North Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

North Coast
North Coast
North Coast
North Coast
North Coast

Experience some of New South Wales’ best wildlife spotting, dine on delicious seafood and explore pristine beaches backed by World Heritage forest.

New South Wales’ North Coast is a breathtaking strip of coastline where the rolling hills of the hinterland unfurl into the hypnotic blue of the Pacific Ocean. Stretching from Sydney to the northern border of the state at Tweed HeadsOpens in a new window, the North Coast has a varied landscape of idyllic beaches and rugged headlands interspersed with laid-back coastal towns and ancient forests. Treat yourself to the daily catch of fresh seafood and visit historic maritime landmarks. Go on a kayaking adventure through tranquil waterways, rise with the sun and hit perfect surf breaks or snorkel with wild turtles.

Visit some of the North Coast’s cities and towns and enjoy the laid-back charm of coastal living. In NewcastleOpens in a new window, New South Wales’ second-largest city, you’ll find an exciting arts scene and the renowned surf breaks of Merewether Beach. Take a stroll on the coastal promenade of the Bathers Way. Savor the fresh local produce at Port MacquarieOpens in a new window’s renowned food festivals or head to Coffs HarbourOpens in a new window to see the iconic Big Banana. YambaOpens in a new window is famed for its prawns. Stand on mainland Australia’s most easterly point at Cape Byron, situated next to the relaxed beach town of Byron BayOpens in a new window.

Explore the North Coast’s awe-inspiring wilderness. Go snorkeling around the Solitary Islands Marine Park to see turtles or go kayaking in Bongil Bongil National Park. Hike in Wollumbin National Park or explore the rainforest canopy on a skywalk in Dorrigo National Park.

One of the best ways to experience the different landscapes of this beautiful region is by exploring the Legendary Pacific Drive. Heading north from Sydney, this touring route passes through 48 national parks and 12 state forests.

Fly into several regional airports along the coast and rent a car to explore the area at your own pace. Intercity buses and charter tours are also available. Visit the region in summer for beach days in the sunshine or check out the coast in winter to spot migratory whales.

With captivating seaside towns, great cuisine and exciting adventures, the North Coast is an unbeatable destination for a family vacation, romantic retreat or fun-filled road trip.

Where to stay in North Coast

Sawtell

Sawtell

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Sawtell. You might want to make time for a stop at Sawtell Main Beach or Boambee Beach.

Sawtell
Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Woolgoolga Beach and Woolgoolga Creek Falls.

Woolgoolga
Emerald Beach

Emerald Beach

Emerald Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Emerald Beach and Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Emerald Beach
Sapphire beach, Coffs Harbour, Australia

Sapphire Beach

Unique features of Sapphire Beach include the beaches and gardens. Make a stop by Sapphire Beach or Campbells Beach while you're exploring the area.

Sapphire Beach
Park Beach

Park Beach

While visiting Park Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Park Beach Plaza and Park Beach.

Park Beach
Moonee Beach

Moonee Beach

While visiting Moonee Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Sapphire Beach and Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Moonee Beach
Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Pacific Hwy And Bay Drive Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is ฿3,210 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
฿3,210
฿3,531 total
2 Jun - 3 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The carpet was wet probably due to the humidity. I had to walk up the stairs to the room. Parking wasn’t easy to maneuver due to the small size. Couldn’t sleep due to the humidity in the room."

Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Pacific Bay Resort
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

4.5 out of 5
265 Sandy Point Road Salamander Bay NSW
The price is ฿4,193 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
฿4,193
฿4,193 total
31 May - 1 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,588 reviews)
"Unit was tastefully decorated. Few soiled stains on carpet and lounge"

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Comfort Resort Waters Edge

Comfort Resort Waters Edge

3.5 out of 5
1 Buller Street Port Macquarie Nsw 2444 Port Macquarie NSW
The price is ฿3,940 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
฿3,940
฿4,334 total
31 May - 1 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Port Macquarie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful view Easy to walk to Main Street, clubs, movies"

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Comfort Resort Waters Edge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

4.5 out of 5
265 Sandy Point Road Salamander Bay NSW
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,588 reviews)
"Unit was tastefully decorated. Few soiled stains on carpet and lounge"

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

4 out of 5
35-45 Shoal Bay Rd Shoal Bay NSW
Stay at this aparthotel in Shoal Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,162 reviews)
"Nice area with good dining options and some lovely staff"

Reviewed on 25 May 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street Nelson Bay NSW
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,606 reviews)
"Location was great. Cleanliness of apartment very poor."

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Mantra Nelson Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near North Coast