North Coast

Travel Guide

Coffs Harbour showing a bay or harbour, swimming and a beach
Coffs Harbour showing a bay or harbour, swimming and a beach
Coffs Harbour featuring swimming and a bay or harbour 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 which includes forests, views and mountains

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 Boambee 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 Woolgoolga Creek Falls.

Woolgoolga
Emerald Beach lighting up #coffscoast #sunrise 🙌

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
Sapphire beach, Coffs Harbour, Australia

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
Panoramic landscape of Coffs Harbour jetty and luxury real estate. Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

Red Rock

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Red Rock. You might want to make time for a stop at Red Rock Beach or Corindi Beach.

Red Rock
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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 Solitary Islands Marine Park or Bruxner Park Flora Reserve might round out your trip.

Korora
Opal Cove Resort

Opal Cove Resort

3 out of 5
Opal Blvd - Pacific Hwy Korora NSW
The price is HK$849 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
HK$849
HK$940 total
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Coffs Harbour. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
Relaxing and helpful staff.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

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
The price is HK$1,044 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
HK$1,044
HK$1,044 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
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! (2,556 reviews)
The room was quite spacious but the balcony was facing the street/medical centre. We didn't feel safe as the room was on ground level and no gate for security.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Pacific Hwy And Bay Drive Coffs Harbour NSW
The price is HK$1,086 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
HK$1,086
HK$1,195 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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! (1,009 reviews)
Clean room, friendly staff. Property is a tad dated and could do with a refresh but great otherwise.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 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! (2,556 reviews)
The room was quite spacious but the balcony was facing the street/medical centre. We didn't feel safe as the room was on ground level and no gate for security.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Mantra Quayside

Mantra Quayside

4 out of 5
Cnr William Street and Short St Port Macquarie NSW
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Port Macquarie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,937 reviews)
Staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was comfortable and contained everything we needed. Only negative would be the lumpy pillows. They need replacing!

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Mantra Quayside
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,121 reviews)
Room was very clean. Facing the beach had fantastic views. Great size room. Overall hotel is great with helpful staff. Best thing has to be location. Can't wait to go back.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal 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.

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