Exploring the North Coast of New South Wales

Some Australians argue about where the mid North Coast of New South Wales ends and the North Coast begins, but most agree that Coffs Harbour is where the real North Coast begins. The reason for this is simple: this is where the banana plantations begin, so you know you've left the cooler temperate regions behind and are well and truly into beautiful subtropical NSW. As the largest urban center north of Sydney and south of the Queensland border, Coffs Harbour needs little introduction, but if you want to explore the rest of the North Coast, follow the surfer's trail. Whether you're a surfer or not, it's a great way to discover the magic of this wonderful region.

Just 20 minutes drive north of CoffsHarbour is a great little town with a strange name: Woolgoolga. The first thing that will strike you as you pass the town on the Pacific Highway will be the unusual number of Indian restaurants. Woolgoolga is home to one of Australia's largest Indian populations and arguably has the best authentic Indian restaurants in the country. It also has a wonderful, wide surfing beach that on its day produces great waves. However, most surfers just stop long enough for a quick dip in the water followed by a long Indian meal to tide them over for the next leg of their journey.

You have to exit the Pacific Highway and drive for about half an hour past scenic farming country before you arrive in Yamba. Yamba is a popular destination for the many Australians who travel with their "caravans" (trailers) in tow. It is even more popular as a surfing destination, thanks to the world famous Angourie Point surfing break. Surfer or non-surfer, Angourie is a spot you'll want to visit when you're on the NorthCoast. The view from the cliff above the waves is breathtaking and a walk down the steep wooden steps to the beach takes you past wonderful Australian indigenous flora. Another established trail takes you down to a long, wild stretch of empty beach backed by nothing but untrammeled Australian bush. 

Virtually every surfer who takes the Pacific Highway to the FarNorthCoast stops to check out the waves at Lennox Head. From the parking lot on the plateau at the top of the cliffs, you get a bird's eye view of both the surf and the surrounding scenery. Getting to the waves at Lennox Head is as tricky as riding them, since the only approach is over a wide "beach" of slippery rounded boulders. A more family friendly beach is located just a couple of miles up the road opposite the shops in town. Many traveling surfers choose to stay at a backpackers lodge or campground in Lennox Head rather than in nearby ByronBay. Even in the height of the tourist season, Lennox retains a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and is only a stone's throw away from a number of great surfing spots.

No one goes to the NorthCoast without going to ByronBay. Back in the sixties, "The Pass" was an almost secret spot for surfers. Today, on a good day, there are so many surfers out there vying for the waves, you almost can't see the water. That's okay. If you want to catch a few uncrowded waves or spend some time on a quieter stretch of beach, there are miles and miles of beaches on the NorthCoast to explore. You can even choose a North Coast accommodation in a protected National Park and claim the wide open spaces and long wide beaches as your own.