After a few hours on the Hume Highway north of Sydney, it doesn’t take long before you can take a road off to one of the many quiet coastal communities that stretch along the North Coast of New South Wales.

Coffs Harbour is the northern most tourist centre on the North Coast region. ‘Coffs’ as it is known for short, has been a popular tourist resort for many years due to its long stretches of sandy surfing beaches.

It is compulsory for visitors to have their photograph taken in front of The Big Bananna before being allowed to leave.

You must also make time to visit Mutton Bird Island which is a great place to see whales and dolphins in the blue waters of this area.

South of Coffs lies Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie has a pleasant all year round climate which has made it popular with families and retirees.  Port Macquarie is a good location from which to explore and long stretches of unspoilt coastline. For more of a foreign feel you can even go camel riding from Lighthouse Beach!

There are also some quieter options where you can visit the golden beaches of Shoal Bay and uncrowded surfing waves at Old Bar.
Likewise Harrington is a great place to visit, ideally situated on the edge of Crowdy Bay NP.
For a rest and refuel of the body head to Laurieton, 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie which has a good selection cafes, bars and accommodation.

There are still many more beautiful and secluded coastal locations which are worth a visit during your stay such as Crescent Head, South West Rocks and Nambucca Heads. Click here for information on these and more.