North Coast

Travel Guide

Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor, a sandy beach and swimming
Coffs Harbour which includes a bay or harbor and swimming as well as a small group of people
Coffs Harbour Marina showing a marina as well as a small group of people
Dorrigo National Park showing mountains, forests and views
Port Macquarie showing a bay or harbor, waves and surfing

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

Sawtell featuring a sunset and general coastal views

Sawtell

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

Sawtell
Woolgoolga featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and landscape views

Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Woolgoolga Beach and Safety Beach.

Woolgoolga
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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
With the dogs at the local beach, beautiful sunny day

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
We rocked up here as part of our "Pacific Wanderings Road Trip" -  driving from Sydney to Byron Bay - at night.  This was the view from our tent in the morning.  Stunning!  A great place to stop on a road trip and I wish we could have stayed longer.  Kayaking, surfing, beach, hiking...it has it all.  AND views like this!  #roadtrip #mooneebeach  #camping  #NSW

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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Sandy Beach

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

Sandy Beach
Opal Cove Resort

Opal Cove Resort

3 out of 5
Opal Blvd - Pacific Hwy Korora NSW
$116 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Jan 10 to Jan 11
$128 total
Jan 10 - Jan 11, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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)
Great views

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Opal Cove Resort
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

4.5 out of 5
265 Sandy Point Road Salamander Bay NSW
$334 nightly
The price is $334 total per night from Dec 25 to Dec 26
$334 total
Dec 25 - Dec 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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! (2,523 reviews)
Awesome pool!

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Zebra Motel

Zebra Motel

3.5 out of 5
27 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour NSW
$131 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from Jan 19 to Jan 20
$145 total
Jan 19 - Jan 20, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (768 reviews)
Helpful and polite staff. Clean room. Motel well located.

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

Zebra Motel
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.
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

4.5 out of 5
265 Sandy Point Road Salamander Bay NSW
Book a stay at this 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! (2,523 reviews)
Awesome pool!

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
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 aparthotel in Shoal Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,099 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2025

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Mantra Quayside

Mantra Quayside

4 out of 5
Cnr William Street and Short St Port Macquarie NSW
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Port Macquarie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,904 reviews)
The room was spotless and staff were lovely perfect spor to stay near everything will be back in two months

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

Mantra Quayside
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.

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