Get ahead of the crowds and visit NSW’s next big beach destinations beyond Byron Bay. Explore the up-and-coming beach towns of Yamba, Woolgoolga, Ettalong Beach, Batemans Bay and Narooma.
- 3 min read
Yamba
Location: Clarence Valley
Why visit: This laid-back town has been tipped as being the ‘next Byron Bay’, but Yamba is deserving of its own street cred, as its surf breaks, hikes and beaches combined with an emergence of locally run cafes, bars and hotels make this a must-visit holiday destination.
Top things to do: Catch a wave at Angourie Point, a National Surfing Reserve ranked among the top right-hand point breaks in Australia. Swim at Yamba Main Beach (and its scenic ocean pool), Turners Beach and Pippi Beach. Explore waterways on a tour with Yamba Kayak, catch fish with Reel Time Fishing Charters and hike to Yamba Lighthouse. Every Wednesday, browse the regional gate-to-plate produce at the Yamba Farmers and Producers Market.
Yamba Ocean Pool, Yamba
Where to eat and drink: Sample the best locally caught seafood, including famous Yamba prawns, at fish shops and restaurants around town, such as Sandbar and Clarence River Fishermen's Co-Operative. Enjoy ocean views and pub classics at the Pacific Hotel. At Yamba Distilling Co, sip a cocktail featuring their flavourful spirits – the chilli vodka is popular as are their live music sessions held every Saturday. For craft beer, including a Yamba Ale, head to Wobbly Chook Brewing Co.
Where to stay: There is a range of accommodation options from campgrounds and holiday parks – including Calypso Yamba Holiday Park and Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort – to The Surf Yamba, a boutique hotel with a sunlit rooftop with a heated plunge pool overlooking the Main Beach.
The Surf Yamba, Yamba - Credit: Amber Toms | The Surf Yamba
Woolgoolga
Location: Coffs Coast
Why visit: Unspoilt by crowds, you’ll feel like you’re at an exclusive retreat amid Woolgoolga’s beaches, coastal rainforest and rolling farmland.
Top things to do: Swim at Woolgoolga Beach, walk along Woolgoolga Headland and stand-up paddleboard on Woolgoolga Lake. Hike the Falls Walking Track to see blue quandong trees en route to a pretty waterfall. Mountain bikers will enjoy the Woolgoolga Coastal Loop. In September, Woolgoolga hosts many events including Woolgoolga MTB Festival and the Punjabi cuisine celebration Curryfest.
Woolgoolga Beach, Coffs Coast - Credit: Rob Cleary | National Parks
Where to eat and drink: Start with coffee at Beachhouse Cafe, enjoy a top-notch pub lunch at The Seaview Tavern, before sipping a craft brew at Woolgoolga Brewing Co. and sampling artisan small-batch vodka at Critters Distillery.
Where to stay: Wake up to the sounds of the ocean in a beachfront cabin at Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park, meet fellow travellers at Woopi Backpackers or get a group together to stay at the stylish Tranquilo Beach House.
Critters Distillery, Woolgoolga
Ettalong Beach
Location: Central Coast
Why visit: A small coastal village only 90 minutes from Sydney, Ettalong Beach is secluded from the busy Central Coast. A relaxing spot, it’s a great place to reconnect with nature as you swim, bushwalk, enjoy water sports, fish and birdwatch.
Top things to do: Take a dip at Ettalong Beach and Pearl Beach before trying your luck rock fishing. Learn to surf with Central Coast Surf School or try stand-up paddleboarding. Hike the Patonga to Pearl Beach Walking Track that weaves through the beautiful red gums of Brisbane Water National Park. Stroll among 50 rare and threatened native plant species, spotting lyrebirds and echidnas along the way at Pearl Beach Arboretum.
Pearl Beach, Central Coast
Where to eat and drink: Grab a coffee from Lords of Pour followed by brunch at the waterside Box on the Water. Munch on modern Italian cuisine and order refreshing drinks at Amalfi.
Where to stay: There are some excellent accommodation options near Ettalong and the surrounding beaches. Mantra Ettalong Beach has spectacular ocean views with studio, one- and two-bedroom spa suites on offer. Opt for Nightcap at Ocean Beach Hotel to enjoy newly refurbished rooms with fantastic dining and live entertainment.
Box on the Water, Ettalong Beach
Batemans Bay
Location: Eurobodalla
Why visit: Long having been a destination for water lovers and bushwalkers, Batemans Bay is transforming into a foodie and events hub.
Top things to do: Spend the day at Surf Beach or explore the area’s crystal-clear waters on the Batemans Bay Snorkelling Trail. Swim, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to your heart’s content in the estuary between the charming village of Nelligen and Batemans Bay. Meet wildlife, follow ancient walking tracks or ride the Batemans Bay Cycleway. In June, art fans can see masterpieces at Sculpture for Clyde, while in October bike riders will love the Sea Otter Australia Festival.
Region X Kayak Experience, Batemans Bay
Where to eat and drink: Taste succulent Clyde River oysters from the farm gates of Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm and the Oyster Shed on Wray Street. Munch on fresh seafood at local restaurants, including JJ’s at The Marina. Don’t miss dining at the famous Innes' family Boatshed, with fish fresh from their trawler. With lots of places to sample local produce, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Where to stay: Whether you want to camp by the river, get cosy in a coastal cabin or relax at a resort, Batemans Bay has accommodation options for you. For an extra memorable getaway, stay on the water with Clyde River Houseboats.
The Farm Gate and Oyster Shed on Wray Street, Batemans Bay - Credit: Eurobodalla Shire Council
Narooma
Location: Eurobodalla
Why visit: Surrounded by ocean, lakes and rivers, Narooma is a beachside paradise. Known for its playful seal colony and dive sites, this coastal community is fast becoming a foodie destination too.
Top things to do: Snorkel with seals off Montague Island, kayak the sparkling turquoise waters of Wagonga Inlet and catch a wave at Narooma Surf Beach. Admire the ancient rock formations of Glasshouse Rocks and Pillow Lava, stroll the Mill Bay Boardwalk looking out for stingrays feeding in the shallow waters below, and see the sights during a cruise on the 117-year-old Wagonga Princess ferry.
Montague Island, Narooma
Where to eat and drink: The region is famous for its rock oysters. On the banks of Barlows Bay, taste the delicacy in its freshest form at The Oyster Farmers Daughter. Join growers, chefs and shuckers at Narooma Oyster Festival each May. The foodie scene is fast developing in Narooma with Sydney hospitality group Merivale purchasing several iconic ocean-view properties. Feast on fish and chips at The Inlet, before moving on to daiquiris and seafood at The Quarterdeck. Cool down with a cold craft beer at Breakwall Brewing Co or enjoy a pacific ale at Big Niles Brewing Co in nearby Dalmeny.
Where to stay: Amooran Oceanside offers stylish self-contained apartments and motel rooms with ocean and golf course views, plus an outdoor pool and landscaped grounds close to cafes and restaurants. For something unique, stay the beautifully restored 19th-century lighthouse keeper’s cottage on Montague Island – you'll be the only overnight guests on the island.
Narooma Oyster Festival, Narooma - Credit: Eurobodalla Shire Council
