It’s one of Australia’s most celebrated areas, and it demands the hype.
North Coast NSW has stretches of coastline so glittering they’d outshine a fairy convention; backed by spectacular lakes and rivers and the endless water activity it all encourages.
It’s a patch filled with beauty: rainforest-clad pockets, towering waterfalls, epic sand dunes, first-rate attractions, and much else.
Keen to learn more? Keep scrolling. This cheat sheet will ensure you’re a region expert in the twinkle of an eye.
Where to start. For context, the sub-region of Port Stephens alone has a hefty 20-plus beaches, so sand and surf abound. These are some with strong appeal:
Between June and November, humpback whales can be reliably glimpsed frolicking in these waters as part of their annual northern migration. Key locations to watch these awe-inspiring creatures include Port Stephens, Forster-Tuncurry, and South West Rocks. For front-row access, join a whale-watching cruise.
If there is an aquatic activity, it’s bound to be enjoyed in North Coast NSW. Boating, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, jet-skiing, and much more are achieved with ease from ample locations, and with options aplenty for equipment hire. Additionally, the region delivers these highlights:
Diving/snorkelling
Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park and Solitary Islands Marine Park, north of Coffs Harbour, are rich with sea creatures, coral, and more.
South West Rocks serves up outstanding diving conditions, too: Fish Rock Cave is highly regarded.
Dolphin swims
This thrilling activity operates within the marine park in Port Stephens and provides an unforgettable experience. If you want to avoid getting wet, join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Boat cruises
Options for a gentle glide include:
The region hoards an enviable collection of treasure-rich parks, some home to those brilliant beaches. These are all worthy of your footprints:
Kids can’t possibly complain that there isn’t enough to do in North Coast NSW. Here are some of many highlights:
Port Stephens
Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie
Nambucca Heads
From museums to galleries, this region has plenty to entertain. Visit these absorbing attractions:
Along with myriad photo ops at beaches, national parks, and other attractions listed above, we’re pulling out a few other beauties.
North Coast NSW is home to one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet. Bonville Golf Resort, south of Coffs Harbour, has picked up more awards than the regular club wielder has grabbed birdies, and its layout delivers an experience likened to playing a round in a national park. The lush fairways are surrounded by towering trees and home to myriad wildlife. Best of all, the course is easily accessible to the social golfer.
All this exploring deserves a hearty wine, and you’re in luck.
The Hastings River Wine Region is small but boasts quality with cellar doors sprinkled near Port Macquarie and Wauchope.
Try Cassegrain Wines – its Verdelho deserves special mention – or head to Bago Maze and Winery and pair tastings with its mighty labyrinth challenge.
Or stop by Sunset+Vine in Port Stephens – its hilltop location is sensational for sipping wine while peering at the coastline.
Additionally, the region teems with craft breweries and distilleries.
We have loads of quality holiday parks dotted across the region. Click on a graphic below or see all parks in North Coast NSW here.
Want more? Check out this insightful guide to Northern NSW.