Glittering beaches. Famous national parks. Iconic attractions. Unique experiences. And that’s just the beginning.

There is so much to see and do in North Coast NSW that you could write a novel about it.

From the cheap to the challenging, do yourself a favour and get stuck into these North Coast NSW treasures.

1. Admire the views in Port Stephens

Tomaree Head Summit is an Instagram favourite. A climb to the top along a 2.2km-long track reveals a gallery of picturesque, panoramic views that magnificently frame Port Stephens and its sensational coastline. Sensational.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point or BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park

2. Go bananas for big things

Australia’s collection of big things has a major star in North Coast NSW: Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana. And it's more than just a pretty face: This attraction is home to a fun park boasting an assortment of rides, attractions, and other entertainment.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park and BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park in Coffs Harbour.

3. Delve into Dorrigo National Park

Gem-rich national parks are dotted throughout North Coast NSW, and this is among the best of them. Dorrigo is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and is highlighted by an expansive Skywalk lookout and epic Crystal Shower Falls. The park is reached 70km west of Coffs Harbour.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park and BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park in Coffs Harbour

4. Add your touch to Nambucca Heads' V-Wall

Colourful, creative, interactive. Best described as an ever-growing ‘art gallery’ of graffiti-covered rocks, the V-Wall is a local landmark. And you can get in on the action and keep the tradition alive by painting a rock and leaving your own holiday message.

Nearby park: BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park.

5. Explore magical Myall Lakes National Park

The epic park features a massive coastal lake system that's well-suited to water leisure alongside brilliant beaches, NSW’s tallest tree, and a succession of jaw-dropping vistas best enjoyed from Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks. Myall Lakes is just 15km southeast of Bulahdelah.

Nearby park: BIG4 River Myall Holiday Resort in Bulahdelah.

6. Explore Port Stephens' famous dunes 

Worimi Conservation Lands feature Australia’s largest sand dune system and are home to NSW’s longest beach. Quad biking and sand boarding are among thrilling activities to enjoy here, while photographers could spend all day composing pretty pics. Definitely one of the best things to do in Port Stephens.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point or BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park.

7. Be captivated by Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks

Gripping yarns from the past abound within these walls, or what’s left of them. While the gaol has been reduced to ruins, guided tours breathe life into its history and cover such themes as its role as an internment camp during World War I. As a bonus, the coastal vistas from here are spectacular.

Nearby park: NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort.

8. Play golf at beautiful Bonville

Just south of Coffs Harbour is one of the prettiest golf courses imaginable. Bonville Golf Resort is often likened to having a hit in a national park with lush fairways flanked by towering trees, while wildlife and bird species abound. Best of all, it’s easily accessible for the average golfer and a round won’t blow your entire holiday budget.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park and BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park.

9. Admire an Aussie icon at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital

This wildlife hospital is committed to conserving koalas, so a visit here is rewarding. Guided tours are full of interest, and of course there are plenty of opportunities to spot these cuddly creatures. Entry is free but a donation is always appreciated.

Nearby park: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills.

10. Swim in ocean baths at Black Head Beach, Hallidays Point

Brilliant beaches abound in North Coast NSW, and each warrants mention. We’re paying particular attention to Black Head Beach for its easily accessed ocean baths and are throwing in bonus points for the area’s beautiful backdrop of Norfolk pines.

Nearby park: BIG4 Happy Hallidays.

11. Enjoy the quiet life in Harrington

Among North Coast NSW’s rich appeal is its blend of vibrant cities and quiet villages for getaways both adventure-packed and relaxing. Harrington is certainly in the latter category. Located at the mouth of the Manning River and close to great beaches, this charm-filled village is irresistible for a laidback, battery-recharging break.

Nearby park: BIG4 Colonial Holiday Park.

12. Hit the ample waterways of Forster-Tuncurry

The NSW coast allows for myriad aquatic fun, and at Forster-Tuncurry it's taken to the extreme. The twin-towns allow easy access to the famed Great Lakes area and are home to inviting strips of sand like One Mile Beach and Main Beach. Whale watching, boating, fishing, diving, swimming, and much more are all enjoyed with ease from these parts.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry and BIG4 Colonial Holiday Park in nearby Harrington.

13. See it all in Sea Acres National Park

Planted just 5km south of Port Macquarie’s heart, this pretty park protects a significant slab of coastal rainforest that’s easily admired along an elevated boardwalk. Learn more about Sea Acres at its rainforest centre or join a guided tour to uncover the rich Indigenous connection to the area.

Nearby park: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills.

Plan your North Coast NSW getaway now. Choose a park below or click or tap here.