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.

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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 Solitary Islands Marine Park.

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
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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
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

4.5 out of 5
265 Sandy Point Road Salamander Bay NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$218 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$218
26 May - 27 May
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! (2,585 reviews)
"Rooms are quite old and needs refurbishment. Our shutters even fell off! Probably our last visit until they do some majors renovations."

Reviewed on 16 May 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Pacific Hwy And Bay Drive Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is NZ$175 per night from 12 June to 13 June
NZ$175
12 June - 13 June
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great pools which were very clean. Loved being able to walk down the beach and onto other walking tracks. Enjoyed a tasty meal in a pleasant environment."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Pacific Bay Resort
Sanctuary Resort & TreeHouse Restaurant

Sanctuary Resort & TreeHouse Restaurant

3.5 out of 5
250 Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is NZ$135 per night from 25 May to 26 May
NZ$135
25 May - 26 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly motel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Tidy rooms, service was nice. Restaurant closed on weekends. No parking outside our room - short walk in the rain to the car. If you have issues with stairs/slopes I would not recommend. In all, for $141 a night for 3, it was a cheap stay."

Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Sanctuary Resort & TreeHouse Restaurant
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! (2,585 reviews)
"Rooms are quite old and needs refurbishment. Our shutters even fell off! Probably our last visit until they do some majors renovations."

Reviewed on 16 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! (2,158 reviews)
"Loved it here one of the best holidays weve had. Facilities were perfect we enjoyed the spa, pool and were surprised with the size of our room it was huge. Everything we needed was only a stone's throw away."

Reviewed on 18 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! (1,605 reviews)
"Love staying there.3rd time now.Close to everything and has all that we need. Staff are helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on 15 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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