Beaches & waterways

Bordered by two headlands, Sawtell Beach is a picturesque, patrolled beach, sheltered by an offshore island and rocky reef which creates a popular surf break. Learn to surf with Solitary Islands Surf School, or take a dip in the rockpool at the base of Bonville Headland. At the front of the Surf Club is a cafe, The Kiosk, the perfect place to soak up the sun over a morning coffee.

Sawtell Rock Pool, Sawtell - Credit: Gary Bell

South of the town is the Bongil Bongil National Park, featuring wild beaches and tranquil waterways where you can paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard with C-Change Adventures. Relax with a picnic at the Bongil Picnic Area, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife such as koalas and swamp wallabies; or take the Bundagaree Rainforest Walk or Bluff Loop Walking Track, which both wind through rainforest behind the sand dunes. The colourful birdlife in Bongil Bongil is remarkable, and there are breeding grounds for migratory birds such as the endangered little tern.

C-Change Adventures, Coffs Harbour

One of the most popular spots for kids to play at is Boambee Creek Reserve, just to the north, where you can kayak, paddleboard, swim and paddle in the shallow waters. There's a great playground in the reserve and it's dog friendly. C-Change Adventures also runs tours here or you can hire equipment and explore on your own.

Boambee Beach, Sawtell - Credit: Coffs Coast Visitor Services

Sawtell Headland is one of the best land-based whale watching spots on the Coffs Coast. They regularly pass close to shore between May and November – for more tips, see our guide to whale watching on the Coffs Coast. For a closer encounter, book a cruise with an operator such as Jetty Dive Centre, which also runs scuba diving and snorkelling charters into the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a rich meeting point of tropical and temperate marine life just off the Coffs Coast.

Sawtell Headland, Sawtell - Credit: Gary Bell

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Copyright: Oceanwide images

Wine & dine

Shaded by iconic Moreton Bay figs, First Avenue in Sawtell is a sophisticated strip lined with alfresco cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Local favourites include the all-day breakfast at Café TREEO; the Hilltop Store, helmed by former chefs from Aria in Sydney; Lime Mexican Sawtell for delicious Mexican and cocktails; and Village Takeaway for classic fish and chips or top notch burgers.

Lime Mexican Sawtell, Sawtell

For a refined night out, Bar Que Sera is a relaxed wine bar and Mediterranean restaurant on First Avenue with an outstanding wine list and share plates built around fresh local produce, while Taste Restaurant Sawtell is one of Coffs Harbour's hidden gems, delivering French-trained fine dining without the fuss. No visit is complete without a stop at the Sawtell Hotel, a beachside pub first opened in 1932. Freshly renovated with a Mediterranean-inspired fit-out, it serves up pub classics and cold drinks just a short stroll from Sawtell Beach.

Sawtell Hotel, Sawtell - Credit: Welcome Hospitality

Recreation & wellness

Golfers are well catered for at Sawtell Golf Club, a picturesque 18-hole course just 500 metres from the village, with clubhouse dining and a lounge bar for a drink on the '19th hole'. Afterwards, unwind at Figtree Day Spa on First Avenue, a boutique wellness sanctuary offering beauty therapies, massage and Yin Yoga sessions in its own studio.

Figtree Day Spa, Sawtell - Credit: Jay and the Trees

Exciting events

Sawtell's calendar is anchored by the much-loved Sawtell Chillifest, held on First Avenue on the first Saturday in July. Now more than two decades old, it draws over 13,000 visitors for chilli-inspired food stalls, cooking demonstrations, live music and the famous chilli-eating competition. In June, the nine-day Sawtell WinterSun brings people together across the town during the cooler months with live music, a surf comp, family-friendly experiences and the WinterSun Food Bowl. On New Year’s Day, join in the celebrations at Sawtell Super Fun Day, which has been running for more than 100 years.

Where to stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Sawtell. Sawtell Beach Shacks are two luxe beach houses just a few steps from the beach, each sleeping up to six. Boambee Bay Resort is set in lush tropical gardens and has modern units plus multiple pools, sports courts and playgrounds. BIG4 Sawtell Beach proves that budget accommodation doesn't mean you can't still have the best location and views, with everything from camp sites to villas. For classic pub accommodation, the Sawtell Hotel also offers family, queen ensuite, bunk and single rooms just 100 metres from the beach.

BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park. Sawtell - Credit: Coffs Coast State Park

Getting there

Sawtell is just over 5.5 hours’ drive from Sydney and only 15 minutes south of Coffs Harbour. Or take things slow and make this a memorable stop on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip, as you explore the spectacular NSW North Coast. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, which takes just under nine hours. Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour Airport. If you don’t drive here, hiring a car is the best way to explore the Coffs Coast region and its many scenic drives, including the Waterfall Way.