NSW North Coast typically starts around Tweed Heads near the Queensland border and extends southward along the coastline, including popular destinations such as Lennox Head Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, Foster, Crescent Head and eventually reaching Newcastle. To the west, the NSW North Coast is nestled between the lush hinterlands of Glen Innes and Armidale and extends to the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean to its east.
Accommodation styles vary widely here and the region caters to travellers seeking everything from a casual, beachy retreat to a lavish hinterland or off grid escape.
North Coast accommodation by Travellarks offers every kind of accommodation type from beach villas just for couples or solo travellers to large group accommodation with swimming pools and the beach just a stone’s throw away. North Coast accommodation NSW speaks to the sublime coastal villages that dot the coastline, as well as those inland which showcase rural charm, cultural richness, including indigenous lands, waterways, and seas to which they are connected and access to stunning natural landscapes such as the Myall Lakes.
Navigate Travellarks office website and look for the drop-down menus to explore the Collections and discover the type of accommodation featured. These Collections are based on themes, preferences, or popular choices. You will discover “Beach Getaways”, “Large Group Accommodation”, “Family Friendly”, “Bed and Breakfasts” and so on – to match what you’re looking for! There are lots of styles to suit travellers – small boutique hotels, lodges, retreats, houses, villas (even yurts!) and others.
For example, looking for a Bed and Breakfast? You’ll find it; pub accommodation? They’re there! Or want to retreat into nature with an eco and sustainable stay? Got those too!
And you can always contact our online customer support for assistance if you can’t decide!
Pets on holiday? Sure thing! Travellarks pet friendly accommodation in the NSW North Coast represents about 50% of our holiday properties. Our brilliant hosts and owners love welcoming pets and there is thoughtful preparation involved to ensure that your furry friend feels comfortable and safe during your holiday.
Pet friendly accommodation takes the heart ache out of leaving your pet back home with pet sitters or doggy day cares. It saves a great deal of time and money and makes for a stress-free family holiday. Having your fur baby there with you is the best for animal lovers! Occasionally, your NSW North Coast accommodation host may charge a small fee for your pooch, and while specific amenities can vary from place to place, some general common amenities of our pet friendly accommodation usually include; food and water bowls, welcome treats, pet exercise area, pet waste bags and pet bedding.
It’s important for pet owners to communicate with their accommodation in advance as to the breed and temperament of your dog and to understand specific pet policies to ensure an enjoyable stay for all. Damage caused by your adorable one will need to be paid for so it’s a good idea if they are on their best behaviour. Additionally, local leash laws and pet regulations are essential when exploring the surroundings with your pet.
North Coast NSW attractions and activities are bountiful. Stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and charming coastal towns abound where life is in the slow lane. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing by the beach, there’s something for everyone.
Newcastle itself is a booming seaside town attracting surfers and sun seekers, with a stunning coastline. It’s the 2nd largest city in NSW, now an important port, university town and rapidly expanding airport to accommodate domestic and international visitors to North Coast NSW. Newcastle is a working man’s mining town, proud of its historic heritage and recent makeover and today it’s a city renowned for its vibrant urban life, diverse arts scene, street art, the Newcastle Writers Festival and the Newcastle Jazz Festival contributing to its creative energy.
Further north – about 1 hour – lies Boomerang Beach, Bluey’s Beach, Forster, Smiths Lake, Seal Rocks, Wallis Lake and loads of other towns in the “ Pacific Palms” area where visitors can enjoy the surf or snorkel, swim, whale watch, fish and dive into its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Boomerang Beach was voted 2nd best beach by Tourism Australia in 2023. And when you’re not on white, sandy beaches, explore rivers, restaurants, cafes and local art galleries, as well as the natural beauty of Booti Booti National Park, Walingat and Myall National Parks. Here you’ll find the tallest trees in NSW and breathtaking scenery.
Towns between Port Macquarie and Yamba offer diverse experiences for the traveller.
Try surfing, snorkelling or just relaxing with sundowners along the sandy shores at many of their cafes, eateries and bars. In nearby Barrington Tops, inland from the coast, bushwalkers will be delighted with scenic landscapes of Barrington Tops National Park or Washpool National Park.
Push onto Port Macquarie where you mustn’t go past without a visit to the koala hospital and their extraordinary work by a team who save these cuddly marsupials, especially those hurt during Australia’s bushfire season. Pop into the Billabong Zoo while you’re there. Port Macquarie is a large regional town with everything, including a tertiary hospital. Crescent Head and Hat Head are north of Port Macquarie and destinations for the surfing throng determined to catch a wave.
South West Rocks has the benefit of either a riverside or beachside experience. You can also be captivated by Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks,
Solitary Islands Marine Park on the NSW North Coast extends north from Coffs Harbour to Sandon River along about 75 km of coastline that’s renowned for excellent snorkelling and diving. Don’t go past the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, a giant banana that has an amusement park with a bucket of adult and kid’s activities to keep you amused and cool for hours.
Head further north along the Pacific Highway explore pristine beaches of Byron Bay (and its famous lighthouse, and farm to plate foods). Bryon Bay and its hinterland have enjoyed meteoric status with holiday makers bound for this premium destination on NSW North Coast for a complete chillout. An eclectic crowd make their pilgrimage to Byron whether it’s couples retreats, family getaways, movie stars and recognisable faces escaping the thrust and grind of hectic workdays.
Drawn to lush rainforests? The Dorrigo National Park is a wonderful skyward drive up the mountain where you’ll wonder if you’re at the top of the world, or try the Skywalk for its panoramic views. Both Dorrigo and Byron Bay boast an alternate lifestyle and if you’re into boho and eclectic markets, you’ve landed.
On the North Coast’s farthest point, just before you step into its neighbouring state, Queensland, are the bigger towns of Ballina, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads where expanding residential populations are leading the good life on NSW’s North Coast.
Too easy! At Travellarks we have “Collections” on the Home page of www.travellarks.com.au Use a drop down menu and you’ll find a category called, ”Group Getaways”. We list properties that have capacity for 6 or more guests, our largest being on the North Coast accommodation NSW that can cater for up to 274 guests, including hosting your wedding, events and launches – right in the heart of Boomerang Beach!
You’ll find a variety here across Australia, and if you want to look up the North Coast region in NSW, all properties state how many people can be accommodated at each listing. Groups can be accommodated in villas, Bed and Breakfasts (BnB’s), guest houses, retreats and gorgeous homes for hire.
NSW’s North Coast stretches 700 kilometres in length so there’s no shortage of discoveries and activities for all ages, tastes and desires. The year-round temperate climate means holidaying is made relatively easy, even in the winter months, you simply head further north! You’ll be enamoured with subtropical rainforests that feature vast wilderness areas, stunning mountain ranges, sparkling rivers and spectacular waterfalls. The hinterland and towns like Byron Bay, Byron hinterland, Bellingen, and Dorrigo offer lush rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. National parks like Dorrigo National Park and Border Ranges National Park showcase the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the region.
Wildlife, flora and lakes abound, and numerous indigenous cultural places are at travellers’ fingertips as they travel up, down or around the North Coast and there are opportunities to
learn about and engage with local indigenous cultures. This is evident in various cultural events, art galleries, and heritage sites in the area. Detouring can be one of your best friends as you cruise the North Coast NSW.
Whale-watching season during the migration season is May to November with numerous vantage points where you’ll see whales happily breaching and often moving in pods. Top spots along the northern NSW coastline are Boomerang Beach and Foster, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Caves Beach (near Newcastle), Lennox Head, Ballina, Byron and Tweed.
Unique to Australia’s east coastline is the migration of Southern Right Whales during our winter season. Playful creatures, you might see the pectoral fins of these gracious humpbacks as they rise with their acrobatic feats through the water. You could be woken by their moans, cries and groans when, string together, form “songs” and hum along with them if you’re sitting observing from a quiet beach.
And for those who love fishing, you’ll find plenty of spots along the North coast that offer a wide variety of fish for all types of anglers. Some common fish in this region include; Bream, Flathead, Snapper, Whiting, Mulloway, Taylor and Kingfish.
Top fishing spots on the North Coast include Brunswick River, Clarence River, Corindi River, Cudgera Creek, Cudgen Creek/Kingscliff, Evans River, Mooball Creek, Moonee Creek, Richmond River, Sandon River, Tweed and Wooli Wooli River.
The North Coast NSW boasts a rich food culture, with an abundance of fresh, locally sourced produce. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences, seafood straight from the ocean, and explore the diverse culinary offerings in the region.
Overall, the North Coast of NSW in Australia has a laid back and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the beaches, wandering through coastal villages, or hiking in the hinterlands, the region invites visitors to unwind and embrace nature. The combination of stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, outdoor activities and cultural richness makes the NSW North Coast a unique and appealing destination for those seeking a diverse and memorable travel experience in Australia.