North Coast Region Guide
Sitting along Australia's eastern edge, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the North Coast runs all the way from Sydney to the Queensland border. Spend some time here, and you'll see why it's commonly called the "Holiday Coast"!
True to its name, the North Coast offers some fabulous beaches. Whether you head to Newcastle on the southern end or Port Macquarie on the northern end, the North Coast's beaches simply can't be beaten.
And, if you look out towards the horizon, you'll see plenty of dolphins and whales. In fact, the North Coast is home to some of the best whale-watching in the world!
If you're not content to sit in one place, take a drive down the Pacific Highway. Part of Australia's Highway 1 - a network of highways that stretches around the entire continent - the Pacific Highway runs the length of the North Coast. This means you're guaranteed to see everything!
If you're riding through the middle of the North Coast and need to stretch your legs, get out in Kempsey and buy an Akubra hat - an Australian version of a cowboy hat.
If you're in the northern portion of the North Coast, stop off in Ballina and check out the sugarcane plantations.
While the North Coast is lined up and down with gourmet restaurants, some of the best food here is the local produce. The North Coast is particularly well-known for its bananas and potatoes.
For a real seafood treat, eat some of the oysters from Dorrigo.
With so many towns to choose from, accommodation along the North Coast can be as unique as you want.
Port Macquarie is the biggest "resort town" on the coast, but it's certainly not the only place to stay!
There are countless beachfront hotels, but some of the most interesting are in Woolgoolga - thanks to the large Sikh population. If you want the beach mixed in with a little bit of country living, stay in Forster-Tuncurry.