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The best places to visit on the NSW coast

Savour the NSW coast in your rental car.

From the idyllic Sapphire Coast to the bustling beaches at Tweed Heads, the New South Wales coastline is loaded with exciting places to explore. Whether you are after pristine, white-sand beaches or rugged coastal walks, you can find them along the coast. VroomVroomVroom has put together a list of some of our favourite places to stop along this unforgettable coastline.

Tallow Beach at Byron Bay

Map of the best places to visit on the NSW coast

The beautiful Bermagui Blue Pool.

The Sapphire Coast’s Blue Pool

Located about an hour to the north of Merimbula, in the town of Bermagui visitors will happen upon one of the Sapphire Coast’s most popular attractions. Nestled in the rocky coastline is a natural rock pool known as the “Blue Pool.” It has become a popular snorkelling spot and is a great place to enjoy a swim with dramatic views of the ocean. While you are in the area, explore some of Bermagui’s boutique shops, or sample some of the delicious local seafood. The town also has a vibrant arts community and hosts many events throughout the year.

Hyams Beach

With some of the whitest sand in the world and beautifully clear water, Hyams Beach is an unmissable attraction if you are passing through the Shoalhaven area. One of Jervis Bay’s many popular strips of sand, and just a short drive from Nowra, Hyams Beach is also a popular snorkelling spot. The region has fast become one of the most popular coastal destinations on New South Wales’ south coast. When you walk along the perfect, white sands, it is easy to see why.

Walk the powdery sand of Hyams Beach.
Bare Island, viewed from La Perouse in Sydney.

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 if you visit Bare Island Fort, which was built in the 1880s. La Perouse is also popular for its local golf courses and fabulous views. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time to visit.

Pelican feeding at The Entrance

At 3.30pm 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’ll find The Entrance just a short drive away from Tuggerah on New South Wales’ Central Coast.

No shortage of hungry pelicans here.
The spectacular Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

A little over an hour to the north of Newcastle, and located in the townships of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest — also known as the Myall Coast Region — is some great coastal scenery. One highlight is the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, which overlooks the impressive Seal Rocks coastline — a region that has been dubbed “the last frontier.” While you’re in the area, make the time to visit impressive lookouts including Cape Hawke and Whoota Whoota, both of which offering fantastic views over the ocean. The Dark Point Sand Dunes are also worth a visit and are a culturally significant site. 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, or taking the boat out for a relaxing day on the crystal-clear waters, the lake is but one of the attractions in the area — Forster is famous for its beaches as well. Best of all, there is a range of accommodation options around the lake, so it is easy to spend more time here soaking up the relaxed vibe.

The serene waters of Wallis Lake.
The Forest Sky Pier outside Coffs Harbour.

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. The 310 metre high Forest Sky Pier lookout offers a fantastic view of Coffs 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. For other great views of the Coffs Coast, stop by beautiful headlands such as Bonville, Look at Me Now, and Green Bluff.

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. A favourite among paddle boarders and kayakers, you can find the tea-tree coloured lake at the end of Pacific Parade.

Tea Tree Lake on a beautiful sunny day.
The Cape Byron walking track.

Cape Byron walking track

Byron Bay is a popular stop on any east coast road trip, and one of the highlights of the area is the Cape Byron walking track. With almost four kilometres of rainforest, clifftop and ocean views, the walking track is the best way to explore the Byron Bay coast. At the right time of year, you may even be lucky enough to spot whales off the coast.

“Walk on water” in Tweed Heads

Before you cross the border into Queensland, explore the Tweed Heads region. Visit the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and learn more about the area. From the centre, you can embark on an easy boardwalk track through the mangroves — guided tours are offered from the cultural centre.

Walk the mangroves at Tweed Heads.

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