North Coast

• Summer

  Dec—Feb

  30°C Avg. High

  25°C Avg. Low

• Winter

  Jun—Aug

  23°C Avg. High

  18°C Avg. Low

Newcastle

As the busiest sea port in NSW, Newcastle revolves around the water, whether you’re swimming in gem-like ocean pools, surfing reliably good waves, or just gazing out over the harbour from a scenic waterside perch. But this is also Australia’s second-oldest colonial city, with bountiful cultural attractions taking you from the cosmopolitan heart of town – with its atmospheric neighbourhoods and historic sites – to buzzing new precincts distinguished by cutting-edge architecture and blazing street art.

Nelson Bay

The launchpad for whale watching tours, sunset cruises and swim with dolphin adventures, Nelson Bay offers a close-to-nature experience with all the creature comforts. The largest town in the Port Stephens area, you’ll find easy access to cafés, restaurants and shopping, as well as sheltered beaches perfect for families with young children. More than 100 dolphins live in the pristine blue waters of the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park. Dolphin watching cruises depart all year from the busy marina in Nelson Bay. For a truly unique experience, during the warmer months, you can swim amongst wild dolphins with Dolphin Swim Australia.

Shoal Bay

An idyllic scene awaits in Shoal Bay, where a wide arc of white sand beach is adorned by a heritage lighthouse on one end and the striking Tomaree Head on the other. This small hamlet is a great base for enjoying the natural wonders of Port Stephens, including spotting dolphins and koalas in the wild, and embarking on hikes that finish with unforgettable views.

The calm aquamarine waters of Shoal Bay are perfect for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding – you can take a SUP lesson or morning tour around the sparkling bay. Alternatively, hire a bike and explore the scenic foreshore. You’ll find picnic tables and barbecue facilities in the beachside reserve. At the eastern end of the bay is the magnificent Tomaree National Park. Follow the paved Fort Tomaree walk around the headland for reminders of Australia’s World War II coastal defence. From here, take the Tomaree Head summit walk for a breathtaking panorama of Port Stephens and the NSW North Coast. You can even spot whales during the migration season.

Anna Bay

The gateway to the spectacular Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands, Anna Bay is ideal for outdoor adventures. While the giant sand dunes are the star attraction, you can also enjoy beach fishing, surfing and exploring rock pools in this relaxed surf village in the Port Stephens area. Covering 4,200 hectares along the coast between the Hunter River at Newcastle in the south and Anna Bay in the north, the Worimi Conservation Lands are one of Australia’s great natural wonders and a place of Aboriginal cultural significance. They are home to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere.

Lake Macquarie & Surrounds

The largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere is at the heart of this region. The living is ultra-easy around Lake Macquarie, where the simple things you love never went out of style, the dress code reads ‘barefoot’ and the soundtrack is the gentle lapping of waves on the lake’s shore. Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake is a perfect getaway. The beautiful Lake Macquarie is ideal for water sports and sits next to stunning ocean beaches, including the famous sea caves at the aptly named Caves Beach near Swansea, the perfect spot of a classic seaside escape.

Byron Bay

It’s boho meets beachside, hippie meets hip, spiritual meets sophisticated… a place where you’re just as likely to see Chris Hemsworth tucking in to Sunday lunch at The Farm as you are to encounter dreadlocked drummers heralding in the sunset on the world-famous beachfront. Whichever version of Byron Bay you embrace, you’ll come away with a renewed sense of calm – and cool.

The Tweed

Once you discover this place, it’s hard to forget. Here, nature is more than a backdrop, it’s a source of inspiration: from the art galleries that tell stories of this tropical landscape to the birdsong that calls through ancient rainforest, and acclaimed restaurants that show off the region’s bounty. Follow the road less travelled, and we’ll let you in on our little secret.

Northern Rivers

It’s a green and pleasant land here, but there’s so much more to the Northern Rivers than its tantalisingly lush landscapes. There’s that big swathe of coastline, for starters, where you’ll be drawn in by world-famous beachfront towns like Byron Bay and Ballina. There’s an equally big collection of tastemakers creating brilliant food, drink and produce, with both sand and soil underfoot. Isn’t it time for a little more ‘wow’?

Lismore & Richmond Valley

Once-sleepy Lismore is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to an influx of folk from the big smoke and the coast, looking to embrace the joys of small-town life. Pass down a main street now dotted with cafes, hip stores and awesome street art, and, beyond, the Richmond Valley beckons with its swathes of green and rural lifestyle. Need evidence? Lismore’s art gallery is one of the longest-running in regional NSW, and the Tropical Fruits NYE Festival is one of the biggest LGBTQIA+ events in the country.

Clarence Valley

Nature comes at its most humbling and inspiring form in the Clarence Valley, a landscape shaped by rivers, dotted with beaches and enveloped by World Heritage-listed rainforest reserves. Part of the Northern Rivers region on the North Coast of NSW, it’s characterised by sleepy fishing villages and coastal hamlets where surfing, swimming and salty hair dominate daily routines. The lush countryside nurtures a creative population, who host everything from forward-thinking galleries and history-celebrating festivals to markets showcasing the local bounty.

Coffs Harbour

A string of perfect beaches, the country’s most famous banana, a marine park you’ve probably never heard of (hello, Solitary Islands), ancient rainforest waiting to be explored – welcome to the Coffs Coast. But wait, there’s more: the region is the state’s first certified eco-destination, meaning sustainability is taken very seriously here. All of which guarantees that the coast’s natural stars will be yours to enjoy for decades to come.

Macleay Valley Coast

There’s something old-school about the Macleay Valley and its coastline – in a very good way. Here you’ll pass through beachside hamlets that remain distinctly undeveloped, and largely undiscovered, along with spots of sublime natural beauty (that’s you, Hat Head National Park). Then, when you’ve picnicked at secret coves and surfed world-famous Crescent Head, explore the hinterland’s heritage towns, roadside stalls, and the tranquil Macleay River.

Port Macquarie

Traditionally regarded as a convenient stopover between Sydney and Brisbane, the Port Macquarie region is now a stunning destination in its own right, luring retirees, families, couples and those looking for a nature-based holiday with serious gourmet credibility. Blessed with sparkling beaches lined with pockets of rainforest, the area is also a significant habitat for koalas, with the world-famous Koala Hospital caring for the lovable endangered creatures.

Port Macquarie is the largest town in the region and bursting with restaurants, beaches, fun attractions and accommodation. To the south, the villages of North Haven, Laurieton and Kendall sit along the banks of the Camden Haven River. Further inland, Wauchope is a former timber town that’s now the gateway to lush rainforests.

Barrington Coast

Stretching from the rainforested highlands of Barrington Tops to the golden sand beaches of Forster, Seal Rocks and Hawks Nest, the Barrington Coast is a place of natural wonders and undiscovered adventures. Paddle along the waters of the Myall Lakes, marvel at tumbling waterfalls, explore lush national parks and be charmed by historic country towns.