Best Weekend Getaways on the NSW North Coast
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- 5 min read
Looking for the best weekend getaways on the NSW North Coast? Here's a list of places to visit, things to do and where to stay.
Best Weekend Getaways on the NSW North Coast
Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest
What Makes Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest So Special
Only a few hours drive north of Sydney, Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest offers a place to enjoy both water and National Park. The area becomes popular in the summer months with visitors booking out most places.
Tea Gardens is set next to the Myall River and offers a few boutiques, cafes, restaurants and pub. As well as a fishing co-op and takeaway places. You can read more about Tea Gardens in this article.
Hawks Nest is where the beaches are including Bennetts and Jimmys. One is on the Pacific Ocean and the other (Jimmys) is on the bay.
Best Things to Do in Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest
Also nearby is Myall Lakes National Park offering Dark Point Aboriginal Place and Mungo Brush Camping ground with spectacular view.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer warm weather without peak holiday crowds. Summer gets very busy. Winter is very quiet.
Where to stay
Accommodation includes holiday parks, riverside cabins, motels, apartments and stylish holiday homes close to both the beach and river.
Immerse yourself in nature. Beautiful cabins and tiny houses.
Seal Rocks
What makes it special
Seal Rocks is one of the most untouched coastal villages on the NSW Mid North Coast. Surrounded by national park, pristine beaches and rugged coastline, it feels wonderfully quiet compared to larger holiday towns. The beaches are stunning, the ocean is crystal clear on calm days and the iconic lighthouse adds to its wild coastal charm.
Best things to do in Seal Rocks
Visit Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views and whale watching during migration season. Spend time at Boat Beach, Treachery Beach or Number One Beach for swimming, surfing and long beach walks. Explore nearby Myall Lakes National Park or simply slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are ideal with mild temperatures, fewer crowds and beautiful beach weather. Summer is popular for holidays, while winter offers excellent whale watching and cosy coastal escapes.
Where to stay
Seal Rocks is a popular place to stay and offers beachfront homes, while nearby Pacific Palms also offers boutique accommodation and holiday parks close to the beach.
Blueys Beach
What makes it special
Blueys Beach is loved for its relaxed coastal vibe, turquoise water and easygoing beachside atmosphere. Part of the Pacific Palms region, it combines beautiful surf beaches with boutique cafés, holiday homes and nearby lakes and national parks.
Best things to do in Blueys Beach
Swim or surf at Blueys Beach, explore nearby Boomerang Beach, enjoy coffee and brunch at local cafés or spend the day exploring the surrounding beaches and bushland. It is also a fantastic base for kayaking, fishing and coastal drives.
Best time to visit
Spring through early autumn is perfect for beach weather and outdoor dining. Winter is quieter and ideal for peaceful weekend escapes.
Where to stay
There are plenty of beach houses, boutique stays and apartments around Blueys Beach and nearby Boomerang Beach, along with holiday parks close to the ocean.
Forster
What makes it special
Forster offers the perfect mix of beaches, lakes and laidback coastal living. Known for its beautiful waterways and outdoor lifestyle, it is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Mid North Coast.
Best things to do in Forster
Walk the Bicentennial Walk from Forster to One Mile Beach, swim at Main Beach, explore Wallis Lake, go fishing, enjoy waterfront dining or visit nearby beaches and lookouts. Families also love the calm waters and holiday atmosphere.
Best time to visit
Forster is a year round destination, although spring and summer are especially popular for beach holidays and water activities. Autumn often brings warm weather with fewer crowds.
Central location near shops and beaches. Spacious rooms.
From $391 night but check for seasonal rates.
Beachfront stays with cabins and caravan options.
Cabins from $150 per night and subject to seasonal demand.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from waterfront apartments and resorts to holiday parks, motels and luxury beach houses throughout Forster and nearby Tuncurry.
Old Bar
What makes it special
Old Bar is a relaxed seaside town known for its uncrowded beaches, coastal walks and friendly community feel. It has become increasingly popular with travellers wanting a quieter beach getaway away from busy tourist centres.
Best things to do in Old Bar
Walk or cycle the oceanfront pathways, swim or surf at Old Bar Beach, explore nearby rainforest and national parks or enjoy relaxed cafés and local markets. The coastline is perfect for long beach walks and photography.
Fresh, light and airy, 2 bed cottage situated in the heart of Old Bar CBD.
Average $171 per night with great reviews.
Ruby's is in a stunning beachside location, with ocean views to match.
Average $431 per night and great reviews
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and quieter beaches. Summer is ideal for traditional beach holidays and family trips.
Where to stay
Visitors can choose from beachfront holiday parks, motels, cabins and modern holiday homes close to the beach.
Coffs Hinterland
What makes it special
The Coffs Harbour Hinterland is filled with waterfalls, rainforest, mountain villages and scenic country drives. It offers a completely different experience to the coastline, with cooler temperatures, rolling green hills and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Best things to do in Coffs Hinterland
Visit waterfalls around Dorrigo National Park, explore rainforest walking tracks, discover small hinterland towns, enjoy scenic drives and stop at local cafés and artisan stores. Nature lovers will appreciate the incredible lookouts and birdlife throughout the region.
Best time to visit
Autumn and spring are beautiful with mild weather and lush scenery. Winter can also be magical with misty mornings and cosy mountain stays.
Where to stay
The hinterland offers boutique cottages, eco retreats, rainforest cabins and country guesthouses surrounded by nature.
Evans Head
What makes it special
Evans Head combines beautiful beaches, riverfront scenery and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. It remains one of the quieter Northern Rivers destinations, making it ideal for travellers wanting a slower paced beach escape.
Best things to do in Evans Head
Swim or surf at Main Beach, explore the Evans River, enjoy fishing and boating, visit nearby national parks or take in the ocean views from the headland. The town is also known for its excellent seafood and relaxed dining scene.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer warm weather without peak holiday crowds. Summer is perfect for beach lovers and water activities.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Evans Head includes holiday parks, riverside cabins, motels, apartments and stylish holiday homes close to both the beach and river.
Set beside the river and walking distance to everything. Pet-friendly.
