7 quiet beach towns in NSW perfect for a crowd-free escape

Angourie

Location: Clarence Valley

Why visit: Near the popular coastal town of Yamba, Angourie has all the same natural beauty without the crowds. Not to mention it is home to Angourie Beach, a National Surfing Reserve ranked among the top right-hand point breaks in Australia.

Best things to do: Swim at idyllic Spooky Beach, take a leap into the spectacular Blue and Green Pools, and have a wander down to Angourie Back Beach in Yuraygir National Park. Escape into nature on the multi-day, 65km Yuraygir Coastal Walk.

Angourie Beach, Angourie

Where to stay: Cycle 10 minutes from Angourie village to NRMA Angourie Resort, where you’ll find self-contained villas, apartments, a day spa, pool and restaurant amid subtropical rainforest.

When to visit: Time your trip outside of the school holidays to enjoy the serenity of Angourie. Nature lovers will want to visit in spring to see the wildflowers in bloom, while June to August is best for whale spotting.

NRMA Angourie Resort Yamba, Yamba - Credit: NRMA Angourie Resort Yamba

Sawtell

Location: Coffs Coast

Why visit: Located 10km south of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell is a vibrant little town with more than its fair share of beaches, cool cafes, galleries and boutique shopping.

Best things to do: Bordered by two headlands - both perfect vantage points to spot migrating whales – Sawtell Beach is a great spot to swim and surf. Book a lesson with Solitary Islands Surf School. Explore Bongil Bongil National Park's tranquil waterways by kayak with C-Change Adventures. Hike the Bundagaree Rainforest Walk and Bluff Loop Walking Track, which wind through rainforest behind sand dunes.

C-Change Adventures, Coffs Harbour

Where to stay: Stay within strolling distance of the beach at BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park or the stylish Seabreeze, which is great for groups.

When to visit: For a quieter experience while the water is still warm, visit in early autumn.

Sawtell Beach, Coffs Harbour - Credit: Coffs Coast Visitor Services

South West Rocks

Location: Macleay Valley Coast

Why visit: One of NSW’s best-kept secrets, South West Rocks is a little pocket of tranquillity that boasts stunning (but uncrowded) beaches, amazing dive sites, nature trails and a well-preserved history.

Best things to do: Scuba dive with South West Rocks Dive Centre to see grey nurse sharks and explore the famous Fish Rock Cave. In Hat Head National Park, explore the spectacular Smoky Cape Walking Track from Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Explore the ruins of Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park and climb the guard tower lookout for dramatic views. Stroll along Trial Bay Beach – it’s 3.5km long so you’re bound to have stretches of it all to yourself.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Arakoon

Where to stay: Settle into a stylish riverside villa at Salt at South West Rocks or camp where history happened at the Trial Bay Gaol Campsite.

When to visit: Avoid the school holidays to enjoy the quiet of South West Rocks. While you can swim with grey nurse sharks all year, keen divers will want to time their trip with when the friendly sharks congregate in large numbers from May to December.

Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon

Pacific Palms

Location: Forster and Taree

Why visit: Bordering three national parks, Pacific Palms has some of the most underrated beaches in Australia. Need we say more?

Best things to do: Each beach in the area has its own charm. Relax on white sand at Elizabeth Beach, surf at Blueys Beach, enjoy the views at Boomerang Beach, catch a wave at Cellito Beach or visit Shelly Beach, an unofficial clothing-optional beach. Hike through the surrounding bushland including Wallingat National Park and Booti Booti National Park.

Blueys Beach, Pacific Palms

Where to stay: For cabins near the beach, book into Pacific Palms Caravan Park. To wake up in a national park, pitch your tent at The Ruins campground, set behind Seven Mile Beach.

When to visit: Summer and Easter tend to be busy in Pacific Palms, while autumn and spring offer a milder climate that is good for hiking and beach days.

The Ruins campground, Booti Booti National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Shellharbour

Location: South Coast

Why visit: This small coastal enclave south of Wollongong is an outdoor wonderland with a new waterside dining precinct.

Best things to do: In Shellharbour, hike through Macquarie Pass National Park and snorkel at Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve. Catch a wave in a National Surfing Reserve, challenging yourself to master 'The Farm' at Killalea Beach and 'Mystics' at Minnamurra Beach. Tackle the Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Park or wander the Lake Illawarra Art Trail. Discover more outdoor adventures in Shellharbour before you feast at The Waterfront Shell Cove.

The Waterfront Shell Cove, Shellharbour - Credit: Eddie Hu | Tourism Shellharbour

Where to stay: With stunning water views and a poolside bar, watch the sunset in style at the newly opened Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina. To camp and wake up to the sound of the ocean, stay at the NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park.

When to visit: Winter is a great time to explore Shellharbour if you want to soak up the peace and quiet – just bring a wetsuit so you can enjoy water sports in warmth.

Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina, Shellharbour - Credit: Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina

Moruya

Location: Eurobodalla

Why visit: With a hippy vibe, Moruya champions independent shops, and conserves its nature trails and beaches with care.

Best things to do: Enjoy beach time at a host of lovely spots, including Shelly Beach near Moruya Heads Lookout. Paddle the Moruya Kayaking Trail to Deua National Park or hire an e-bike from Moruya Bicycles to pedal along the Moruya Cycleway which passes lots of popular fishing spots. There are many walks in the area with the Bingi Dreaming Track a popular option thanks to its views of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and Baranguba (Montague Island).

Moruya River, Eurobodalla - Credit: John Hicks | Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

Where to stay: Places to stay in Moruya are plentiful and varied, including motels, holiday parks, campgrounds and houses to rent. In the centre of the town you’ll find Hive Hotel, which has 16 modern rooms with pet-friendly options. Out of town, pitch your tent at Moruya North Head Campsite and enjoy easy access to prime fishing spots.

When to visit: A popular spot during the warmer months, visit from March to November to enjoy the charm of this coastal town.

Moruya Bicycles, Moruya - Credit: Moruya Bicycles

Eden

Location: Sapphire Coast

Why visit: Eden is one of Australia’s most famous whale-watching destinations. Spot them from vantage points around Twofold Bay or get up close with Sapphire Coastal Adventures.

Best things to do: Learn the story of orca Old Tom, who famously helped herd baleen whales into the harbour, at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, or take the self-drive Killer Whale Trail, which is an intriguing trip into the past. Hike the 32km Light to Light Walk, see weedy sea dragons with Dive Eden or kayak Pambula River with Navigate Expeditions, shucking oysters and learning about its Indigenous history along the way.

Sapphire Coastal Adventures, Merimbula

Where to stay: Stay in a piece of history at the Hotel Australasia, known as the Grand Old Lady of Eden, which was first opened in 1904. Escape to the country with a stay at Hillview Farm, a tiny house surrounded by rolling hills, or perch yourself on the end of a windswept peninsula overlooking Disaster Bay at the historic Green Cape Lightstation Keepers’ Cottages.

When to visit: Whales migrate past Eden from August to November. Visit at the beginning or tail end of this period to avoid the bulk of whale watchers while still being able to see the majestic creatures for yourself.

Hillview Farm Tiny Escapes, Towamba - Credit: Pia Nemec