North Coast Beaches

From the beautiful beaches to the world-class surf, the North Coast is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. You'll find plenty of things to do, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing. There are lovely walking trails along secluded beaches in magnificent national parks.

The wildlife is incredible, from kangaroos bouncing along the sand to dolphins riding the waves. You can even spot humpback whales between May and November. In some beachside national parks, such as Tomaree in Port Stephens or Bongil Bongil on the Coffs Coast, koalas doze in the treetops.

On marvellous coastal walks you’ll stroll over sandy beaches and through littoral rainforest up to headlands for spectacular views and whale watching during the annual migration. There are short walks and multiday hikes with campgrounds along the way, such as in the Yuraygir National Park.

The best coastal walks on the NSW North Coast include:

• Coastal walking track and Caves Beach near Swansea
• Bathers Way in Newcastle
• Booti Hill Lakeside walking track near Pacific Palms
• Port Macquarie coastal walk in Port Macquarie
• Solitary Islands coastal walk on the Coffs Coast
• Yuraygir coastal walk between Yamba and Wooli
• Aboriginal Cultural Ways in Ballina
• Cape Byron walking track in Byron Bay

All along the coast are stunning, uncrowded beaches - simply roll out your towel and relax. There are barbecue facilities in pretty reserves by some beaches, such as Fingal Bay Beach in Port Stephens, Flynns Beach in Port Macquarie, Jetty Beach in Coffs Harbour and Wategos Beach in Byron Bay.

World-class surf beaches dot the magnificent coast, which is easily accessible on the Legendary Pacific Coast driving route. The iconic National Surfing Reserves are in Newcastle, Crescent Head, Lennox Head and Angourie, which is south of the Yamba. There are surf schools and surf tours, too.

You’ll find accommodation to suit various budgets near lovely beaches, from caravanning and camping in holiday parks or national parks to luxury spa resorts. How about an off-road adventure? Then traverse a beach and estuary at low tide to get to the Pebbly Beach campground in Yuraygir.