Northern New South Wales family-friendly travel guide

Northern New South Wales offers a reasonably friendly climate year-round, although beach-lovers and surfers will want to time their visit in the summer to make the most of its beautiful waters. Whale-watchers are most likely to catch a few humpbacks between the months of May and November.

In summer months, Northern New South Wales has an average maximum temperature in the high-twenties degrees Celsius, depending on the region.

In winter months, Northern New South Wales has an average maximum temperature of around the low-twenties degrees Celsius, depending on the region.

The best way to experience the Northern New South Wales region is by the legendary Pacific Coast Drive, following New South Wale’s beautiful coastline from Sydney toward the Gold Coast on Queensland’s southern border. There are camping and accommodation options along the way if you’d like to take the slow route!

Prime stops are Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Point Danger Lookout, where you can spot dolphins and, between May and November, humpback whales migrating along the coast.

The Tweed Coast’s fertile volcanic soil is renowned for its fresh, flavoursome produce. Some local favourites are Bistro 16 at the Tweed Heads Bowl Club, or Coastal Visions Photography Gallery and Cafe. 

Coffs Coast has a wide choice of restaurants, cafes, bistros and takeaways. Besides the dining options you’ll find in the main resorts and the many clubs, there are a range of excellent restaurants scattered throughout Coffs Coast, including some in great waterfront locations.

Rose’s Vineyard is located just 15 minutes from Port Macquarie and offers views over the vines and onto Lake Innes. Kids will be most excited by its petting farm and jumping castle, while parents might enjoy an afternoon wine tasting. 

Throughout its array of towns and cities, Northern New South Wales offers an eclectic range of opportunities to splurge. 

Coffs Coast offers a wealth of shopping experiences. There are also many regular markets, most of them held on Saturday or Sunday, where you and your kids will enjoy browsing the stalls and having a bite to eat. Coffs Central, Palms Shopping Centre and City Square in the CBD provide all kinds of shops and cafes, while Woolgoolga’s main street has a number of retail shops and small supermarkets, opposite the beach.

Tweed City is home to over 160 stores, offering plenty of choices of retail outlets for the whole family. Outside the main centres of Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and Kingscliff, chat with artists at a weekend market or stroll around an orchard as the farmer plucks native finger limes straight from the tree for you to taste.

From chic local fashion and homewares, boutique shopping in the hinterland, to a range of creative studios, Greater Port Macquarie is home to an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

In warmer months, New South Wales can be very warm. Pack thongs, singlets and swimmers! If visiting in winter, be sure to pack a few warmer layers.

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a two-pin (shaped like a “V”) or three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

By and large, Northern New South Wales is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

If you are a fan of boats, pretty marinas and strolls along the jetty, then a visit to Coffs Harbour is a must. On Sunday’s there is a market at the entrance and there are also plenty of cafes if you build up an appetite after your walk. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down and watch the surfers catch a few waves.

Sawtell is a quaint little town just a 15-minute drive south of Coffs Harbour. The main street is picturesque and separated by big fig trees with plenty of cafes and shops to peruse. Sawtell is the perfect spot to get that classic fish and chips picture on the beach, just watch out for the seagulls!

Sitting on Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron Lighthouse enjoys spectacular views of the coast. You can also take a guided tour and learn about the many past shipwrecks. The walk from Byron Bay up to this peak is also incredible and also one of the top things to do when visiting this bohemian haven.