North Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.
A wooden pier extending into a turquoise sea with a clear blue sky.
A marina with several boats docked, a pier with people walking, and a distant view of a town and mountains.
A wooden bridge with metal railings, surrounded by lush green mountains and a cloudy sky.
Surfers in the ocean with a large wave.

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. Savour 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 holiday, 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 £97 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
£97
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (2,633 reviews)
"This is the hotel that has the fabulous facilities. The hot tub and pool were amazing. The staff was very accommodating, especially with making sure that we had a room that we could use with my wheelchair. The kitchen was well equipped and very clean. Everything here was great, especially being close ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2026

Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Comfort Resort Waters Edge

Comfort Resort Waters Edge

3.5 out of 5
1 Buller Street Port Macquarie Nsw 2444 Port Macquarie NSW
The price is £100 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
£100
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Port Macquarie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful staff, excellent view from room, excellent and good value breakfast."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026

Comfort Resort Waters Edge
Rydges Port Macquarie

Rydges Port Macquarie

4 out of 5
1 Hay Street Port Macquarie NSW
The price is £138 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
£138
12 Nov - 13 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. ...
Rydges Port Macquarie
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! (2,633 reviews)
"This is the hotel that has the fabulous facilities. The hot tub and pool were amazing. The staff was very accommodating, especially with making sure that we had a room that we could use with my wheelchair. The kitchen was well equipped and very clean. Everything here was great, especially being close ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (2,247 reviews)
"Resources are there but you have to watch videos or ether 20 min or 1 hour try to book really early"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026

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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,641 reviews)
"It was clean but the bathroom had little tiny cockroaches everywhere. Also the parking does not cater for big 4wd cars and the visitors parking had people who weren’t even visiting someone there taking parking spots . Also you had teenagers running around through the corridor and knocking on your ..."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2026

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

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