Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the NSW coastline, making Newcastle one of the best places in Australia to experience whale watching. From spectacular ocean lookouts to unforgettable whale watching cruises, this coastal city offers plenty of opportunities to witness these gentle giants as they travel north and south during migration season. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, visiting the Hunter region or simply looking for things to do in Newca

If you love fresh local produce, artisan food stalls and great coffee, the Newcastle Farmers Market is one of the best ways to spend a Sunday morning in Newcastle NSW. Held at the Newcastle Showground in Broadmeadow, the market has become a favourite with locals and visitors looking to shop directly from growers, makers and small regional producers. From seasonal fruit and vegetables to sourdough bread, flowers, gourmet treats and freshly brewed coffee, the atmosphere feels r

Stroud NSW is the historic centre of the Port Stephens Estate, established in November 1826. You may have already heard of the famous Stroud Show, but there's a lot more to this quaint village. Stroud is picturesque with rolling hills, and the village buildings take you back into time. The History of Stroud Stroud was named by Robert Dawson in 1826, as the valley reminded him of the Cotswolds countryside in England. The intention was to export the wool grown in the area to th

In 2019, the Nambucca Valley Train Carriages were built entirely from the ground up. The carriages are situated on the Mid North Coast of NSW, not far from Nambucca Heads. The railway carriages provides a one-of-a-kind B&B experience in self-contained private holiday lodgings, overlooking the railway line and a scenic country landscape. Nambucca Valley Train Carriages History The two carriages are a replica of the Wisebech and Upwell Tramway carriage, built in 1888 by GER (Gr

Nambucca Heads is one of those Mid North Coast towns that feels easy from the moment you arrive. Set where the Nambucca River meets the sea, it has a beautiful mix of river views, ocean beaches, rainforest pockets, lookouts, cafes and relaxed holiday parks. It is best known for the colourful V-Wall Outdoor Gallery, a breakwall covered in painted rocks, messages and memories at the mouth of the river. It is also a lovely base for beach walks, fishing, kayaking, golf, family ho

Crystalbrook Kingsley Roundhouse Restaurant Stretching along Newcastle’s revitalised waterfront, Honeysuckle has become one of the city’s most vibrant lifestyle precincts. Once an industrial harbourfront, the area is now home to stylish restaurants, waterside bars, luxury hotels and scenic walking paths that make it a favourite destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a romantic getaway or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy sunse

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

There is something special about buying locally made products and in this article we meet the makers from the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast NSW. Stay tuned for more artisans in future articles. Let's Meet the Makers Seaform Studio | Coastal Jewellery from the Mid Coast NSW Seaform Studio is a thoughtfully curated collection of handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets inspired by the Mid Coast of NSW. Created by Samantha, the brand began as a simple beachcombing ritual w

Nestled in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay lies one of the most unique and spiritually uplifting destinations in Australia—The Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens. This tranquil sanctuary is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a place of peace, transformation, and connection with the Earth’s energy. What is the Crystal Castle Byron Bay? The Crystal Castle Byron Bay is a private botanical and crystal sanctuary located in Mullumbimby, about 20 minutes’ drive from Byron Ba

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

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

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

View over lake sites Reflections Holiday Park Forster Perfectly positioned on absolute beachfront, Reflections Forster Beach Holiday Park is one of the Mid North Coast’s most sought-after coastal stays. Set between the ocean and Wallis Lake, this holiday park offers that rare combination of convenience, natural beauty, and easy access to everything Forster is known for. View of the Park from Pilot Hill A Prime Beachfront Location You really couldn’t ask for a better location.

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

A beautiful walk overlooking Gloucester, NSW.