North Coast New South Wales - That Certain Something

The north coast of the Australian state of New South Wales extends in the north of Sydney from the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and Port Macquarie to the coastal city of Coffs Harbour. The Great Dividing Range and the Pacific Ocean constitute natural boarders in the west and east. A humid subtropical climate creates warm summers and cool winters.

The landscape of New South Wales' north coast is characterised by beautiful rivers, fertile valleys, white sandy beaches, a mountainous hinterland, impressive waterfalls and subtropical rainforest. Mount Tomaree in the Tomaree National Park, the burbling waterfalls and wonderful green rainforests in the Dorrigo National Park and the Stockton Sand Dunes near Newcastle are only a few of the many impressive natural sights the region has to offer. The latter contains Australia's greatest sand dune (about 4,200 ha). Speaking of size, Lake Macquarie is 24 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide, which makes it the country's largest saltwater lagoon. Other natural sights are Hastings River, Muttonbird Island, the Solitary Island Marine Park and the Myall Lakes National Park.

The oldest settlement of the north coast of New South Wales is the town of Port Macquarie. It was founded by John Oxley in 1821 and fascinates with its historical facades, wonderful observation points, St. Thomas's Anglican Church, one of Australia's oldest churches, and the magical Tacking Point Lighthouse. Holidaymakers can learn about local history in the Port Macquarie Historical Society Museum and see the work of regional artists in the Glasshouse Regional Gallery. An extraordinary attraction in the coastal city of Coffs Harbour is the greatest walkable banana on earth, the Big Banana. It is one of the country's first "big things" and together with the adjacent amusement park, it is a popular destination with families.

Wonderful vineyards, several oyster farms, charming breweries and fresh local products such as nuts, fruit, olives, wine, beer, cheese and oysters - the north coast in New South Wales is an excellent destination for connoisseurs and gourmets. Besides the numerous noble restaurants and cosy cafes, you can taste regional delicacies during culinary events (Tastings on Hastings, Oysters in the Vines) or on one of the countless weekly markets like the Hastings Farmers Market. The pubs, cocktail bars and discos in the bigger cities, for example in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, offer live music and evening entertainment.

The north coast of New South Wales is the ideal destination for a variety of water sports. Swimming, snorkelling, diving, skydiving, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, sailing and fishing are only a few of the sporting activities which are possible here. Of course, you can also spend your time bathing in the sea and sunbathing. Other popular leisure activities are paragliding, sandboarding, horseback riding, cycling, golfing, parachuting, rafting and helicopter flights.

Thanks to the pleasant weather and the mild climate, the north coast of New South Wales can be travelled at any time of the year. Sydney Airport is the nearest international airport.