NSW Coast Travel Guides

A holiday hot spot on the Tweed Coast, Kingscliff is a popular leisure and lifestyle destination known for its picturesque coastline, pristine beaches, southern reef break and world-class surfing. Within minutes of lush rainforest, Kingscliff is home to a number of cultural, historical and natural attractions including the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Fingal Lighthouse and Point Danger Lookout.

Home to 26 stunning beaches and a number of sheltered bays, Port Stephens is a popular coastal holiday destination ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and a range of family friendly activities. Aside from popular beaches like Fingal Spit and One Mile Beach, Port Stephens is famous for its resident bottle nose dolphins and whale watching.

Stretching from the outskirts of the Gold Coast as far south as the beachside town of Byron Bay, Tweed Heads is a popular holiday destination renowned for its beautiful beaches, great surfing, relaxed lifestyle and sub-tropical climate. Surrounded by the crater of an extinct volcano, the region is home to a number of natural attractions as well as shopping, dining and entertainment.

Located just off the Pacific Highway, Byron Bay is Australia's most easterly point and is renowned as a laid back seaside holiday destination. Home to scenic hinterland, beautiful beaches and world-famous surfing, Byron Bay also offers plenty of shopping, dining, partying and water activities like swimming, scuba diving and whale watching.

The cultural heart of the hinterland and coast, Ballina is a commercial town that boasts its own unique style and character. A playground for beach goers, surfers, fishermen, boaties and eco-adventurers, Ballina is home to antique boutiques, maritime history, museums, cafes, river cruises, art and craft and plenty of natural attractions.

A laid-back coastal escape on the New South Wales north coast perched at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba is the perfect mix of childhood beachside holiday nostalgia and contemporary coastal chic. A haven for wildlife, watersports and outdoor activities, this relaxed coastal escape is buzzing with all the culture of Byron Bay without the influx of influencers.

One of the state's largest cities, Coffs Harbour is a popular holiday destination that offers a relaxing atmosphere, wonderful weather, lush rainforest and stunning beaches. Home to marine parks, banana plantations, waterfalls and national parks, Coffs Harbour also offers a surf museum and a unique cartoon museum as well as a number of other landmarks and attractions.

Named after the Aboriginal word for 'entrance to water', Nambucca Heads sits at the mouth of the Nambucca River midway between Sydney and Brisbane. A short drive south of Coffs Harbour, the relaxed seaside holiday haven reveals unexpected beauty at every turn. Uncrowded beaches, verdant rainforest, coastal national parks and sparkling estuaries provide a playground for endless leisure pursuits.

Located just off the highway, South West Rocks is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. Often bypassed by holiday makers, this picturesque coastal town is ideal for visitors looking for a calm and quiet place to unwind. Avoiding excessive development over the years, the charming town features just enough of the creature comforts while possessing a rich and fascinating heritage just waiting to be explored.

Once a mecca for surfing enthusiasts, Crescent Head is now a popular yet hidden coastal holiday gem. One of Australia's National Surfing Reserves, this hang ten hotspot also offers outstanding bushwalks, spectacular national parks and fantastic fishing. The perfect place to get away from it all, a visit to Crescent Head means doing as much or as little as you like. Get out and explore the regions more active pursuits or kick back, relax and get your beach bum on.

Renowned as a vibrant beach town, Port Macquarie is a coastal holiday destination home to picturesque waterways, canals, creeks, bays, the Pacific Ocean and Hastings River. Offering walking trails, scenic gardens and outstanding beaches, Port Macquarie also boasts an old courthouse, maritime museum, koala hospital and more.

Situated within the coastal region of Port Stephens, Nelson Bay is a holiday playground renowned for its beautiful beaches, snorkelling, diving, marine life and the famous Stockton Sand Dunes at Stockton Beach. The region is home to a range of natural attractions including the popular 'Looking Glass' spit that runs through the centre of the island.

Within minutes of the famous Hunter Valley wine region, Newcastle is a popular holiday destination on the Hunter River and is Australia's oldest sea port. Boasting everything from beaches to mountains, Newcastle is home to the Barrington Top National Park, the maritime history of Fort Scratchley, bushwalking, surfing and gourmet food and wine experiences.

Connected to the Tasman Sea, Lake Macquarie is a picturesque holiday destination in the Hunter region and is also the largest saltwater coastal lake in Australia. Twice the size of Sydney Harbour, the lake is just minutes from the township and is popular for swimming, fishing, water skiing, surfing and boating.

Once a rural dairy village, the sleepy seaside village of Gerringong is located atop dramatic headland on the New South Wales South Coast. Just two hours south of Sydney, this popular holiday spot is flanked by a unique and stunning combination of coastal beaches and rolling farmland offering everything from swimming and surfing to vineyards, cellar doors and microbreweries, boutiques, art galleries, workshops and cooking classes.

Derived from the term 'mollymawk', a nickname sailors used for a small albatross species, Mollymook is named after the local birdlife who make a regular guest appearance. However this beachside paradise is known for a whole lot more these days. An aquatic playground and foodies delight, this holiday hotspot offers everything from stunning beaches and marine life to a laid-back lifestyle of fine dining, outdoor recreation and a lush golf course with gorgeous views.