NORTH COAST
Stretching from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour and inland to Dorrigo, North Coast NSW offers a unique taste of New South Wales. Whether you head to one of the popular coastal meccas, such as Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens, or explore one of the region's stunning national parks - you are bound to find a perfect holiday escape.
For sheer beauty it is difficult to surpass the golden beaches which dot the coastline. Shoal Bay, Forster, Old Bar, Harrington, Laurieton, Crescent Head, South West Rocks and Nambucca Heads are some of the best known, but there are many more remote coves and inlets scattered along the coast. The choice is simply dazzling. Enjoy spectacular coastal walks or join an off-road adventure over towering sand dunes to Stockton Beach, or follow the dolphins to Port Stephens and its famous Pearl White Beaches.
With the best climate in Australia, it is not surprising that Port Macquarie is amongst Australia's longest established and most popular holiday destinations. Head south to the Camden Haven to rediscover the laid-back holidays you remember from your childhood, take your time exploring the rolling green hinterland and vast National Parks surrounding Wauchope and be spoilt for holiday choice in Port Macquarie.
Port Stephens boasts a wonderful collection of seaside villages dotted along the Pacific Ocean coast. It also enjoys a majestic sand dune system and picturesque hinterland, all only 3 hours from Sydney. The beaches are excellent, and the local seafood is abundant.
A great way to experience the crystal clear waters of Port Stephens is on a cruise boat or paddling around in a kayak. You can enjoy a scenic dolphin watch cruise around the port, which is home to over 160 resident dolphins. Explore the massive sand dune systems of Stockton Beach, the largest coastal sand dune system in Australia. Go golfing, or search for koalas along the tree-lined banks of the Tilligerry Creek. Watch the whales swim north for winter: between late May and July thousands of whales migrate north to the tropics.
Go for a walk up to Tomaree Headland, and be rewarded with spectacular views of the bay and offshore islands. Snorkel or dive at Fly Point Marine Park. Drop a line: the fish are biting all year round. Catch a ferry and enjoy picnic on the riverbank at Tea Gardens. Discover the historic Tilligerry Peninsula and Raymond Terrace, and don't miss the unique museums and galleries on offer. The Port has plenty to offer.
Coffs Harbour is famed for its Big Banana, its beaches, and its rainforest. The swimming is magnificent, and the fish are almost always jumping. There are also beautiful nature trails to explore and whale watching cruises to enjoy. Adventure seekers can get a rush from whitewater rafting on the Nymboida River, while the sophisticates amongst us can kick back and relax with a holiday cocktail or well-chilled glass of white at one of Coffs Harbour's resorts or open-air bistros.
The nearby World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National rewards visitors with spectacular mountain views and a rich pioneer experience. Get up early to buy fresh seafood from the fish co-op. Tee off from one of the international standard golf courses. Brush the dolphin's teeth or be kissed by a seal at the Pet Porpoise Pool. Most of all, rediscover your sense of fun.
