On the southern side of the historic Richmond River lies South Ballina Beach. South Ballina Beach is an alternative surf spot when the northerly wind blows. It is full of secret local fishing spots and can be reached by turning off eastwards at Wardell, or you can catch the Burns Point Ferry. Camping is available at the local caravan park.
South Grafton, a refreshing contrast to the modern architecture that dominates many established cityscapes these days. The main street is home to several beautiful heritage buildings that showcase the unique design styles from the turn of the century.
There are several colourful murals throughout the main street and along the marina that they recommend keeping an eye out for – though the pop of colour makes them hard to miss! Combined with the heritage architecture, these murals make South Grafton feel like a living, breathing, art installation.
Moving out of the city, the fire trails of Glenugie State Forest are easily navigated. For those craving a little challenge, how about tackling the track up Mount Elaine, to reach Glenugie Peak? With rocky, steep inclines, it’s a playground for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. The 360 panoramic view, overlooking the Clarence Valley, is worth the effort.
Just five kilometres south of Grafton, a web of bike trails wind through the Bom Bom State Forest bushland. For the most part, the tracks are gentle, but some sections are classed as difficult – so it’s great for beginners and experienced mountain bikers to explore – as well as those looking for a good trail run!
The Soldiers Point neighbourhood is a picturesque peninsula that juts out from the southern shores of Port Stephens. Known as the best sunset location in Port Stephens with stunning waterways and calm safe swimming beaches on offer, you’ll never want to leave.
The award-winning marina with state-of-the-art facilities and restaurants attracts yachts from around the globe and is a marina for the annual Sail Port Stephens regatta. Jetties on either side of the point offer great fishing and moorings, with easily accessible boat ramps for all types of craft.
Accommodation ranges from glamping tents at Thou Walla Sunset Retreat, an adventure holiday park designed just for the kids and if you’re looking for a couples weekend away, Bannisters Port Stephens is the perfect location with idyllic views over the bay and laidback luxury.
Dining options are a plenty; casual bistro meals, waterfront dining and world renowned chef Rick Stein Bannisters Port Stephens restaurant with freshly caught and beautifully prepared seafood.
Boating. It’s what river folk do. And at Smithtown you’ll see all kinds of vessels entering and exiting the mighty Macleay River at the boat ramp. It’s the hub of Macleay River life.
Get out there on the water yourself, or settle back over a cold beer and bite to eat at Smithtown’s famous and awarded Riverview Hotel to watch the boats glide by.
Once a thriving centre of manufacturing and the original home to Milo, Smithtown has now become a nostalgic riverside village with historic art deco buildings dotting its main street.
Smiths Lake is a small village in the Barrington Coast region, located within the Mid-Coast Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. Smiths Lake is approximately 274 kilometres north of Sydney. Smiths Lake gives its name to the village, situated nearby. Located to the hubs of Pacific Palms and Forster-Tuncurry
In between Ballina and Lennox Head, hidden away, is a beautiful coastline full of great fishing spots, surfing spots, scenic walks and secluded beaches. Skennars Head and Flat Rock are close to camping facilities and are a short scenic drive from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sunrise over the sea at the headland, or walk along the stunning Coastal Recreational Path from Skennars Head all the way to the Pat Morton Lookout. This new section of the Coastal Recreational Path allows you to walk, cycle, scooter or skateboard along the path, making the commute between Lennox Head and Ballina much easier and safer.
The neighbourhood of Shoal Bay has a postcard perfect beach with soft white sand, turquoise waters, with a lighthouse at one end and the famous Mount Tomaree. This heavenly hamlet is just five minutes from Nelson Bay CBD and handy to many clubs, pubs, restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions.
Take the 40 minute walk to Tomaree Summit for unforgettable views of the coastline and visit the WWII gun emplacements on the way, or take the coastal walk from Zenith Beach via Wreck and Box Beach to Fingal Bay. Shoal Bay has a coastal village atmosphere with a range of beachside dining, shopping and accommodation options, including resorts and apartments to cabins and safari tents.
Hire bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards or take a guided tour. After a day of adventure or just lazing on the beach, call in for a cooling drink at the famous Shoal Bay Country Club an institution for holiday makers built in the 1950s.
An easy walk to the northern end of the beach brings you to a road which accesses a lighthouse, marine museum and tea rooms for the best scones in the region.
Just west of Grafton, situated on the mighty Clarence, is the small township of Seelands.
Seelands is popular with water-skiers and visitors looking for an unspoilt riverside destination. If you’re looking for an adventure holiday, then this is the place to stop.
With so many places to choose from you will find accommodation options such as holiday parks, riverside campgrounds, and Bed and Breakfasts.
There is even a quaint farmstay for those wanting a real taste of the traditional rural life. The local 4WD tour operator also has homestay accommodation available.
Visit the studio art gallery of the local artisan or take a local four-wheel drive safari tour of the unique countryside.
The perfect place for water sports and fishing!
Seal Rocks is a quintessential Barrington Coast isolated seaside village. It’s famous for the beautiful lighthouse overlooking wild and remote beaches.
Visitors are drawn year-round to Seal Rocks for unspoilt surfing beaches, snorkelling and diving, idyllic picnic areas and nearby Myall Lakes National Park. The walk to the lighthouse takes you through coastal forest up to the headland for views that will never be forgotten. You can even book accommodation in the heritage Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages.
Seal Rocks lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on Sugarloaf Point and overlooks an unspoilt beach and the group of offshore rocky outcrops which give the area its name. It was built 1874-75 and is one of only two lighthouse towers in Australia with an external stairway. It still uses the original main light which consists of a 16-sided catadioptric system of lenses and curved mirrors.
‘Sunny Sawtell’ is an attractive beachside town just 10 kilometres south of Coffs Harbour. This cosmopolitan seaside village has always been a favourite destination with visitors thanks to its pretty setting between two headlands, an attractive main street with great cafes and restaurants that are just a stroll from the popular swimming and surfing beach, and easy access to creeks and a National Park. With plenty of Accommodation options from caravan parks, to resort, units and motels, they have you covered.
Sawtell’s First Avenue is characterised by the huge Moreton Bay fig trees in the colourful garden dividing the street. They protect and shelter not just the benches underneath but the entire main street. Take your time exploring the many specialty shops and boutiques as well as the Aboriginal Art Gallery along this charming street.
Sawtells main street offers endless dining choices with anything from spicy Thai, Indian, Japanese and traditional Chinese to fresh local seafood and modern Australian cuisine.