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" />The Coffs Coast is kind of located midway between Sydney and Brisbane in the region known as the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. When I say “kind of” it is actually 540 kilometres north of Sydney and 390 kilometres south of Brisbane, so there’s a bit of a miscalculation here. On our recent holiday here we spent our time exploring the inland towns of Bellingen and Dorrigo on Waterfall Way, but we also spent a few days checking out the Coffs Coast Beaches from Sawtell to Nambucca Heads, on the southern side of Coffs Harbour.
So what is so special about the beaches along this long stretch of coastline south of the city of Coffs Harbour? This 47 kilometre expanse of coastline alongside the Pacific Ocean, that is easily accessible from the Pacific Highway running from Sydney to Brisbane, has some of the most unspoilt beaches, scenic headlands and estuarine creeks and rivers in all of Australia. The Coffs Coast is in fact the only place in New South Wales where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean, so the lush green rainforests and rolling hills virtually adjoin the beaches.
We camped at the Bellinger River Tourist Park near the tiny village of Repton and within 5 kilometres from the beautiful beaches of Mylestom and North Head. This was the perfect base for exploring the Coffs Coast southern region and the inland towns on Waterfall Way of Bellingen and Dorrigo. Once we set up camp right on the pretty Bellinger River we spent our days touring the area and checking out chic coastal villages and stunning beaches along the coastline.
Only 15 minutes out of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell is a foodie hub with spectacular beaches and a protected tidal rock pool on the southern side of Bonville Headland. The town occupies the coastline from Bonville Headland to the south to Boambee Head to the north with estuarine creeks entering the ocean at both headlands.
The main natural highlights are:
Mylestom is a sleepy little holiday village nestled between the Bellinger River and North Head Beach. It has a surf lifesaving club, bowls club, a caravan park, a hotel, and a general store/coffee shop.
Located where the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers converge, Urunga is a wonderful little Coffs Coast town with a fantastic caravan park located at the river mouths. The Urunga Boardwalk is one of the best boardwalks on the east coast, with spectacular views from the entire length of the boardwalk.
This quiet little coastal town is a hub for surfing, fishing and simply relaxing on its stunning beaches. The calm waters of Deep Creek offer safe swimming for children and is popular as a picnic area for families.
Boasting fabulous beaches and rivers, Nambucca Heads is perfect for swimming and fishing or a meander along the boardwalk or the famous V-Wall. Nambucca Heads offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including a movie theatre.
This stretch of coastline is extraordinary and I can vouch for it’s natural beauty and abundance of charming little beachside towns. These are the sort of places where holidaymakers bring their families on the school holidays to enjoy all that is on offer. The Coffs Coast southern beaches are perfect for your next seaside getaway.
Kathy was a 50 something year old when she started up this blog 6 years ago, but has since turned over another decade and is now in her early 60s. She is married with two adult children and lives on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Kathy enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some of her interests include reading, photography, travelling, cooking and blogging! Kathy works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling and photographing brilliant destinations both within Australia and overseas and writing about it.
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Estelle Anderson
October 3, 2019Thanks Kathy for a lovely post, reminding me of the beauty at Sawtell and Nambucca Heads. It’s many, many years since I’ve been to Sawtell, but I remember I preferred Sawtell to the busier Coffs Harbour. I’ve been to Nambucca Heads in more recent times. But after seeing your lovely photos (congrats by the way) I’m thinking it’s time to revisit these areas. In Sawtell I especially like the Memorial Rock Pool & the Boambee Creek. At Nambucca Heads the rock art along the V Wall looks great & theCaptain Cook Lookout looks a must.
Kathy
October 5, 2019Thanks Estelle. We enjoyed this part of the NSW coast immensely. We will certainly return to spend a few more days at Nambucca Heads as we loved it here.
lisa
October 6, 2019It really looks like a beautiful place to visit. thank you for the idea!
Kathy
October 7, 2019You’re very welcome. I hope you get to visit our beautiful country one day.