North Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coffs Harbour showing a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and swimming
Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbour and swimming as well as a small group of people
North Coast
Dorrigo National Park showing views, mountains and forests
Port Macquarie showing a bay or harbour, surfing and surf

Experience some of New South Wales’ best wildlife spotting, dine on delicious seafood and explore pristine beaches backed by World Heritage forest.

New South Wales’ North Coast is a breathtaking strip of coastline where the rolling hills of the hinterland unfurl into the hypnotic blue of the Pacific Ocean. Stretching from Sydney to the northern border of the state at Tweed HeadsOpens in a new window, the North Coast has a varied landscape of idyllic beaches and rugged headlands interspersed with laid-back coastal towns and ancient forests. Treat yourself to the daily catch of fresh seafood and visit historic maritime landmarks. Go on a kayaking adventure through tranquil waterways, rise with the sun and hit perfect surf breaks or snorkel with wild turtles.

Visit some of the North Coast’s cities and towns and enjoy the laid-back charm of coastal living. In NewcastleOpens in a new window, New South Wales’ second-largest city, you’ll find an exciting arts scene and the renowned surf breaks of Merewether Beach. Take a stroll on the coastal promenade of the Bathers Way. Savor the fresh local produce at Port MacquarieOpens in a new window’s renowned food festivals or head to Coffs HarbourOpens in a new window to see the iconic Big Banana. YambaOpens in a new window is famed for its prawns. Stand on mainland Australia’s most easterly point at Cape Byron, situated next to the relaxed beach town of Byron BayOpens in a new window.

Explore the North Coast’s awe-inspiring wilderness. Go snorkeling around the Solitary Islands Marine Park to see turtles or go kayaking in Bongil Bongil National Park. Hike in Wollumbin National Park or explore the rainforest canopy on a skywalk in Dorrigo National Park.

One of the best ways to experience the different landscapes of this beautiful region is by exploring the Legendary Pacific Drive. Heading north from Sydney, this touring route passes through 48 national parks and 12 state forests.

Fly into several regional airports along the coast and rent a car to explore the area at your own pace. Intercity buses and charter tours are also available. Visit the region in summer for beach days in the sunshine or check out the coast in winter to spot migratory whales.

With captivating seaside towns, great cuisine and exciting adventures, the North Coast is an unbeatable destination for a family vacation, romantic retreat or fun-filled road trip.

Where to stay in North Coast

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Sawtell

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Sawtell. You might want to make time for a stop at Sawtell Main Beach or Boambee Beach.

Sawtell
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Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and Woolgoolga Beach.

Woolgoolga
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Emerald Beach

Emerald Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Emerald Beach and Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Emerald Beach
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Sapphire Beach

Unique features of Sapphire Beach include the beaches and gardens. Make a stop by Sapphire Beach or Solitary Islands Marine Park while you're exploring the area.

Sapphire Beach
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Moonee Beach

While visiting Moonee Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Sapphire Beach and Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Moonee Beach
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Korora

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Korora. A stop by Bruxner Park Flora Reserve or Kororo Nature Reserve might round out your trip.

Korora
Zebra Motel

Zebra Motel

3.5 out of 5
27 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour, NSW
The price is AU$164 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
AU$164
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (720 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed, quiet room at rear of property - away from traffic noise. Good facilities in room."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Zebra Motel
Opal Cove Resort

Opal Cove Resort

3 out of 5
Opal Blvd - Pacific Hwy, Korora, NSW
The price is AU$180 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$180
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Kookaburra haven
"We had a lovely stay. Our booking was given to someone else by accident, but the situation was rectified to satisfaction. Lovely resort and visitors to the balcony (kookaburras) in the morning."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Opal Cove Resort
Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is AU$332 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
AU$332
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,486 reviews)
"Lovely apartment, will be back again!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,486 reviews)
"Lovely apartment, will be back again!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

4 out of 5
35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Shoal Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,044 reviews)
"Great service, top clean accommodation, top position"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

4.5 out of 5
265 Sandy Point Road, Salamander Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,462 reviews)
"Kids loved the lagoon pool."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near North Coast