10 of the best beaches on the NSW North Coast

Killick Beach, Crescent Head

Great for: surfing and nearby camping

Surfing is at the very core of Crescent Head with its legendary long, slow right-hand break off Killick Beach recognised as a National Surfing Reserve. Budding surfers can get started on the waves with lessons from Crescent Head Learn to Surf or On Point Surf School.

Home to the annual Malibu Classic for amateur longboarders, this beach is also ideal for families, with a sheltered cove and good picnic facilities. You can stay nearby at Waves Campground, Delicate Campground and Crescent Head Holiday Park or dedicate your whole holiday to surfing with a stay at Surfaris Retreat.

More popular surf breaks on the North Coast: Angourie Beach, Lennox Head Beach, Racecourse Beach and Point Plomer

Killick Beach, Crescent Head

Caves Beach, Swansea

Great for: sea caves and photography

East of Lake Macquarie, this beach on the Swansea peninsula is named for the network of sculptural sea caves spread along its southern end. Accessible at low tide, they are wondrous to explore and make a stunning backdrop for photos. Caves Beach is patrolled during the warmer months, and is an ideal spot for swimmers and surfers.

More picture-perfect beaches on the North Coast: Sapphire Beach, Zenith Beach and Main Beach

Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie

Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff

Great for: coastal town atmosphere, proximity to shops and cafes, and surfing

Renowned for always having a wave thanks to its consistent break, Cabarita Beach’s turquoise waters are a National Surfing Reserve. Stretching alongside independent coffee shops, surf shops and a day spa, the 'Caba', as it’s known to locals, is a charming holiday spot. Soak up views of this famous surf break and The Tweed region from Norries Headland and Boardwalk. Stay overnight at the retro-chic Halcyon House, eating at the in-house restaurant Paper Daisy, which pairs an extensive gin menu and fresh seafood with water views.

More beaches in charming North Coast towns: Sawtell Beach, Pippi Beach and Arrawarra Beach

Cabarita Beach, North Coast

Emerald Beach, Coffs Harbour

Great for: family-friendly beach days and wildlife spotting

The glistening jewel of a lovely seaside village near Woolgoolga, Emerald Beach is a quiet spot with calm waters for relaxed swims. Stroll the child-friendly headland walk to see kangaroos, enjoy the beachside playground or tackle the beginner waves during a lesson with Solitary Island Surf School. Feast at cafes a short walk from the sand or let your dog roam free in the off‑leash areas.

More family-friendly beaches on the North Coast: Trial Bay Beach, Jimmys Beach and Shelley Beach

Emerald Beach, Coffs Coast

Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks

Great for: a sheltered bay for swimming with nearby amenities

Surrounded by towering pines at the end of South West Rocks’ main road, you’ll find Horseshoe Bay Beach. This sheltered area, patrolled by lifeguards in the warmer months, is popular with families seeking a relaxed swim. Picnic spots, barbecues, parking, bathrooms and a kiosk are all within a short walk. Fishermen frequent the breakwall, catching mulloway, bream, luderick, flathead and whiting, while campers from the holiday park enjoy easy access to this picturesque spot.

More beaches with calm waters on the North Coast: Elizabeth Beach and Jetty Beach

Horseshoe Bay Beach, South West Rocks

Yamba Main Beach, Clarence Valley

Great for: swimming and views from the nearby lighthouse

With an ocean pool built into the rocks at its southern end, Yamba Main Beach is popular with swimmers. Home to one of NSW's oldest surf lifesaving clubs, the beach is overlooked by The Kiosk Yamba and is close to the township of Yamba. Walk to the northern headland where Yamba Lighthouse offers great views of the sunrise all year and whale-watching November to May. The beach is patrolled on weekends and during school holidays between September and Easter, and has well-considered disabled access.

More North Coast beaches with scenic lighthouses: Fingal Bay Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Little Wategos Beach and Nobbys Beach

The Kiosk Yamba, Yamba - Credit: My Clarence Valley

Diamond Head Beach, Barrington Coast

Great for: wildlife spotting and camping

Located at the northern tip of the Barrington Coast, Diamond Head Beach is easily recognised thanks to its iconic rock formations. For breathtaking views, hike the Diamond Head Loop Track, which is accessible from the beach and stretches across the rocky headland south to Kylies Beach. 4WDs can drive on Diamond Head Beach to the nearby campground – just keep an eye out for the resident eastern grey kangaroos. It's common to see them skipping across the white sand or even taking a dip in the ocean.

More beaches great for wildlife spotting on the North Coast: Moonee Beach and Nine Mile Beach

Diamond Head Beach, Diamond Head

Blueys Beach, Pacific Palms

Great for: views and water sports

Located in the beautiful Pacific Palms area within the Forster region, which is named after the distinctive cabbage tree palms that dot the area, Blueys Beach has great swimming and surfing. With views across to Seal Rocks, you and your dog can enjoy the natural beauty, just check what times they are allowed on‑leash.

More stunning beaches in the Pacific Palms area: Boomerang Beach, Cellito Beach, Elizabeth Beach and Shelly Beach

Blueys Beach, Pacific Palms

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

Great for: dolphin-watching and waterfront dining

A peaceful, sheltered beach on the northern side of Cape Byron, Wategos Beach is protected by the headland from the wilder waters beyond. A popular picnic spot with barbecues available, bottlenose dolphins also frequent this area, showing off their surfing skills on the incoming waves. After your swim, tackle the steep steps at the beach’s end up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point. Stay overnight in one of the waterfront Raes Guesthouses, indulging in spanner crab or bay lobster in their Dining Room.

More beaches with waterfront dining on the North Coast: Cabarita Beach, Boomerang Beach and Valla Beach

Raes Dining Room, Bryon Bay - Credit: Raes Dining Room

Stockton Beach, Port Stephens

Great for: 4WDing, sand dunes and adventure sports

Extending for more than 30 kilometres, Stockton Beach is by far the longest in Port Stephens. 4WD along this stretch of sand as you take in the views to Newcastle. It backs on to the famed Stockton Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands, which you can explore on a quad bike with Sand Dune Adventures or race down on a sandboard with Sand Dune Safaris.

More beaches for 4WDing on the North Coast: Nine Mile Beach, Old Bar Beach, Harrington Beach and South Smokey Beach

4WD Tours R US, Port Stephens