North Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coffs Harbour featuring a bay or harbour, swimming and a beach
Coffs Harbour showing a bay or harbour and swimming as well as a small group of people
North Coast
Dorrigo National Park showing mountains, forests and views
Port Macquarie featuring a bay or harbour, surf and surfing

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

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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
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Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and Woolgoolga Beach.

Woolgoolga
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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
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Sapphire Beach

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

Sapphire Beach
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Moonee Beach

While visiting Moonee Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Sapphire Beach and Moonee Beach Nature Reserve.

Moonee Beach
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Korora

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Korora. A stop by Bruxner Park Flora Reserve or Kororo Nature Reserve might round out your trip.

Korora
Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is ₹16,850 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹16,850
₹18,624 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,471 reviews)
"We had a fantastic 2-night stay at the Mantra Nelson Bay Aqua! The location is absolutely perfect — just a short stroll to cafes, restaurants, and everything you need, making it incredibly convenient for a family getaway. The apartment itself was spacious, clean, and very comfortable, offering plenty ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

4 out of 5
35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay, NSW
The price is ₹9,097 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹9,097
₹10,007 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,034 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
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 ₹8,889 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
₹8,889
₹8,889 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,459 reviews)
"Friendly and obliging staff"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
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.
Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,471 reviews)
"We had a fantastic 2-night stay at the Mantra Nelson Bay Aqua! The location is absolutely perfect — just a short stroll to cafes, restaurants, and everything you need, making it incredibly convenient for a family getaway. The apartment itself was spacious, clean, and very comfortable, offering plenty ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
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 4-star 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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,034 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
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 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,459 reviews)
"Friendly and obliging staff"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near North Coast