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Beaches & Surfing
12 ºC
Beaches & Surfing
12 ºC

Get out on the water in the Macleay!

Whether you’re a surfer, in need of a gentle bay for the kids to splash in or just want to walk on the sand without seeing a soul, there’s a beach waiting here just for you.

With hundreds of kilometres of coastline, journeying a little further from the popular haunts will bring you to wide open sandy beaches you can have all to yourself.

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Out on the water

Top Surf Spots

Top 10 Beaches

Beaches & Surfing in the Macleay

Trial Bay Beach

Trial Bay is a sheltered bay protected from the swell by a purpose-built break wall. From Laggers Point look west you can watch the sunset over the water, this is one of only a few places

South Smoky Beach

South Smoky Beach stretches north to Smoky Cape Lighthouse and has four-wheel drive access for those with a beach driving permit. South Smoky Beach is a long sandy beach where you can pull

Racecourse Camping

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Secluded Racecourse Beach is a short drive south of Crescent Head on the mid-n

Racecourse Beach

Positioned right on Goolawah Beach, the Racecourse campground puts you in pole position for exquisite scenic views and marine wildlife spotting. Surrounded by paperbarks and coastal banksia,

North Smoky Beach

North Smoky Beach is located on the north side of Smoky Cape Lighthouse, seen from Captain Cook’s Lookout where the car can be parked, have a picnic or barbecue and use the facilities.

Main Beach - South West Rocks

On the eastern side of the Horseshoe Bay headland is Main Beach. A long, sandy beach perfect for those lazy walks on a hot day. It stretches 3.5 kilometres around Trial Bay and offers tran

Little Bay Beach - South West Rocks

Little Bay is a secluded beach nestled between granite cliffs, just south of the headland near Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park. Pack your fishing gear for a day at the beach. Thereâ

Killick Beach

Killick Beach is 14 kilometres long at Crescent Head is a picturesque white sand beach that is home to the Crescent Head Malibu Classic. Famous for a long, slow right-hand wave that peels of

Horseshoe Bay Beach South West Rocks

South West Rocks has a beautiful little beach surrounded by towering pines. This sheltered area is very popular with families wanting to swim. Horseshoe Bay Beach is close to rewarding fishi

Hat Head National Park

Hat Head National Park, near Kempsey, is a place of exceptional beauty. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping or a quiet picnic.

Goolawah National Park

Come and be captivated by the uncrowded beaches and pristine headlands of Goolawah National Park, near Kempsey on the NSW North Coast. Roaming through these coastal surroundings, you can't h

Gap Beach

Gap Beach is located one kilometre to the south in Hat Head National Park and is surrounded by the Smoky Cape Range, with the slopes of 220 metre-high Little Smoky forming the northern headl

Front Beach

Set against a backdrop of the historic gaol ruins, Front Beach is a popular swimming spot, perfect for families wanting a relaxing day outdoors. Situated in Arakoon National Park on the mid

Delicate Beach

A popular break with two campgrounds located adjacent to Delicate and Big Hill. Delicate is an unusual beach with a large rock formation dividing it into two sections. When the swell is dire

Stuarts Point Beach 4WD Trail

Distance: 8.7 kilometres Access to Stuarts Point Beach is via the north end at Reserve Rd, Grassy Head. Beach driving is a popular activity on the Macleay Valley Coast. A permit is require

South Smoky Beach 4WD Trail

Distance: 14.5 kilometres Access to South Smoky Beach is via the north end at Smoky Cape Campground or the south end at Hat Head Rd. Note the north 0.5-kilometre corner is closed to all veh

Killick Beach 4WD Trail

Distance: 10.5km Access to Killick Beach is via the north end at Hungry Rd or the south end at Richardsons Crossing. Beach driving is a popular activity on the Macleay Valley Coast. A per

On Point Surf School

Crescent Head is a surfing paradise, the world-famous point break is one of the longest rides in Australia and a National Surfing Reserve. This makes Crescent Head an iconic place to learn t

Surfaris Surf Camp

Surfaris Surf Camp runs Learn to Surf, Intermediate and Advanced surf trips in the area of Crescent Head, New South Wales, half way between Sydney and Byron Bay. The trips are all inclusive

Crescent Head Learn to Surf

Crescent Head Learn to Surf was originated by legendary Australian long-boarder Dave Simons. Its tradition of good fun, surf and safety education and great results continue today. You canâ

Rockpool Motor Inn

Rockpool Motor Inn is located in South West Rocks on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. South West Rocks is a gorgeous coastal town well known for its beautiful beaches, stunning Nation

Grassy Head Holiday Park

Set just metres from the beach, Grassy Head Holiday Park is the perfect destination for a relaxing break. Located just a short drive from Kempsey and tucked away between a lush coastal fores

Crescent Head

Crescent Head is a village characterised by the rich surfing culture that runs deep in its veins. While it may be easy-going and shoes are optional, this surf-soaked town is anything but sle

Racecourse campground

Positioned right on Goolawah Beach, Racecourse campground puts you in pole position for exquisite scenic views and marine wildlife spotting. Surrounded by paperbarks and coastal banksia, pro

Delicate campground

Create some family memories at Delicate campground. Being located in Goolawah Regional Park, you can even bring your dog along to the campground to join in the the family snaps. A fabulous s