best places to visit on nsw north coast
One of the great things about living in a big, diverse country like Australia is that we have so many different places to visit. Whether you’re looking for beaches, mountains, rain forests or anything else, we’ve got you covered. To help you make the most of your time on our North Coast, we’ve put together a list of our favorite places to visit. From beautiful Byron Bay to charming Picton and everything in between, take a look and enjoy!
The North Coast
The North Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and stunning scenery in New South Wales. You’ll find everything from secluded bayside beaches to dramatic cliffs and coastline. Here are five of the best places to visit on the North Coast:
1. Byron Bay – One of Australia’s top surfing destinations, Byron Bay is a laid-back town with stunningly clear waters that make for perfect swimming and snorkelling. There are also plenty of activities available, including kayaking, fishing, hiking and cycling.
2. Coffs Harbour – Located in the heart of Australia’s wine country, Coffs Harbour is known for its picturesque harbour and lush wineries. The town has a history dating back to 1820 and is home to several museums.
3. Bradley Beach – A picture-perfect beachfront location with soft sand and crystal-clear water, Bradley Beach is well-known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Kayakers, surfers, swimmers and sunbathers all enjoy its idyllic setting.
4. Ballina – With its long stretch of golden sand beach flanked by crystal-clear waters, Ballina is one of New South Wales’ top surfing hot spots. The town offers plenty of activities to keep you busy including fishing, golfing, whale watching and heritage tours – all within easy reach of the beach.
5. Ulladulla – A small coastal town located on NSW’s
Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is a beautiful little town on the north coast of New South Wales. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for some stunning views, delicious seafood, and peaceful surroundings. Here are five of the best places to visit in Coffs Harbour:
1. The Mt Molloy Lookout: If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, then you need to head up to the Mt Molloy lookout. From here, you can see all the way down to Bass Strait and beyond.
2. The Blue Mountains: If you’re interested in natural beauty, then you need to check out the Blue Mountains. This area is full of wildflowers and undisturbed bushland, making it an incredibly scenic spot to explore.
3. The Wharf restaurants: If you want some delicious seafood dinner options, then be sure to check out the wharves in Coffs Harbour. There are plenty of restaurants that offer great seafood dishes, so there’s something for everyone here!
4. The Penguin Parade: Coffs Harbour is also home to one of Australia’s most famous parades – the Penguin parade! This event features dozens of adorable penguins marching through town every year, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re into animal-themed festivals!
5. Coffs Harbour market: If shopping is your thing, then be sure to check out the Coffs Harbour market! This market has everything from souvenirs
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is an idyllic Australian town located on the north coast of New South Wales. The region is known for its stunningly clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush rainforest. Although it can be quite touristy in summer, Byron Bay is a great place to visit all year round, especially for those who enjoy hiking and fishing. Here are some of the best places to visit in Byron Bay:
1. The Whitsundays – The Whitsundays are a group of islands off the eastern coast of Queensland that are well known for their crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and luxurious resorts. Although they can be quite crowded during peak season, the islands are definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway.
2. Herbert River – Located just outside of Byron Bay, the Herbert River is one of Australia’s most popular whitewater rafting spots. The class III rapids provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for both beginners and experts alike, making it a great destination for anyone looking to have some fun outdoors.
3. Bundjalung National Park – Bundjalung National Park is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular rainforest reserves. With towering trees and abundant wildlife, this park is a true nature lover’s dream come true.
4. Lighthouse Point – Lighthouse Point is one of Byron Bay’s most popular attractions due to its unbeatable views of the ocean and surrounding coastline
Ballina
If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday on the North Coast of New South Wales, Ballina is a great place to start. This beautiful town has plenty to offer visitors whatever their interests may be, from ancient ruins to stunning natural scenery. Some of the best places to visit in Ballina include the beaches at Shell Cove and Muriwai, as well as the quaint fishing villages of Moyle and Kingscliff. If you’re looking for some fun activities to take on during your stay, there are plenty to choose from, from kayaking and surfing to golfing and fishing.
Port Macquarie
If you’re looking for some stunning natural beauty, the north coast of New South Wales is definitely the place to be. Here, you’ll find beaches, cliffs, and beautifully rugged coastline that’s perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.
One of the best places to visit is Port Macquarie, which is known for its picturesque harbour and sandy beaches. The city also has plenty of interesting attractions, including the Museum of Coastal Boatbuilding and a range of art galleries. If you’re looking for more than just nature scenery, Port Macquarie also has plenty of restaurants and nightlife options.
Byron Bay
Planning a trip to the north coast of New South Wales, and Byron Bay in particular? Here are some of the best places to visit!
1. Haig Point Lighthouse | This iconic lighthouse is located on the rugged Haig Point headlands and offers stunning views out to the Tasman Sea. A short walk from the lighthouse leads down to Haig Cove, a secluded coves that’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing.
2. The ByronBay Surf Life Saving Club | If you’re looking for some authentic Australian surfing, head to the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club. This world-famous spot is known for its intense waves and good vibes, making it a great place to learn how to surf.
3. Bundanoon | Bundanoon is a small town with a charming old town centre full of Victorian architecture and shops. There’s also plenty of activities on offer such as hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking in the nearby lakes and streams.
4. The Blowholes | These natural wonders are one of the highlights of any visit to Byron Bay – watch as bubbling water creates gas-filled bubbles that escape through vents in the ground! You can find them at various locations around town but they’re definitely worth seeking out!
The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are a group of small, uninhabited islands that are located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The islands are known for their natural beauty and secluded atmosphere. They are a popular tourist destination due to their idyllic setting and variety of activities available on the islands. The best places to visit on the North Coast of New South Wales include the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays are made up of eight small, uninhabited islands that lie between the Great Barrier Reef and Lady Elliot Island. The islands were first discovered by Europeans in 1842 and were named after Johann Georg Wilhelm von Thurn und Taxis, a German nobleman who was governor of Java at the time. At only 205 square kilometers, the Whitsundays are one of the smallest groups of islands in the world.
The Whitsunday Islands have a subtropical climate with mild weather throughout the year. Due to their close proximity to Queensland, parts of the island experience a tropical climate. Morning fog is common on several of the smaller islands throughout winter months. The island’s isolation from major cities has preserved its natural environment; there is no agriculture or industry on any of the Whitsunday Islands.
The main town on Hamilton Island is located on an extinct volcano and features white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, coral reefs, palm trees and high-rise hotels overlooking beautiful coastlinelines. Hamilton Island is also home to several
Newcastle
If you’re looking for some beautiful beaches and stunning coastal views, head to the north coast of New South Wales. Here you’ll find Newcastle, a charming coastal town with plenty to offer visitors.
Take a walk along the beachfront promenade or explore the colourfulundle of narrow streets that line the seafront. There’s also plenty to do in Newcastle itself, from browsing the local shops and galleries to enjoying a spot of entertainment at one of the city’s many venues.
If you’re looking for some fresh air and natural beauty, take a trip out to nearby Lake Macquarie or Lismore. Both towns are home to imposing mountains and lush forests, making for some truly picturesque surroundings.
Eden
The NSW North Coast is a beautiful and varied region, with many attractions perfect for visitors. Here are five of the best places to visit on the North Coast:
1. Eden – This majestic garden is home to more than 2,000 plants and trees, making it an impressive sight. The gardens are also home to a variety of animals, including kangaroos and koalas.
2. Lismore – This historic city is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning gorge, which can be explored by walking or cycling along the river. There are plenty of restaurants and cultural attractions to visit in Lismore, making it a great place to spend a day or two.
3. Byron Bay – Situated on the eastern coast of New South Wales, Byron Bay is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning beaches and lifestyle options. There are plenty of things to do in Byron Bay, including surfing, swimming and fishing.
4. Newcastle – This lively city is home to many interesting attractions, including the world’s largest indoor amusement park and some of the best shopping in New South Wales. Newcastle also has some great bars and restaurants that offer unique food experiences not found elsewhere on the North Coast.
5. Katoomba – Home to Australia’s most famous waterfall (Katoomba), this charming town offers plenty of opportunities for exploring Victorian-era buildings and scenic areas around town.
Cairns
Cairns is the most northerly city in Australia and is located on the east coast of the country. It is a major tourist destination and offers a range of attractions, including beaches, rainforest, World Heritage-listed Aboriginal art galleries and museums, and world-renowned reef systems. The city has a population of just over 160,000 people. In addition to its many tourist attractions, Cairns also has a number of jobs in tourism, health care and engineering.
Port Douglas
If you’re looking for an Australian getaway with plenty to do, then the North Coast of New South Wales is the place for you. Here, you’ll find Port Douglas and its world-famous resorts, as well as Cairns and its beaches. In Port Douglas, be sure to check out the galleries and shops in the historic town centre, explore the reefs off shore, or take a scenic cruise on the Lady Musgrave Channel. Elsewhere on the coast, make time for kayaking in beautiful white-sand beaches such as Palm Cove or Bamboo Forest; hiking through rainforest; surfing; swimming in crystal-clear waters; visiting vineyards and wineries; and more. No matter what your interests are, there’s something on the North Coast that will make your holiday extraordinary.
Thank you for reading our list of the best places to visit on the north coast of New South Wales. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or want to explore some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes, we have got you covered. From quaint seaside towns to bustling city centres, we have selected some amazing destinations that will fascinate and excite you. So whatever your plans may be, make sure to add these places to your itinerary!