North Coast

Travel Guide

Coffs Harbour showing a bay or harbor, swimming and a beach
Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor and swimming as well as a small group of people
North Coast
Dorrigo National Park which includes forest scenes, mountains and views
Port Macquarie featuring a bay or harbor, surfing and waves
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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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
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Moonee Beach

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

Moonee Beach
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 RM452 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
RM452
RM452 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,414 reviews)
"Wonderful! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2025

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Zebra Motel
Zebra Motel
3.5 out of 5
27 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM404 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
RM404
RM444 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very good! (667 reviews)
Good for an overnight stop
"This hotel is ideal if needing somewhere to crash overnight whilst travelling the Pacific Highway. Staff were very friendly and check in was quick and efficient. Parking on site was free and easy to get a spot. The rooms are basic and could do with a refresh. Some of the furniture was scruffy and ..."

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2025

Zebra Motel
Hotel Nelson
Hotel Nelson
4 out of 5
1 Government Road, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is RM489 per night from 4 May to 5 May
RM489
RM489 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The property was quite lovely, well styled and functional and practical. Loved how central it was to the Main Street and the water too. Will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2025

Hotel Nelson
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 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,414 reviews)
"Wonderful! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2025

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 4-star aparthotel in Shoal Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very good! (1,983 reviews)
"Staff at reception were very friendly and helpful I spilt some nail polish on the floor at 3:15 approximately on Monday and I immediately reported it to reception. No one came before I left for an appointment at 4:10pm that day. Next morning I rang reception as the iron wasn’t working at around 7:45am ..."

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2025

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Mantra Quayside
Mantra Quayside
4 out of 5
Cnr William Street and Short St, Port Macquarie, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Port Macquarie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,810 reviews)
"Very welcoming friendly reception staff member. Room had a nice outlook over the area. Comfortable and modern. Safe and clean."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2025

Mantra Quayside
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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