North Coast NSW Attractions

Aqua Vitae Day Spa
158 Gordon Street Port Macquarie New South Wales 2444

Aqua Vitae Day Spa is Port Macquarie's ultimate escape from the hurried world, a place where you can re-energize your body and mind. To provide you with unparalleled service, they boast six purpose built treatment rooms over two levels that cater all types of spa treatments from Hydrotherapy to Body Treatments, Facials and Massage. Of course, they also cater for all your general beauty therapy and waxing needs. Downstairs, a custom built hydrotherapy spa awaits, as does their Vichy Shower in the wet rooms. Upstairs, they have a fully appointed hairdressing studio, as well as nail stations and dual Spa Pedicure Massage Chairs which are the ultimate way for you to relax with a friend.

Bindarri National Park
Corfes Road Coffs Harbour New South Wales 2450

At the headwaters of the Urumbilum River, this park offers many spectacular waterfalls in a remote and rugged setting. Pockets of old growth forest are found on the plateau, while rainforest protects the steeper slopes. A walk to Tuckers Nob, in the south of the park, is rewarded with magnificent views over a deep, rainforest basin, the Great Escarpment and the coast. Backpacking camping is possible but there are no camping areas or facilities.

Booti Booti National Park
Lakes Way Off Pacific Highway Forster New South Wales 2428

Booti Booti National Park is located on 1,567 hectares and is located 140 kilometres north of Newcastle and 10 kilometers south of Forster. The National Park has beaches of all shapes and sizes, forests by the ocean and good fishing. Wallis Lakes is on the park's western boundary. Facilities include: showers, toilets, campsites, picnic tables and a sailing club nearby. Camping is at The Ruins and no woodfires are allowed in the park.

Coffs Coast Beaches
Coffs Harbour New South Wales 2450

Six different beaches mark the coastal perimeter of Coffs Harbour, offering sandy bottomed point-breaks that can handle big swells along with beach breaks to suit everyone from grommets to superstars. There are easy rides for learn-to-surfers too around the various protected coves and harbours. The half-century of surfing tradition in Coffs is evidenced by the three strong board-riders clubs based here, and on any day there’s a fair chance of being in the line-up beside a few senior long-boarders who were their clubs’ inaugural members five decades ago. Just about every kind of water activity is available in and around the city, from kayak tours in the ocean or along the estuary into Bongil Bongil National Park, to boat trips for sport fishing or whale-watching.

Coffs Harbour Golf Club
Earl Street Coffs Harbour New South Wales 2450

Coffs Harbour Golf Club is a superb 27-hole championship golf course that will appeal to all golfers. One of the most beautiful golf courses on the Mid North Coast, the course is in immaculate condition. Located in the heart of town, it is regarded as one of the best all-weather courses in the district.

Crowdy Head Lighthouse
Crowdy Head New South Wales 2427

The Crowdy Head Lighthouse was built in 1878 with a fixed catadioptric light of less than 1,000 candelas. The Crowdy Head tower was made of stone and painted white. The original light was a fixed white light of fourth order catadioptric type It was originally manned by one lightkeeper. In 1928 the apparatus was converted to automatic acetylene operation providing 1500 candelas and the keepers withdrawn. The light was finally converted to mains electricity in June 1972. The demise of the shipping industry saw the closure of the pilot station in the 1960s.

Forster Town Beach
North Street Forster New South Wales 2428

Forster Town Beach has been a favourite beach for families close to shops, cafes and restaurants. It is located in the town centre with an ocean baths area for those who enjoy the calmer sea waters and grassed picnic areas. The beach is also patrolled during school holidays and weekends in the summer, proving to be a very popular beach. The beach is also the access point for the Bicentennial walk, take a leisurely stroll along the waters edge past pebbly beach, The Tanks (a site of historical significance), to the well known Bennetts Head Lookout, where terrific views of the ocean beaches and township across the beautiful Wallis Lake.

Nambucca Heads Beach
Nambucca Heads New South Wales 2448

Nambucca Heads is the accommodation and entertainment hub of the Nambucca Valley region and neighbouring beach communities, with beaches well suited for beginner surfers. Mostly small, forgiving waves can be had here, best when the sandbanks are set up along Main Beach and Swimming Creek. The coastal strip faces almost due east so it picks up most any swell that passes by. Nambucca also has a picturesque river estuary, a joy for fisher-folk and anyone with a fancy for kayaking or canoeing. The town itself offers hotels, motels, family caravan/camping resorts and everything from cheap eats to fine dining.

North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Hardacre Street (1km east of Coffs Harbour City Centre) Coffs Harbour New South Wales 2450

Relax and enjoy the 19 hectares of natural sub-tropical environment at the North Coast Regional Botanical Garden in Coffs Harbour. The gardens feature green houses, creek walk, nature trail, sensory garden, mangrove boardwalk, rainforests and rare and endangered species.

Port Macquarie Beach
Port Macquarie New South Wales 2444

Port Macquarie is a water lovers’ paradise. Situated at the mouth of the Hastings River and the Pacific Ocean, it encompasses 15 pristine beaches. Enjoy the coastal walks, surfing, sail boarding, swimming, fishing, whale watching, and even camel rides. Many beaches feature barbecue facilities and playgrounds. The area has plenty of choice in accommodation, dining and amenities.

Port Stephens Beaches
Port Stephens New South Wales 2315

Port Stephens features more than 30km of white sandy beaches. Its bay is home to about 150 bottlenose dolphins. Between May and June, humpback whales cruise past the town on their northern migration, returning south between September and November. The area has a host of accommodation and dining options

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
Pacific Drive Port Macquarie New South Wales 2444

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is an inspiring experience. Share the wonders of one of the largest remaining coastal rainforest reserves in New South Wales. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the elevated, accessible 1.3 kilometre rainforest boardwalk through pristine subtropical rainforest and relax in the Rainforest Cafe, serving delicious lunch, morning and afternoon teas. Boardwalk entry fee applies. Take a guided tour with the friendly Sea Acres volunteer guides or explore the rainforest at your own pace. Specialised Aboriginal bush tucker tours are also offered on the third Saturday of the month. Bookings are essential.

The Big Banana
351 Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour New South Wales 2450

Coffs Harbour’s and indeed Australia’s most famous icon would have to be THE BIG BANANA. This giant structure modeled on a prize winning banana is probably the most photographed object in Australia. At any time of the day cameras are clicking away - individuals, couples, honeymooners, small groups, families, whole coach loads of people - all recording their visit to The Big Banana. Many are returning with children and grandchildren to continue a family tradition. Frequently the comment has been; “The Big Banana is not as big as I remember”. Well, it is still 11 metres long, 5 metres high, and 2.4 metres wide but the surrounding developments have lessened its impact. Located just north of Coffs Harbour on the Pacific Highway, 565 kilometres north of Sydney and 450 kilometres south of Brisbane, The Big Banana is always a favourite stopping place with people of all ages and has been for over 30 years.

Toboggan Hill Park
Aquatic Close Salamander Way Nelson Bay New South Wales 2315

Toboggan Hill Park is set amongst natural bush, just off Salamander Way at Nelson Bay. Tobogganing is suitable for all the family as each toboggan is equipped with brakes so you control the speed of descent, slow to thrilling! Children under eight must ride with an adult. Visitors can also enjoy mini golf, indoor rock climbing, krazy kars, tractor train rides plus many more fun indoor activities.

Town Beach
Town Beach Port Macquarie New South Wales 2444

Town Beach has three main breaks along its 800 metres, beginning with the break-wall which can work in swell from the south right through to the north east. The Middle has some powerful lefts and is generally best left to experienced surfers. On a postcard day, the wave here will be about three metres and stays smooth in winds from the west right around to the south-east. Flagstaff is the protected southern headland of Town Beach, which creates a sort of mini point-break with clean right-handers when the swell direction is anywhere from the south through to east, ideally with an offshore breeze.

Trial Bay Gaol
Cardwell Street South West Rocks New South Wales 2431

Arakoon State Conservation Area is located three kilometres east of South West Rocks. This reserve is home to Trial Bay Gaol (1886), a picturesque ruin which was built as a public works prison but was also used as a World War I internment camp. The gaol is surrounded by rocky foreshores and pleasant sandy beaches. Wander through the gaol museum, explore the ruins or relax on the beach. Stroll over Monument Hill to the Little Bay picnic area, or enjoy the spectacular half-day walk from the picnic area to historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse in Hat Head National Park. Around the gaol there are picnic areas and facilities for car-based and caravan camping, and you can stay at secluded Little Bay Cottage. Picnicking, easy bushwalks, sightseeing, surfing, swimming, beach and rock fishing are all available.