North Coast NSW Travel Guide
Places to Stay, Eat and Things to Do

Welcome to the North Coast Guide

From the harbour city of Newcastle and the vineyards of the Hunter Region to the coastal beauty of Byron Bay and Tweed Heads, the NSW North Coast is one of Australia’s most diverse and inspiring destinations.

Whether you’re exploring Port Stephens, crossing the bay to Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, road-tripping the Mid North Coast, or heading north through the Northern Rivers, this site shares curated guides to help you experience the very best of the North Coast lifestyle.

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Discover Pristine
Beaches

You will be amazed at the pristine beaches on the North Coast and further up with aqua water, dolphins and whales between May - November.

Take me to the beach

DISCOVER

Welcome to North Coast NSW Leisure and Life, your ultimate destination for exploring the the Hunter, Port Stephens, Mid North Coast NSW and further up The North Coast and Northern Rivers. Dive into a world of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences that await you. Whether you're seeking breathtaking landscapes, local attractions, or local secrets, we've got you covered.

Discover National Parks

North Coast NSW Leisure & Life is your guide to the entire stretch of NSW’s North Coast. Starting from Newcastle to the charming villages of Tea Gardens and Forster on the Mid North Coast to the stunning beaches, national parks and hinterland of the Northern Rivers at Tweed.

Take me to nature

Blueys Beach NSW: Is it worth visiting? Yes!

Blueys Beach, Pacific Palms NSW Blueys Beach NSW sits in the beautiful Pacific Palms region just minutes from both Boomerang Beach and Elizabeth Beach. This relaxed coastal stretch runs for around 900 metres, framed by gently rising, tree-covered hills that give it a secluded, almost tucked-away feel. Discover Blueys Beach Accommodation The beach takes its unusual name from a local story about a cow called “Bluey” who wandered too close to the cliff edge and fell. It’s one of

Coffs Harbour Hinterland Guide: Bellingen, Dorrigo & Scenic Drives

Explore magical places on the Coffs Hinterland

Booti Booti National Park - Beaches & Walks to Explore

Coastal View from bush walk About 20km from Forster, Booti Booti National Park is comprised of an 8km peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Smiths Lake. This beautiful part of New South Wales covers 1,566ha of scenic headlands, stunning beaches, vibrant rainforest, and 11km of estuarine foreshore right next to Forster. The name comes from “butibuti,” the local Worimi Aboriginal word meaning “plenty of honey.” Booti Booti National Park Booti Booti National Park is ideal for

SPECTACULAR SCENERY

Chill Out In Byron Bay and Surrounds - What to do and Where to Stay

The Farm Byron Bay - Image Credit: Grace Carr (supplied) Travel up the coast of New South Wales to Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers region. This well-known town is known for its alternative culture and is a popular tourist attraction. It is home to notable festivals, the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, stunning beaches, significant surf breaks, incredible food, small unique businesses and a thriving community. World Heritage rainforests, numerous waterfalls, and vibrant hinterl

Places to Visit Between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour

If you’re driving between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour, this stretch of the NSW coast is far more than just a highway run. You will can quiet coastal towns, lakes, beaches, and small country villages that are worth pulling over for. Here's a list of great places to visit between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour. This guide highlights some of the best places to visit along the way, from well-known stops like Forster and Port Macquarie to lesser-known spots like Nabiac and Bulahdel

Old Bar and Saltwater NSW – A Relaxed Mid North Coast Escape

For a laid-back coastal getaway, put Old Bar and Saltwater NSW on your radar. Located around four hours north of Sydney on the Mid North Coast, Old Bar is a quiet beachside town that offers a slower pace without the crowds. The village has all the essentials for an easy stay, including cafés, a supermarket, post office and casual dining options, making it a convenient base for a weekend or longer coastal break. Things to Do in Old Bar Compared to some of the busier destinatio

Foodie lovers

We take you to the best restaurants, cafes, wineries and foodie destinations. Whether it's an artisan coffee, lunch or dinner we showcase the best foodie places on the North Coast, Northern Riverlands and Hinterland.

Crystalbrook Kingsley Newcastle - Luxury Rooms and Exceptional Dining

Crystalbrook Kingsley Newcastle - Reasons to Stay For those planning a Newcastle escape, Crystalbrook Kingsley offers a stylish base in the centre of the city, just moments from Newcastle’s beaches, harbour foreshore, restaurants and cultural precinct. Housed within Newcastle’s striking former Council Administration Centre, the luxury hotel combines heritage architecture with contemporary interiors and sweeping views across the city and coastline. The property features sophis

Graham Barclay Oysters Forster NSW: Fresh, Local & Worth the Stop

Graham Barclay Oysters If you’re visiting Forster and love fresh seafood, Graham Barclay Oysters is one of those simple, local experiences that’s worth seeking out. Set right on the water, this is not a polished tourist stop — it’s a working oyster farm where you can taste oysters straight from the source. Fresh, briny, and as local as it gets. It’s the kind of place you stop in, grab a dozen, and sit by the water or take home to enjoy. If you’re planning a stay in Forster, y

Dungog NSW: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Eat - Hunter Valley Guide

Dungog is a NSW village in the Hunter Valley and is quickly becoming a popular place to visit especially for art lovers and mountain bike riders. Mountain bike riders visit in great numbers thanks to the Dungog Common; a piece of crown land on the outskirts of town. The Common is also popular with bushwalkers, so grab your hiking gear, hop in the car and head to Dungog NSW. Visit Ride Dungog for more information. For artisan lovers, the biennial Sculpture on the Farm attract

Farm to Plate

Brunswick Heads: The Laid-Back Alternative to Byron Bay

Brunswick Bridge If you love the idea of Byron Bay but prefer things a little more relaxed, Brunswick Heads might be your perfect escape. We stayed right in town at Reflections Holiday Park Brunswick Heads, where everything is just a short stroll away – beaches, cafés, boutiques, and the pub. Bryron Bay Lighthouse Brunswick Heads Commonly Known as Bruns Bruns (as the locals call it) gave me the vibes of what I imagine Byron was like back in the day – before the big-brand stor

Discover Saddles Mount White: A Scenic Destination for Dining and Nature on the Central Coast

Planning a trip to the Mid North Coast and further from South? Then put Saddles Mount White on your stop off list. This stunning...

Farm Stay Ewetopia Farm Wauchope

Updated May 2025 Farm Stay Farm stays are a great way to spend a holiday with the family and Ewetopia Farm on the Mid North Coast of NSW offers a great stay with a little education on raising sheep. When I visited the farm, way back in 2018 they Jill and Ian McKittrick had lived on the farm for over 15 years and since then have raised enough sheep to produce cheese that they previously sold at the local markets. In 2025 on the update of the post, the farm now is focused on '

North Coast NSW Travel Guide
Places to Stay, Eat and Things to Do

Welcome to the North Coast Guide

Crystalbrook Kingsley Newcastle - Luxury Rooms and Exceptional Dining

Meet the Makers: Mid North Coast NSW

Crystal Castle Byron Bay: A Peaceful Sanctuary in the Hinterland

Chill Out In Byron Bay and Surrounds - What to do and Where to Stay

Discover Pristine
Beaches