North Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A beach with colorful rocks and a sign reading "Port Macquarie, the official Bodyboarding Capital of Australia."
A large banana sculpture at The Big Banana Coiffs Harbour.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.
Surfers in the ocean with a large wave.
A beach at dusk with a calm sea, rocks in the foreground, and a town with lights on the right.

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.

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

4.5 out of 5
265 Sandy Point Road Salamander Bay NSW
The price is Rp2.223.396 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
Rp2.223.396
Rp2.223.396 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,647 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderful apartment. It was a good little community that we built on our four day. Stay seeing families at the restaurants on the weekend and in the pool during the day would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Rydges Port Macquarie

Rydges Port Macquarie

4 out of 5
1 Hay Street Port Macquarie NSW
The price is Rp2.744.323 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
Rp2.744.323
Rp3.018.755 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Port Macquarie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (348 reviews)
"Great updated / renovated rooms feel like brand new. Top facilities good exercise room and great pool and spa."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Rydges Port Macquarie
Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Pacific Hwy And Bay Drive Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is Rp1.940.588 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
Rp1.940.588
Rp2.134.647 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,004 reviews)
"The room was very dated and not like pictures when booking. The restaurant was very limited in what they were offering. Only pizza. Would have been good to know before dinner time."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Pacific Bay 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.
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 luxury aparthotel in Salamander Bay. Enjoy free parking, a health club and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,647 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderful apartment. It was a good little community that we built on our four day. Stay seeing families at the restaurants on the weekend and in the pool during the day would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2026

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street Nelson Bay NSW
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
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.

Stay near popular North Coast attractions

Cities near North Coast