North Coast

Travel Guide

Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor, swimming and a sandy beach
Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor, swimming and a sandy beach
Coffs Harbour which includes swimming and a bay or harbor 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 which includes mountains, views and forests

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
Panoramic landscape of Coffs Harbour jetty and luxury real estate. Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

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
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
Opal Cove Resort

Opal Cove Resort

3 out of 5
Opal Blvd - Pacific Hwy Korora NSW
The price is P5,709 per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
P5,709
P6,280 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Nice and spacious, lovely view to the sea, clean and tidy. Restaurant on premises, very handy without having to drive.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2026

Opal Cove Resort
Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Pacific Hwy And Bay Drive Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is P7,459 per night from Feb 18 to Feb 19
P7,459
P8,204 total
Feb 18 - Feb 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Front desk service was brilliant right from the moment of walking in through reception felt very welcome and valued as a customer. Accomodation was clean and tidy and brilliant value for money. Facilities are unreal, will definitely be back.

Reviewed on Feb 9, 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 P8,578 per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
P8,578
P8,578 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (2,541 reviews)
Rooms were clean good location and friendly staff

Reviewed on Feb 8, 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
Book a stay at this 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! (2,541 reviews)
Rooms were clean good location and friendly staff

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Mantra Quayside

Mantra Quayside

4 out of 5
Cnr William Street and Short St Port Macquarie NSW
Book a stay at this 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! (1,931 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Mantra Quayside
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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,110 reviews)
Room clean .. staff nice .. room was way out the back and really expensive for a what we had

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal 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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