North Coast

Travel Guide

Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor, a sandy beach and swimming
Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor, a sandy beach and swimming
Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor 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
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
Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Pacific Hwy And Bay Drive Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is ₩182,792 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
₩182,792
₩201,071 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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! (1,003 reviews)
Great staff, well appointed room, beautiful grounds, walk through to beach and so many activities on the property.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026

Pacific Bay Resort
Coffs Harbour Sanctuary Resort

Coffs Harbour Sanctuary Resort

3.5 out of 5
250 Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is ₩114,128 per night from Feb 5 to Feb 6
₩114,128
₩125,545 total
Feb 5 - Feb 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly motel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews)
The room size was enormous and the window was as wide as the room. It was different but we loved it. It was on the quiet side of the resort away from the kids in the pool 👍👍

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Coffs Harbour Sanctuary 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 ₩210,231 per night from Feb 3 to Feb 4
₩210,231
₩210,231 total
Feb 3 - Feb 4
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! (2,535 reviews)
Fantastic Resort & Location especially for families with kids

Reviewed on Jan 30, 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! (2,535 reviews)
Fantastic Resort & Location especially for families with kids

Reviewed on Jan 30, 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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,108 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 Jan 17, 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
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! (1,923 reviews)
Beautiful new clean room, nice size tv. Liked every thing

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near North Coast