North Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coffs Harbour featuring a bay or harbour, swimming and a beach
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
Coffs Harbour Marina showing a marina as well as a small group of people
Dorrigo National Park showing mountains, forests and views

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 featuring a sunset and general coastal views

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 featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and landscape views

Woolgoolga

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

Woolgoolga
Emerald Beach lighting up #coffscoast #sunrise 🙌

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 Solitary Islands Marine Park while you're exploring the area.

Sapphire Beach
Good to catch up with friends when we breezed through our hometown #coffscoast recently. This particular morning the ocean was just 👌#seeaustralia #stimages2016roadtrip

Moonee Beach

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

Moonee Beach
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Red Rock

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Red Rock. You might want to make time for a stop at Red Rock Beach or Corindi Beach.

Red Rock
Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Pacific Hwy And Bay Drive Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is ₹12,003 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
₹12,003
₹13,203 total
31 Jan - 1 Feb
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! (1,006 reviews)
Clean was clean, service from every body was amazing! Food was great 👌 we had a great trip

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Pacific Bay Resort
Zebra Motel

Zebra Motel

3.5 out of 5
27 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is ₹9,132 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
₹9,132
₹10,055 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (778 reviews)
I have stayed at this Hotel many times in the past as a Sales Rep. I was amazed that there was no restaurant onsite for dinner or breakfast. I recall the "African" style menu for dinner was a real crowd pleaser and that coupled with a couple of drinks just completed the day nicely. The exhaust fan ...

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Zebra Motel
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 ₹14,023 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
₹14,023
₹14,023 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,532 reviews)
The pool and facilities were good, the rooms could do with a refresher.

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

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.
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,532 reviews)
The pool and facilities were good, the rooms could do with a refresher.

Reviewed on 8 Jan 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,106 reviews)
Our room was spacious, and generally quite clean. Nice to have a fan available for the bedroom as there wasn’t an air conditioner (or tv) in there. Bathroom/shower recess was a little moldy/dirty. Fridge frosted up and not closing properly. Staff were very helpful. Great location, some of the surrounds ...

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Aqualuna Beach Resort

Aqualuna Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
94 Solitary Islands Way Korora NSW
Stay at this aparthotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a garden. Popular attractions Big Banana Fun Park and Sapphire Beach are located ...
7/10 Good! (1,983 reviews)
Great location, 5 min walk to beach

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Aqualuna Beach 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

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