Feel like taking the family on a memorable adventure? In NSW, there are plenty of naturally beautiful and affordable places to go. Here are three welcoming towns with friendly locals, spectacular scenery, breathtaking beaches, and dramatic landscapes just made for thrilling adventures. Whether you want to gallery hop, shop or surf there’s so much to see and do in our family favourites Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Coffs Harbour.
Newcastle
Newcastle is a vibrant city, known for its lively nightlife, superb surf, and delicious food scene, located on the northeast coast of New South Wales. The city is the ideal place to recharge amongst nature. It’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, as well as lush green parks and gardens. There’s also a rich history and culture in Newcastle, with attractions such as the 19th-century Fort Scratchley, the heritage-listed art-deco-style Newcastle City Hall and theatres, galleries and museums throughout the city.
Take the family to Newcastle beach to swim, surf and soak up the sunshine, then stroll along the oceanfront promenade from the Newcastle Memorial Walk all the way to Nobby’s lighthouse. After a good dose of fresh sea air, venture 15 minutes inland to Blackbutt Reserve, which boasts walking trails, picnic areas, traditional wood-fired barbeques and a play area for kids.
Enriched in community, culture, history and art, Newcastle has a thriving arts scene that would garner the attention of art lovers of all styles. Step inside the Newcastle Art Gallery to enrich your passion and curiosity for the visual arts, or mingle with the local community at the Olive Street Market.
Rekindle the romance through fine dining, luxurious nature walks and moonlit beachfronts at Bathers Way. With spectacular views from beginning to end, this stunning coastal vista can reignite the spark overlooking iconic stretches of the Newcastle coastline.
Feel Newcastle, and embrace nature’s playground, surrounded by golden beaches, a breathtaking coast and a gorgeous harbour. There will be something new for everyone in Newcastle.
A Day Trip to the Hunter
From wine tasting in Australia’s oldest wine region to bushwalking in World Heritage wilderness, the Hunter Valley offers adventures for everyone. This beautiful area is known for its rolling hills, stunning vineyards, and world-class wineries. The Hunter Region is a must-do for day trips, with scenic drives, hiking trails, and, of course for some good and wine!
Kids will love visiting the Hunter Valley Zoo, whilst wine lovers can explore the many wineries and cellar doors in the area. If you’re looking for a touch of culture, check out the many quaint local towns along the way, which are home to art galleries and museums. Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many acclaimed restaurants in the Hunter Valley.
Coffs Harbour
Located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is a popular destination for tourists, with a variety of attractions and activities on offer. Coffs Harbour is the perfect place to enjoy some relaxation time by the water, with beautiful beaches and wonderful walking trails along the coast. There’s also plenty of nature to explore, with a rainforest just minutes from the town centre and the Solitary Island Marine Park only a short drive away. Go whale watching from May to November, or if you’re feeling adventurous, book epic kayaking and diving opportunities in the area year-round.
Coffs Harbour is also home to a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including the Big Banana – one of Australia’s most famous photo opportunities. Complete with a water park, laser tag, arcade games, an ice rink and more – there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. There’s also the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, which is home to dolphins, seals and other marine life, with a different activity scheduled every half hour. For the terrestrial animal lovers amongst us, there’s the Coffs Harbour Zoo with more than 1,000 animals from around the world.
Find yourself chasing waterfalls along Waterfall Way and celebrate the wilderness within the Dorrigo National Park. Experience nature firsthand as you travel behind the cascade, through ancient rainforest and over vast skywalks and bridges. Keep your eye out for wildlife as well, who may just be in the area.
Connect to Coffs’ artistic scene at the many galleries in Coffs Harbour or learn more about the region’s history at engaging museums with a variety of different exhibitions on offer, from Aboriginal art to maritime history. So, there’s always something new to see, do and feel in Coffs Harbour.
