Fast facts
- Beachside town with leisurely manners and a keen sense of style
- Framed by beaches and national park to the south
- 546 km north of Sydney, population 14,000
Why go there
Just south of Sawtell, Bongil Bongil National Park is a relatively small coastal park, yet it encompasses an array of rich and diverse plant and animal communities. With its unspoilt beaches, forests, wetlands, rainforest and pristine estuaries, the park offers an ideal setting for recreational activities.
The beaches range from stunning to superb, and since the new millennium, Sawtell has awoken from its seaside slumber to find that it’s been put on the style map. The town’s main street is divided by a median strip planted with enormous fig trees, which now provide shade for the chic cafes and designer stores that have taken root there. Today Sawtell is smart and relaxed, and far removed from the bustle of nearby Coffs Harbour, even at the peak of summer.
History
European settlement began in the 1860s, but Sawtell was always overshadowed by Coffs Harbour, which lies just six km to the north. It is only relatively recently that Sawtell has been discovered by a new kind of traveller who treasures its sleepy, barefoot character.
Things to do
- Wander along First Avenue with its many cafes, bistros, galleries and boutiques.
- Discover the exotic winged creatures at the Butterfly House Maze and Tea Rooms in nearby Bonville.
Events
- The Sawtell Chilli Festival held in July is hot stuff. Highlights of the festival include a chilli-eating competition, chilli drinking, races, woodchopping and entertainment for all.
Don’t miss
- Street markets, last Saturday of the month.
- The waves on Sawtell Beach.
- Picnic at the Boambee Creek Reserve.
- 18 holes at the superb Bonville International Golf Club.
- Coastal walks in Bongil Bongil National Park.
