Stunning Places to Visit when Driving the North Coast of NSW

Last updated: 25 June 2023

One of the most beautiful areas in Australia is the North Coast of NSW (New South Wales). I’d recommend to everyone, especially anyone that has the time to get a car and drive along the coast. You will need to drive off the freeway to get into the small towns that line the coast but it’s such an exciting adventure. 

Many of the towns look a little bit similar.  Most have a local fish & chip shop, an abundance of surf shops and a pub (usually with rooms), but the rest is negotiable.  Some of the best and cleanest beaches can be found here. Where the sand is squeaky clean and is one of the best exfoliants you can get! and best of all, IT’S ALL FREE!

Forget parking fees to park at the beach, these small towns usually have parking right up to the sand, and generally its unlimited.  Double check signage if it’s peak time like Christmas then you might have a two/three hour limit.

When driving through these regional areas be sure to stop and support the towns and local businesses.  Stay local, shop local.  You don’t have to spend a fortune here, but do drop a dollar or two on your way through town.  Tourism is what keeps these small areas alive. If you’re starting off in Sydney and heading to the North Coast of NSW then here’s our list of 12 stunning places to visit along the way! 

#1 – Central Coast

About an hour North of Sydney, – you really shouldn’t be ready to stop but if you need to, Shelly Beach near Wyong is really pretty and a good place for a paddle. Terrigal is a popular spot for Sydneysiders to get fish and chips and watch the world go by. Also a good spot for a swim.

#2 – Newcastle

The next biggest city after Sydney.  Its a university driven city that used to be founded on a big BHP steel mill.  In recent years, the economy has had its ups and downs but its still an ideal spot to stop.   It has loads of beaches, a decent cafe scene along Darby St and plenty of bars.

The Surfhouse at Mereweather Beach is lovely for a bite to eat. Beforehand, grab your surf board and dive into a pristine beach to work up an appetite.

If you time it right, The Beach Hotel aka Beaches, does a roaring trade on a Sunday afternoon. – Overlooking Mereweather Beach it’s hard not to fall in love with the place.

Another spot to swim closer to town is Nobbys. Made famous after the Pasha Bulker, a coal ship, ran a ground on Nobby’s Beach in 2007.

If you prefer the cafe scene, Darby St is the place to go.  I can recommend the 3 Monkeys Cafe although I hope you’re on foot. Parking along Darby St is limited and not cheap.

If you’re looking to save some time and organise some activities and things to do right now then the below is a good place to start. 

#3 – Seal Rocks

This area is more for the adventurous camping type.  In case you have a childhood fantasy about sleeping in a lighthouse, Seal Rocks has one! A few hiking trails and camping facilities here don’t expect cellular service.

#4 – Smiths Lake & along the Lakes Way

A piece of questionable road is The Lakes Way.  One road in and one road out leading from Smiths Lake, through Booti Booti National Park and into the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry.  Drive with caution, it’s a very popular spot for accidents.  Treat it like a Formula 1 track and you’ll likely end up in a ditch or worse.

Strong swimmers and surfers alike flock to Boomerang Beach and Elizabeth Beach.  This isn’t a patrolled beach area so swim with caution.

Campers want to pitch a tent at Tiona. There is a popular camping area/park there with cabins if you wish, or The Ruins campground can accommodate those that are self sufficient.  Cellular service here is patchy at best.

You can sleep on the sand of the beaches but it’s not technically allowed. So if you’re spotted you’ll likely be moved on.

Forster Tuncurry

300km or about 3 hours north of Sydney is the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry.  One of my favourite places in the world.  These towns are eparated by a 2km long bridge that spans the glistening Wallis Lake.

#5 – Forster

Let’s start with the bigger of the two, Forster.  Major shopping precinct (Stocklands) is slightly out of town so stop there on your way past (if coming along The Lakes Way). Two big supermarkets are both located here (Coles and Woolworths) so collect your supplies.  There’s a large Bunnings if you need camping supplies, gas for your BBQ etc.

One Mile Beach runs along the eastern most point of the area.  The southern end is patrolled with a Surf Club nearby, with the northern end featuring a popular and rather large sand dune.  A popular spot for sand-surfers.  Northern end of the beach is typically reserved for experienced surfers there’s quite a few submerged rocks.

Update: The beloved sand dune was demolished but the beach is still worth a visit.  You might even be able to spot some dolphins!

Main Beach is located a short stroll from Forster main street.  Patrolled in the summer and a popular spot for families.  The aptly named Beach Bums cafe is your best beach-side option for a reasonable meal and cheap prices. Tip: Arrive before the lunch rush to get a beach-side table.

Where to eat

Wharf St Forster has a few little coffee shops and restaurants lining the main street.  Take a wander around the street and be sure to check out those restaurants facing the lake.  They change periodically through the seasons so what might be good one year, may not still be in business the year after.

Pubs

For water views, try the Lakes & Ocean on Little St. There’s plenty of parking at the door unless its peak times like Easter or Christmas when side streets are your best option.

#6 – Tuncurry

Tuncurry is the smaller and definitely quieter one of the two towns. You might find accommodation is cheaper on this side of the bridge.

A kid friendly swim spot is The Rockpool. A small shark netted beach which gets small waves from the Wallis Lake inlet but protected from most nasties.  A concrete path runs down to the water to assist disabled and ageing population that also like to come here.

Note:  Not suitable for surfers. Walk 5 minutes around the corner to Tuncurry Beach for real waves on an unpatrolled beach.

Local pub of The Bellevue is a local favourite.  The only pub I’ve ever been to that has a pool in the middle of the eating area.  Fenced off and always clean, its a great spot to put the kids while you munch on locally sourced seafood.

Where do I eat?

The Cooperative (Co-Op) is lead by local fisherman who sell their catch.  Find your way to Ray St, grab some fresh prawns takeaway and sit in John Wright Park on the waters edge to end a perfect day.

What to do? 

Relax.  This area doesn’t run at a fast pace so just chill out.  Go fishing on Wallis Lake (you need a fishing licence but most boat & bait shops sell them), take a paddle boat along the Lake. Swim at any of the beaches listed above. Read a book in a coffee shop for hours and watch the world pass you by.

For the kids

Parks and playground equipment galore at The Rockpool (listed above), the Bull Ring located at Main beach (Forster) or John Wright Park (under the bridge on Tuncurry side).

#7 – Port Macquarie

A steady drive along the F3 (aka A1) will bring you to Port Macquarie, about 4 hours north of Sydney. Port Macquarie has its own small domestic-only airport.

For a swim try Town Beach to the east of the city.  For food, grab takeaways and plonk yourself under a tree on the Town Green near Horton St.

Shopping – plenty to buy along the main street of William St.  If shopping centres are more your flavor check out Settlement City or Port Central.

If you’re spending time in Port Macquarie for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday then we can’t think of anything more amazing than booking a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing experience! 

#8 – Urunga

An 1.5 hrs north of Port Macquarie is Urunga.  A very chilled out sleepy town.

Stop in for a swim along Hungry Head Rd. Good food can be found where the two rivers meet at the Ocean View Hotel.

#9 – Coffs Harbour

20 mins up the road from Urunga is Coffs.  A large city with plenty to do.  Pop up to Sealy Lookout for some great views across the city and out to the coast.

The Pet Porpoise Pool is a great place for adults and kids alike.  Get up and close with dolphins  – you can swim with the dolphins if you book in advance.

No trip to Coffs is complete without venturing to the famous Big Banana.  Targeted towards the kids, there’s a coffee shop inside and some local information. Take your photo with the Big Banana and move on.  Not the best food here but the giant phallic shaped tourist attraction makes a great postcard to send home! One activity that you might be interested in taking a day trip to Dorrigo National Park. 

#10 – Woolgoolga

The Lakeside Caravan Park is a little treat.  Accommodation in Coffs can be expensive but as little as half hour up the road you can find yourself in the sleepy town of Woolgoolga.

Venture around to see the large Sikh Temple, that’s about it for this small town of <5000 people.

From here, you’ve got about 400km ahead of you to reach Brisbane.

#11 – Byron Bay

One day in Byron just isn’t enough.  Tourists flock to Byron at all times of the year but it’s always busy between Sept-April.  It won the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice® 2013 awards.

Lighthouses dot the coast of this pretty bohemian town.  In it’s hayday it was a whaling station but now its money comes in the form of tourist dollars.  Byron has a very relaxed vibe, where bikinis and sarongs in the streets are more than welcomed and shoes are simply optional.

Hike the trails that surround the Lighthouse along Lighthouse Rd at Cape Byron. Here you are at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Cool huh? This is a popular place to watch the sunrise and feel the warmth hit your skin.  While strolling around here, you might even see some whales surfacing around this area just off the coast.

For the more relaxed vibe, stroll around the walking trails and find a picnic spot for a BYO lunch.  There is always the local cafe’s if BYO isn’t your thing.

What to do?

Well, Byron is all about relaxing and if you’ve just driven from Sydney to the North Coast of NSW then you deserve a rest! However, if you simply can’t switch off, you can learn to surf or hire a kayak and paddle around the Bay in the sun.  For the uber adventurous you can skydive over the beach!

There’s so much to do in Byron Bay that the biggest problem you’ll have is to tying to fit everything in! Here’s a great selection of activities to choose from. Book now so you don’t have to worry about booking later. Future you will thank you. 

#12 – Tweed Heads

You’ve made it! Here at Tweed you’re at the NSW/QLD border.

While you’re in the area there’s a few places you might want to visit the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is a natural rock bridge and a plunging waterfall.   Walk the Tree tops at O’Reilly’s. 

If your tummy is grumbling then stop in at The House of Gabriel in Tumbulgum comes highly recommended from a friend.

The Essentials

• The A1 motorway/freeway is notoriously littered with Police.  The highway speed limit is 110km/hr unless otherwise signposted. Unlike the UK, Australia posts the speed limits quite frequently.
• Localised speed zones are 50km/hr in most places again unless otherwise signposted.
• We drive on the LEFT, the same as the British.
• Pack a towel for the beach. Many of the smaller hotels in towns don’t give you additional beach/pool towels, so avoid any hassles and take your own.
• Take a waterproof bag you can take your car keys into the water.  Leave all valuables including phones, iPads etc in the car out of sight.  Everywhere I’ve listed should be safe but there is always someone that wants to steal your stuff.  Don’t be complacent.
• I‘d recommend buying an Esky (cooler bag) and carrying food and water with you in the car. Summer is bush fire season and I myself have spent HOURS on the freeway when it’s suddenly been shut due to a bush fire. Go prepared with water and some food.  
• Watch out for pelicans.  They are definitely not harmless. They will steal your food, they will look like they’re hunting you and they’ve been known to take a small dog out to sea.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your road trip, don’t forget to wind the windows down and let the sea breeze hit you in the face.  The North Coast of NSW is a welcome change of pace from the rat race of the city.  Don’t forget to buy local and stay local to help keep these small towns alive.  You should get fantastic hospitality along the way.