longer overlooked by road-trippers making a beeline for Brisbane or Sydney. Initially conceived as Australia...
Elise Hassey showcases the essence of Yamba - one of New South Wales' most iconic coastal haunts. With idyllic weather and temper...
Coffs Harbour is known for a comically large Big Banana plantation and incredible coastal weather, but it’s also surrounded by v...
With a secluded retreat designed for maximum relaxation, a fantastic regional art gallery and next-level produce enriched by volca...
You could say it is almost a rite of passage for Aussie families on their annual road trip to make a pitstop at the Big Banana in ...
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Relax in style at Byron Bay’s abundant array of accommodations, where beach bungalows and boutique hideaways capture t...
Halcyon House on Cabarita Beach can’t be beaten for views both outdoors AND indoors, where the inspiring coast-luxe interiors take centre stage in this five-star take on a typical Aussie beach resort. Those hunting for a more Hamptons-esque escape will love The Anchorage in Port Stephens, a venue that finds the balance between the streamlined beauty of the local marina and the rugged bushland surrounding the town.
From Newcastle to Cabarita, there are hotels to suit any style and budget but a few highlights include the familiar reliability of Rydges Newscastle , which is conveniently located along historic Honeysuckle Parade. In Port Macquarie, The Mantra Observatory offers the flexibility of apartment-style accommodations and the amenities of the luxury resort. In Coffs Harbour the Break Free Anuka Beach is a hit with families that require a few extra entertainment facilities without the stuffiness of a full-blown hotel.
Stockton Beach is one of Australia’s most loved destinations and the NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is a crowd pleaser for its well-catered amenities, accommodations styles ranging from tent sites, caravan hook ups, all the way to beachside villas.
Escape the grind and find your bliss in Byron Bay’s most luxurious surroundings. Luxury accommodation in Byron Bay is all abou...
The breezy beach town of Yamba has soared in popularity over the last decade. The best way to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle? Renti...
With a big focus on sustainability and community, a holiday at Reflections Coffs Harbour will leave you feeling good in more ways ...
There’s accommodation to suit all kinds of travellers in Port Stephens – no matter your budget, needs or style. You can affor...
From the beach to the bush, and all along the picturesque coastline, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay on NSW’s Central...
From spectacular sites with million-dollar ocean or river views to places to pull up your posh motorhome, here are our picks of th...
Whether you’re seeking exploration, adventure, pampering or the perfect hideaway, it’s time to set sail to your very own utopi...
Searching for the best accommodation in Yamba? You’ve come to the right place. The laid-back beach town of Yamba has long been ...
We’ve rounded up the best hotels, resorts and Airbnbs in Coffs Harbour. From an absolute beachfront home that should be on the ...
Escape the city at these top camping grounds around Coffs Harbour. The thought of stargazing under a sky freckled with light, sle...
Make the most of your Byron holiday by staying right on the sand. The best Byron Bay beach houses are the ones that are as unders...
Camping is the quintessential old-school Aussie getaway. Think immersion in nature, communal jam sessions, toasted marshmallows, ...
Soak up some seriously serene Central Coast bliss with our top pick of boutique hotels. From Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana and Macm...
Byron Bay is as romantic as it is beautiful, making it the perfect place to celebrate with your significant other. Now you’ve p...
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Come to the Northern Rivers for its incredible nature, beautiful waves and beaches, but stay for the food. It is not on...
As well as being a bohemian haven, Byron Bay is also a Mecca for foodies with some of the regions best dining found dotted between buskers. Fleet in Brunswick Heads is a small eatery with a big reputation, serving up an ever-changing menu of smaller dishes priced her head rather than per dish. Sidle into a seat and let the superb service of co-owner Astrid McCormack and savoury flavours by her partner and chef Josh Lewis satiate your hunger.
Cabarita Beach is renowned for its surfing and friendly small-town atmosphere. With the launch of Halcyon House in 2015, it’s now on the map for dreamy Instagram-friendly interiors and tastebud tingling food at the hotel’s restaurant, Paper Daisy. Headed up by executive chef Jason Barratt (formerly of the iconic Rae’s On Wategoes in Byron Bay), the venue has garnered multiple awards including two chefs hats in the Australian Good Food Guide 2019.
If you’re looking for a change of scene from the sea then make a stop in Mount Warning on the Tweed Range. The volcanic-formed mountain ranges here offer enough wow-factor for a stop but Mavis’s Kitchen is the icing on top. Located in an old ‘Queenslander’ at the base of the majestic Wollumbin-Mount Warning, Mavis’s menu takes full advantage of the fresh seasonal produce found in the local area (thanks to that red volcanic soil) and grown in their own kitchen garden.
A bunch of new drinking dens have joined Byron’s popular bar scene offering holidaymakers plenty of options for sophisticated si...
Byron Bay’s cafes are up there with some of the best in the country. Here is a list of some of our favourites. Byron Bay is one...
From fine dining to fish and chips and everything in between, the Port Stephens dining scene is diverse and ever-growing. As youâ...
​​Whether you’re planning a full-on eating itinerary or just stopping through town on your way to somewhere else, these are ...
The climate in Coffs Harbour and the bounty that it yields has led to some phenomenal food and drink experiences. With a focus on...
Taverna fuses North Coast NSW’s sleepy beach charm with old-world Greece. Craig Tansley samples the region’s best new offering...
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