Similar to our visit to the Blue Mountains, we had done several trips along the New South Wales (NSW) coastline in past years, so for this visit we opted to fill in the gaps and explore some of the lesser known spots located along this stunning stretch of coastline. For such a highly touristy area, we loved how many off-the-beaten-path hidden gems we could still find!
NSW National Parks
This section of NSW has stellar national parks both coastal and inland that are worth adding to your itinerary. Only some of NSW Parks charge an entry fee; check the list of parks and their respective fees here. Depending on how many parks you’re visiting and how many days you’re spending at each, it may be worth buying an annual pass.
Myall Lakes National Park offers beautiful beach driving and rainforest walks.
Hat Head National Park has your best chance at spotting kangaroos among the dramatic sea cliff scenery.
Beachside camping and coastal walks abound in Yuraygir National Park.
Bald Rock and nearby (although technically in Queensland) Girraween National Parks have impressive granite rock formations to explore on multiple bush walks. The Bald Rock Summit Hike takes you to the top of the largest exposed granite dome in the southern hemisphere, with great views and beautiful colouring from the water runoff.
Girraween’s most impressive hike is to the top of the Pyramid. Both of these walks involve sections that are quite steep, so make sure you wear appropriate hiking gear! Also, these hikes are not recommended for those afraid of heights and should definitely not be done in wet weather.
Along your hikes keep an eye out for other remarkable formations in the parks, including balancing rocks.
Coastal Towns
Mid NSW is chock full of delightful coastal towns that still have a nice relaxed vibe to them. Hawks Nest is the perfect base to explore Myall Lakes National Park and Forester/Tuncurry are delightful twin towns, with great walks and lookouts at Bennets Head and Cape Hawk.
Crescent Head, a surfer’s paradise, is flanked by national parks Goolawah, Limeburners, and Hat Head.
Nambucca Heads, a local Aboriginal word for “entrance of two waters”, is another favourite. Don’t miss the unique graffitied seawall known as the V-Wall and great views from Captain Cook Lookout.
You may have heard of Grafton from the insta-perfect photos of the spring-time jacarandas, which are gorgeous purple flowering trees, but likely have not come across nearby Maclean. This Scottish-themed town makes a good base to explore nearby Yamba and Yuraygir National Park and also has one of our favourite coffee spots in Australia, Botero Coffee. If you have a SUP or kayak, the Esk River offers opportunities for a serene paddle.
If you’re travelling through the northern NSW coast and want to bypass the busyness of Byron Bay, Hosanna Farmstay is a fantastic kid and pet friendly alternative. There are plenty of farm and water-based activities, with a schedule provided of the day’s activities at reception. Have a go at the giant waterslide; it’s fun for everyone!
Waterfalls
Along this stretch of Australia’s East Coast, there are plenty of places to get your waterfall fix, including a whole drive known as the Waterfall Way dedicated to them!
A visit to Potoroo Falls, in Tapin Tops National Park, involves a quick, flat walk with several creek crossings. If visiting during the hotter months, it makes a great opportunity for a cool down swim.
Ellenborough Falls is a bit of a trek inland from the coast just south of Port Macquarie but is worth the trip, especially being the tallest single drop falls in NSW at 200 metres. There are several vantage points from which to appreciate this impressive waterfall. First and easiest is from the top as the water cascades over the cliff edge. Secondly, you can take the 10 minute walk to The Knoll and get a full view of the falls from a short distance. The last option involves descending 641 steps to experience the power of the falls from the bottom. If your fitness levels allow, it is worth the effort!
The Waterfall Way traverses 185km from Coffs Harbour to Armidale through 5 national parks and past countless waterfalls, most of which are easily accessible from the drive. Wollomombi Falls, located in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, has the claim to fame of being the highest waterfall in NSW and second highest in Australia at 220m. There are numerous walks along the gorge to appreciate the falls from various angles.
Point Lookout in New England National Park gives you a great appreciation of the rugged and pristine beauty of the region.
Ebor Falls is a lovely two-parter, with a wide cascading falls upstream of a thinner, higher single drop falls.
Dangar Falls is a stunning interlude to the Bielsdown River as it meanders through the thick forest, dropping into a wide circular pool before continuing on its way through the countryside.
Our last favourite is the unassuming Crystal Shower Falls, which is reached by a pretty walk through lush rainforest that can be combined with the Wonga walk circuit.
These spots are easily visited as a day trip, but if you have more time, why not stay a bit longer to explore some of the lesser visited attractions along Waterfall Way?
Dog-Friendly Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley region of New South Wales is a world-renowned wine region known particularly for its Semillon and Shiraz. This was our first visit to a wine region whilst travelling with our dog Koda, and we were pleasantly surprised just how dog friendly the Hunter Valley was! Our top picks are Peppertree Wines, Hanging Tree Wines, and Wollombi Tavern, but there are plenty more options out there to enjoy a day of wine tasting with your pup.
The mid-New South Wales coastline can be a very busy and touristy area, but if you know where to look, there are still plenty of hidden gems around to skip the crowds!
