Whether you’re chasing the ultimate surf break, calm family‑friendly beaches or unforgettable natural scenery, NSW’s coastline delivers. Road trip from the North to the South Coast and tick off as many beaches as you can.
- 4 min read
Main Beach
Great for: families, people-watching and proximity to Byron Bay town centre
True to its name, Main Beach sits right in the heart of Byron Bay. Its long stretch of golden sand and gentle waves make it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and mastering the basics of surfing. When you’re not in the water, take advantage of the oceanside restaurants, cafes and bars, including the ever-popular Beach Hotel, with its legendary beer garden facing the sea.
Main Beach, Byron Bay
Red Rock Beach
Great for: unspoilt, rugged beauty and often blissfully uncrowded
Adorned with a spectacular red rock formation, the aptly named Red Rock Beach north of Coffs Harbour is a local secret. Free of crowds, this beach has a picnic area with shade, a playground and great fishing spots, plus a nearby island you can reach at low tide for sweeping views. It also marks the starting point of the 60km Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
Red Rock Beach, Coffs Coast
Ned's Beach
Great for: hand feeding fish and snorkelling
On Lord Howe Island, hand-feed schools of mullet, wrasse and kingfish in the shallows of Ned's Beach. Simply grab some healthy fish food from a dispenser at the beach and watch the fish feast. A protected sanctuary, this is a no-catch zone that is great for snorkelling.
Ned's Beach, Lord Howe Island
Lighthouse Beach
Great for: lively snorkelling spot with lots of nearby camping options
A great spot for surfing and fishing, Lighthouse Beach at Seal Rocks is also a popular 4WD beach (permit required). Drive along the sand or walk up to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and its signature external stairway that wraps around the building. The best snorkelling can be found just 100m offshore around a rocky outcrop with turtles, wobbegongs and eagle rays frequenting the area. Located in Myall Lakes National Park in the Forster area, there are lots of camping options nearby including Yagon Campground and Reflections Seal Rocks – Holiday Park or stay in style at Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks
Stockton Beach
Great for: 4WDing on a 19km stretch of sand
In the Worimi Conservation Lands, Stockton Beach is a vast stretch of sand and dunes with views to Port Stephens. 4WDs can explore 19km of beachfront and over 350 hectares of dunes in one of NSW's largest coastal driving areas (permit required). You can also reach the beach via the Stockton Ferry from Newcastle.
Stockton Beach, Port Stephens
Merewether Beach
Great for: surfing where the legends train
A national surfing reserve, Merewether Beach has been the training ground of great champions including four-time world surfing champion Mark ‘MR’ Richards. Home to the international surfing competition Surfest, the breaks at this beach in Newcastle are revered. Enjoy a coffee at a beachside cafe, walk your dogs along the promenade and swim in Merewether Ocean Baths.
Merewether Ocean Baths, Newcastle
Caves Beach
Great for: sunrise views and photographs
Caves Beach, east of Lake Macquarie, is named after the network of sculptural sea caves spread along its southern end. Only accessible at low tide, they are awe-inspiring and a beautiful backdrop for photographs. Patrolled during the warmer months, swimmers and surfers often frequent this beach.
Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie
Avoca Beach
Great for: families and water sports
Protected from southern swells, Avoca Beach is a lovely spot for families with plenty of rock pools to explore and local surf schools offering lessons for beginners. An estuarial lagoon separates Avoca Beach and North Avoca Beach, and is popular for paddleboarding and kayaking. You’ll also find cafes and restaurants here including The Point and the Avoca Beach House.
Avoca Beach, Avoca
Palm Beach
Great for: recreating your favourite Home and Away scenes
Surrounded by water on three sides – Pittwater, the Pacific Ocean and Broken Bay – Palm Beach is wonderful for surfing, swimming, sailing and lots more. Famous as the setting for the long-running TV show Home and Away, you'll recognise this beautiful peninsula. Picnic under the trees, explore rock pools, walk to the heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse or feast at Barrenjoey House.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach
Bondi Beach
Great for: coastal culture with big city atmosphere – one of Sydney's icons
One of Australia's most famous beaches, Bondi in Sydney is great for surfing, swimming and people-watching. Home to the iconic Bondi Icebergs ocean pool as well as the starting point for a spectacular 6km coastal walk to Coogee, Bondi welcomes all and is patrolled by lifesavers year-round. Fuel up at beachside cafes and restaurants.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach
Austinmer Beach
Great for: swimming in two large rock pools
Just 20 minutes north of Wollongong, wedged between two low headlands, you’ll find Austinmer Beach. Take a dip in one or both of the large rock pools at the southern end before enjoying a treat at the shops and cafes located at the northern end. With picturesque views of the Illawarra escarpment and rocky platforms to explore, you’ll never want to leave.
Austinmer Beach, Thirroul
Killalea Beach
Great for: popular surf breaks
A sacred space for boardriders seeking a connection with the waves, Killalea Beach is a national surfing reserve. Surfers travel to this stretch of sand nestled in Killalea Regional Park near Shellharbour to tackle ‘The Farm’ and ‘Mystics’ breaks.
Killalea Beach - The Farm, Shellharbour
Hyams Beach
Great for: white sand and scenic walks
When you picture Jervis Bay on the South Coast, it's the white sand and aqua water that come to mind - and Hyams Beach truly delivers. Great for swimming and snorkelling, you can also enjoy the 2.5km White Sands Walk, a flat, well-marked trail linking several of the area most beautiful beaches.
Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
Pebbly Beach
Great for: walks and wildlife spotting, including kangaroos
Known as the home of surfing kangaroos thanks to a photograph of a ‘roo enjoying the water, Pebbly Beach is great for surfing (although wildlife mostly stays on the nearby grasslands). Located in Murramarang National Park, it features a campground as well as an 8km coastal forest coastal forest walk to Pretty Beach for those feeling adventurous.
Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Great for: families, as it has a sheltered, calm swimming area
A picturesque beach in the heart of Bermagui, Horseshoe Bay Beach has stunning views to Gulaga (Mount Dromedary), an extinct volcano known as the 'Mother Mountain' to the Yuin community. With small waves and plenty of options for onshore play, including a playground and grassy foreshore, Horseshoe Bay Beach is a favourite with young families.
Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermagui - Credit: David Rogers
Pay attention to lifesavers and safety signs. Check conditions before you get into the water and find patrolled beaches with Beachsafe. Visit SharkSmart to understand any potential risks in the area.
