The best places to visit on the NSW coast
From the idyllic Sapphire Coast to the bustling beaches at Tweed Heads, the New South Wales coastline is loaded with exciting places to explore, and VroomVroomVroom has put together a list of our top ten picks worth adding to your must-visits. So if you’re into pristine beaches, heritage walks through the forest, and fresh oysters for days, keep on reading as you might find your next road trip in this handy vacation guide.
Map of the best places to visit on the NSW coast
The Sapphire Coast’s Blue Pool
Located about an hour to the north of Merimbula by car, in the town of Bermagui, the Blue Pool is one of the Sapphire Coast’s most popular attractions. Nestled in the rocky coastline is a natural rock pool known as the Blue Pool. Developed to mimic a typical swimming pool with tiled steps in 1937, the 50-metre swimming hole lets you access a thriving marine ecosystem without diving into the ocean, a daunting task if you’re an amateur swimmer. Aside from swimming and relaxing by the rocks, grab your goggles and snorkel to find sea anemones, sea stars, crabs, and more — but please don’t take them out of the water.
When you get tired of befriending the fishes, explore some of Bermagui’s boutique shops or sample delicious local meals while you’re in the area. Drive 30 minutes southward and stop at Mimosa Rocks National Park for some amazing headland views, day camping spots, and easy forest explorations. Another 15 minutes will bring you to Tathra, a humble seaside town where the endangered Little Tern resides. Other wildlife includes wallabies and kangaroos, especially in the morning. Tathra Beach is ideal for surfing and boating, across whale watching from August to November.
Hyams Beach
With some of the whitest sand in the world and beautifully clear water, Hyams Beach is an unmissable attraction in the Shoalhaven area. One of Jervis Bay’s many popular strips of sand, and just a short drive from Nowra, Hyams Beach is part of the 90-minute White Sands Walk, along with Chinamans Beach and Greenfield Beach where there is ample space for setting up a seaside picnic and parking your car. If you’re taking a rental campervan, the Jervis Bay Holiday Park is a quick 20-minute drive away. Hyams Beach is also a popular spot for paddle boarding, snorkelling, and swimming with beloved seals, dolphins, and penguins — an activity kids and adults will enjoy.
A mixture of bushlands and white sand beaches, the region is one of the most popular coastal destinations on New South Wales’ south coast, and when you walk along the beach, it’s easy to see why. Not far along the Hyams Beach trail is Jervis Bay National Park, an excellent space for bird watching, or head south to the Booderee National Park, where Aboriginal rangers offer guided tours along more beaches, caves, and boardwalks, introducing you to native wildlife and vegetation.
La Perouse
You’re spoilt for choice with the incredible coastal scenery of Sydney, and if you’ve visited tourist hotspots like Bondi Beach and are looking for more, head south of the city to visit La Perouse. This was the initial landing site of the First Fleet in 1788, and its fascinating history is particularly evident at Bare Island Fort, which was built in the 1880s. A guided tour gives visitors a glimpse of its past fate; a 130-year-old bridge leads to what was known as “Sydney’s back door,” used as defense against an anticipated Russian invasion. Now a museum, the old fort gives stunning sunset views overlooking Botany Bay and vistas worth featuring in action movies!
La Perouse is also famous for beachside walks. Cape Banks Walking Track begins at Congwong Beach and delivers surreal clifftop views, forest pockets, and historic war ruins across a total of seven kilometres including the walk back. Along this path, you’ll pass Cruwee Cove Beach, notable for its rough sand and pretty shells. It’s important to wear appropriate footwear and attire as some of these areas can get very rocky and slippery — or muddy, if your trip falls on a rainy day.
Pelican feeding at The Entrance
At 3:30 PM every day, wander along the lovely waterfront at The Entrance to see one of the most popular events in the Central Coast. For more than 20 years the local population of pelicans has been coming to the shoreline for mealtime, and the Pelican Feed is a great way to get up close to the birds in the “Pelican Capital of Australia.” You’re free to skip Pelican Time, of course — though we recommend you don’t — and visit The Boardwalk, which can be equally fun as it starts at The Waterfront, a mall for foodies and cafe enthusiasts, and ends at Tuggerah Lake, one of Australia’s large saltwater lakes and a popular choice for sailing and kayaking.
The lake is named after Tuggerah, about 13 km and 20 minutes from The Entrance by car. The nearby town is famous for treetop ziplines and trekking in The Watagans, picnics by the water in Elizabeth Bay, and nearby beaches, including The Entrance — all best explored with a rental car, especially when you’re travelling with family and friends.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
The Myall Coast Region, a little over an hour to the north of Newcastle, and centred around Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, is home to some great coastal scenes. One highlight is the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, which overlooks Seal Rocks — a region that has been dubbed “the last frontier.” While you’re there, make time to visit impressive lookouts including Cape Hawke and Whoota Whoota, both of which offer fantastic views over the ocean. To get a better feel of the area, visit the small town cafes and unassuming art galleries. The best way to learn about a new place is to live like a local, so make sure you order the crowd favorites and take time to see some homegrown talent before you leave.
The Dark Point Sand Dunes are also worth a visit and are a culturally significant site to the Worimi People. From the Mungo Brush Road carpark at Dees Corner, where you can leave your rental car or campervan, walk along the Dark Point Trail until you reach Dark Point Aboriginal Place south of Myall Lakes National Park. Consider the wilderness of the region a breath of fresh air and an escape from busy city life!
Wallis Lake
Located in Forster, the beautiful and serene Wallis Lake is fed by four rivers and is one of a number of scenic lakes in the region. A popular destination for fishing, swimming, and snorkeling, the lake is but one of the attractions in the area — Forster is famous for its beaches and lookout areas as well. Join a laid-back dolphin spotting cruise where not only will you be in with a chance to spot these beautiful creatures frolicking in the waters — with marine naturalists explaining their every dance move — but also to learn about Aboriginal history, and even enjoy a calming cup of tea.
There are also options for a lunch cruise, paddleboarding, and motorboat hires for fishing — complete with GPS fish finders, iceboxes, a barbecue grill and bluetooth speakers! Outside the gorgeous blue waters are two national parks, namely Wallingat National Park west of the lake and Booti Booti National Park, which is closer to the seashore.
Before you go, don’t miss the coveted Sydney rock oysters caught fresh from the lake. Best of all, there is a range of accommodation options and campgrounds around the lake, so it is easy to spend more time here soaking up the relaxed vibe.
The Forest Sky Pier
The Coffs Coast is one of the most scenic regions in the state, so it makes sense that there would be plenty of amazing lookouts. Only a 20-minute drive from Coffs Harbour, The 310-metre-high Forest Sky Pier lookout offers a fantastic view of the harbour and the Solitary Islands Marine Park. On your way, stop at the Korora Lookout and follow the Gumgali interpretive walk to learn more about the Aboriginal culture of the area. Afterwards, continue the cultural walk up at the Forest Sky Pier, where, as you’re surrounded by rainforest, it’s ideal to book a slot at the Coffs Treetops to savour the jungle vibe, or take the time to rest at the picnic shelter.
For other great views of the Coffs Coast, stop by beautiful headlands such as Bonville, Look at Me Now, and Green Bluff. Other activities include the Harry Bailey Memorial Library and its eccentric architecture, and art workshops at Yarrila Arts and Museum. The National Cartoon Gallery is housed in what was once a war-period bunker, and as the first gallery of its kind in Australia, is well worth a look.
Lennox Head’s tea tree coloured lake
How does swimming in a beautiful lake the colour of tea sound? Lake Ainsworth is a popular destination near Lennox Head. The lake’s dark hue is a result of it being surrounded by paperbark trees releasing dark tannins into the water. While hearing that may raise some eyebrows, it’s not toxic and there’s no cause for worry — the lake is a prime swimming spot for all age groups and a favourite among paddle boarders and kayakers.
Walk about ten minutes southward and you’ll reach Lennox Head Beach, officially recognised as a National Surfing Reserve in 2007. Its strong waves are the biggest draws for experienced surfers and are not to be taken lightly, despite its calm, blue visual. For non-surfers, simple beach walks and whale watching can be just as enjoyable. Stroll the surrounds until you reach the village centre, where locals and travellers alike gather to shop and dine. To address the influx of tourists, Ballina Shire Council has begun developing community spaces in the village such as playgrounds, skate parks, and markets, ensuring that public amenities and establishments are accessible and pedestrian-friendly.
Cape Byron walking track
The drive to Byron Bay is a popular route on any east coast road trip, and one of the highlights of the area is the Cape Byron walking track. Covering four kilometres of rainforest, clifftop and ocean views, the walking track is the best way to explore the Byron Bay coast. Trail runners will also find its paved pathways ideal for training, thanks to its varied uphill and downhill sections. Throughout the walk (or run), it’s possible to spot kangaroos in the grasslands, some native Bangalow Palms and burrawangs, and at the right time of year, you may even be lucky enough to spot whales off the coast.
Byron Bay has dropped the “py” from its hippy roots to become a simply hip holiday destination yet retains its embrace of its community, evident in its thriving agricultural economy, well-maintained public parks, and cultural events, so even for tourists, there’s always something to do. After a day at the beach, hit the pub to watch country musicians perform live, or attend festivals and markets when your schedule permits.
“Walk on water” in Tweed Heads
Before you cross the border into Queensland, consider stopping in the Tweed Heads region and head to the Walk on Water boardwalk trail. The short but worthwhile walk takes you through abundant mangrove and eucalypt forests along the bank of the Tweed River. The trail is lined with informative signages detailing the life of Minjungbal people — ask for a guided tour from the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an in-depth discussion of the locals and their culture.
With such shallow waters, one would wonder what water activities can be done in Tweed Heads. However, bird lovers flock here for bird watching as shorebirds and waders frequent the area. Guided fishing tours, visits to oyster farms, and crab catching activities are also available. As Tweed Heads is located along the NSW coast, expect some whale and dolphin sightings if you’re lucky, and opportunities to swim with sea turtles and nurse sharks. After a full day in the water, a quick gastronomy tour is in order — indulge in some homegrown tropical fruits and dishes made with native finger limes to cap off a long day at the beach.
