Discover Black Head Beach: A Hidden Gem on the Barrington Coast

If you're planning a road trip along the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, be sure to add Black Head Beach to your itinerary. Tucked between Hallidays Point and Diamond Beach, this peaceful coastal spot is one of the true hidden gems of the Barrington Coast region. With its grassy headlands, patrolled surf zone, ocean pool, and surrounding walking tracks, Black Head offers the best of beachside relaxation without the crowds.

Located just 20 minutes north of Forster, Black Head is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, clean facilities, and beautiful backdrop of pandanus palms and Norfolk pines. It’s a spot where locals greet each other by name, surfboards lean against verandahs, and the rhythm of life flows with the tide.

What Makes Black Head Beach Special?

Family-Friendly and Patrolled – During summer and school holidays, Black Head Beach is patrolled, making it a safe choice for families. There’s a playground and barbecue area just behind the beach, perfect for a post-swim lunch.

Tide Pools and Shell Hunting – At low tide, explore the southern rock platform for sea life or enjoy a slow wander collecting shells and soaking up the stillness of the coast.

Natural Ocean Pool – One of the standout features of Black Head is its scenic tidal pool, carved naturally into the rocks. It’s ideal for a gentle saltwater swim or a cooling dip after a walk along the headland.

Walks With a View – Take the rainforest walk through Black Head Reserve, a short but peaceful stroll with ocean glimpses, native flora, and picnic tables shaded by trees. A nearby lookout offers panoramic views over the coastline.

Black Head Bazaar - features a diverse array of stalls offering arts and crafts, flowers, bric-a-brac, clothing, fruits and vegetables, homemade preserves, jams, pickles, cakes, biscuits, chocolates, and gingerbread.

It's well-known for its extensive selection of plant stalls, including specialized palm vendors, tube stock, and local native plants. Coffee, breads, pastries, and hot food are available in the morning.

The Village Vibe: Hallidays Point and Beyond

Black Head Beach is part of the Hallidays Point community—a relaxed village region that includes Diamond Beach, Red Head, and Tallwoods. Local cafes, artisan markets, and a tight-knit creative community make it a lovely area to explore beyond the sand.

You’ll find boutique holiday rentals in Forster, and quiet caravan parks nearby, making it easy to extend your stay. And if you're a nature lover, it’s just a short drive to the Khappinghat Nature Reserve or the wetlands around Saltwater National Park.

When to Visit Black Head Beach

This part of the Barrington Coast shines year-round, but the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and spectacular sunrises. Early morning walks along the headland are a local ritual, with pods of dolphins often seen playing just beyond the break.

For photographers, the golden hour light against the black basalt rocks and pandanus trees creates stunning compositions. And if you're travelling in May, don’t miss the annual Black Head Bazaar—a local market featuring food stalls, live music, and artisan crafts.

Other Beaches to Visit Nearby

• Diamond Beach – A long, dog-friendly stretch just minutes away

• Tuncurry Rockpool – Ideal for families and calm water swims

• Nine Mile Beach – Untouched and wild, great for fishing and long walks

• Forster Main Beach – For a livelier surf beach with cafes and shops

  
  

FIND OUT MORE TO DO ON THE BARRINGTON COAST

Black Head Beach offers the best of the Mid North Coast lifestyle—natural beauty, quiet charm, and an authentic local feel. Whether you're travelling solo, with a partner, or bringing the kids, it’s a destination that welcomes you with open arms and sandy feet.

So next time you’re exploring the Barrington Coast, carve out time for this gentle coastal haven. You might just find it becomes a favourite.