Discover 12 NSW Coastal Towns for a Quiet Getaway

It’s true, Manly, Byron Bay, and Bondi are crowd favourites, but there are more beaches and bays to discover on NSW’s gorgeous coastline. For fewer crowds and great waves, these stunning coastal towns offer a quieter slice of paradise you might be missing.

I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work and live. I pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. I honour the uninterrupted care, protection, and belonging to these islands, skies, and waterways, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. I honour their stories, songs, art, culture, and aspirations for the future of their people and these lands.

Even as a seasoned NSW traveller, I’ve yet to check off every single nook and cranny along the coast in NSW. So, consider this list a blend of personal beloved spots with a slightly obvious South Coast NSW bias, and a sprinkle of Mid to North Coast treasures. Happy adventuring!

Read more: 15 Best Beach Camping Spots in NSW

Best Coastal Towns in NSW for a Beach Holiday

1. Bermagui, South Coast

Time from Sydney: 5 hours 10 minutes

Picture this: magic views of sacred Mount Gulaga, quirky rock sculptures shaped like camels and horse heads, as well as access to magnificent blue ocean pools and white sandy beaches. Tie it all together, and you’ve got yourself one of the sweetest underrated coastal towns in NSW, Bermagui.

Read more: Tips To Stay Safe On Coastal Rock Platforms

That visibility is a snorkeller’s dream | @esta.pinto

You’ll have plenty of options to delight your tastebuds, from Il Passagio or the Bermagui Beach Hotel, to one of the best bakeries in NSW, Honorbread (bold statement, but true IMHO). And for those particularly thirsty, Camel Rock Brewery, Tilba Valley Winery & Ale House, and the hatted Mimosa Wines are a relatively short drive away.

Read more: Bermagui Blue Pool is a Vivid Splash of Green on The Sapphire Coast

2. Minnie Water, North Coast

Time from Sydney: 6 hours 45 minutes

It may not have giant supermarket chains or restaurants, but if you love soaking up the sunshine, nature and uncrowded beaches, then embracing the simple pleasures of Minnie Water might be the right fit for you – there’s a lot of beachy goodness to explore, including Minnie Water Back Beach and the 4WD-accessible Sandon Beach.

If you get the mood to dine out while you’re there, another beautiful NSW beach holiday town, Wooli, is just a 10-15 minute drive away, with a classic pub and bowling club.

Minnie looking mint! | @johnrespondek

3. Narooma, South Coast

Time from Sydney: 4 hours 50 minutes

If I were a mega-wealthy hospitality overlord like Justin Hemmes, I’d probably try to play in-real-life Monopoly in Narooma too.

Narooma is the full package for holiday-makers, no matter whether you want to eat at a hatted restaurant (grilled scallops, Queen Chow, thank me later), indulge in oysters fresh from the oyster farmers (or an Oyster Farmer’s Daughter), explore islands full of seals and penguins (Barunguba Montague Island), admire rocks with Australia-shaped holes, go hiking in exquisite Eurobodalla coastal locations, or just kick back, relax, and watch the whales go past in the surreal aquamarine waters.

The hole sort of looks like Australia (sorry Tasmania)

Narooma is also surrounded by a bunch of epic smaller villages. Potato Point, Kianga, Dalmeny, Bodalla, and Mystery Bay also offer their own unique blend of delightful scenery and attractions, and are lovely to check out.

Read more: Sapphire Coast Road Trip: Narooma, Montague Island, and Fresh MTB Trails

4. Crescent Head, Mid North Coast

Time from Sydney: 4 hours 45 minutes

I adore cruisy surf towns and Crescent Head on the Mid North Coast of NSW is no exception, with its stunning surrounding national parks and beaches. From Hat Head National Park to Limeburners Creek National Park, you’ll be able to take your pick of hiking, surfing, or 4WDing on the beach adventures.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Try the Crescent Head Country Club or Green Room for some delicious eats and beverages, or play a round of golf, if that tickles your fancy. Sunrise and sunset appreciators, be sure to catch those magic rosy and golden hues looking out from Little and Big Nobby.

I particularly enjoy the gorgeous rock arch formations you’ll find hiking Point Plomer.

Rugged rock along Point Plomer | @johnrespondek

5. Bawley Point and Kioloa, South Coast

Time from Sydney: 3 hours 35 minutes

You may have heard of Mollymook, Milton, and Ulladulla with their fine beaches, bustling shops and lively places to eat and drink, from hatted restaurants to breweries and wineries!

But I’m not here to preach about the popular. Just a 20-25 minute drive away is the much quieter Bawley Point and Kioloa, full of aptly-named Merry and Pretty Beaches, rugged national parks including the famed Murramarang National Park, picnic areas, surf, and wildlife.

The Grade 3 Pretty Beach and Snapper Point 1km loop is a treat for the senses. If you like a longer walk, check out the multi-day Murramarang South Coast Walk nearby.

The shops and food options are slim in this region, but who cares when the tranquility is golden and the scenery is so breathtaking? If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll be glad to know that Bawley Vale Estate is a convenient stop on the turnoff to Bawley Point and Kioloa.

6. Broulee, South Coast

Time from Sydney: 4 hours 10 minutes

Anecdotally, many people I know from Sydney and Canberra seem to holiday in Batemans Bay. This is great if you don’t mind the shops, restaurants, and bustle. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, Broulee is another close option within a 20-minute drive from Batemans Bay.

A cracking day in (crème) Broulee | @johnrespondek

It comes complete with its own easy proximity to many of the lush turquoise beaches of the Eurobodalla including Broulee and Tomakin Beach, Mossy Point, Guerilla Bay, and the pretty Broulee Island Nature Reserve Walk.

I’ve always been known to find my way to a good brewery, so trust me when I say Broulee Brewhouse has my highest recommendation. Try the burgers, they’re brilliant.

Read more: Broulee and Broulee Island on the NSW South Coast

7. Cabarita Beach, North Coast

Time from Sydney: 8 hours 20 minutes

Remember when Byron Bay was a sleepy coastal village? Now, with its skyrocketing fame, in part due to a bunch of celebs setting up residency, it’s seemingly a poster child for Instagram influencers.

If you’re not feeling the buzz of Byron Bay anymore, no worries! I suggest heading around half an hour north to Cabarita Beach.

Caba headland is perfect for a picnic

You’ll still get a bunch of cool dining venues, nice beaches, and fun surf, with a fraction of the tourist hordes and paparazzi.

You can also check out another northern NSW coastal town, Kingscliff, around a 12-minute drive away, with similar vibes.

Read more: This 24km Fingal Heads to Pottsville Walk Traverses NSW’s Most Northern Beaches

8. Eden, South Coast

Time from Sydney: 6 hours 10 minutes

Brimming with natural beauty and cultural heritage, there are plentiful reasons to adore NSW’s most southerly town, Eden. One of my favourite is the recently renamed (thank goodness for that!) Beowa National Park.

It has around 50 recorded Aboriginal sites, as well as phantasmagorical beaches, such as Pinnacle Beach and The Pinnacles, a geological masterpiece of red clay and white sand. Be sure to give it some time while you’re there.

Pretty impressive beach walk

Eden is also arguably one of the best towns to watch Humpback whales make their annual migration along the NSW coast, so if that’s your thing, consider this your sign.

Finally, Eden is a pragmatic choice to stay if you’re looking for something more low-key, but within close driving distance of tasty drinking and dining options in Pambula and Merimbula. My tried and tested heartfelt recommendations are Banksia Restaurant and Longstocking Brewery in Pambula, or Bar Superette and Valentina’s in Merimbula.

Read more: Exploring Eden: An Outdoor Junkie’s Guide to this Godly Paradise

9. Currarong and the Beecroft Peninsula, South Coast

Time from Sydney: 2 hours 45 minutes

Some of NSW’s whitest sand beaches can be found in the bays dotted along the shore of Jervis Bay. And they’re undoubtedly divinely dreamy… and popular.

You know what else is also just as spesh? Currarong and the Beecroft Peninsula. In particular, Honeymoon Bay and Long Beach, in the navy-owned Beecroft Weapons Range (BWR), are jaw-dropping beaches on the opposite side of the famed Hyams Beach, sharing the same pristine white sand and mesmerising water colour of Jervis Bay, sans big crowds. And it’s a NSW coastal town near Sydney!

Big, blue, and beautiful | @johnrespondek

Other notable and beautiful points of interest are Silica Cove, Point Perpendicular, and the Outer Tubes. BWR is generally open on weekends, but check directly via the Facebook page for opening hours to avoid disappointment, due to varying hours of defence activities.

On the other side of the Beecroft Peninsula is the quaint coastal village of Currarong, and it too has plenty of small NSW coastal town charm. Think ocean-framed bush walks in the flourishing Abrahams Bosom Reserve, diverse camping and accommodation options (camping, cabins, apartments, and holiday rentals), magnificent ocean rock pools, a classic family-friendly bowlo, and plenty of roos.

10. Pacific Palms, Mid North Coast

Time from Sydney: 3.5 hours

There’s a lot to love at Forster-Tuncurry in the splendid Barrington Coast, whether it’s the beach breaks, the delectable dining or the verdant Booti Booti National Park.

My favourite zone is Pacific Palms. It’s slightly off the beaten track from Forster, in its own little nook, and is filled with gorgeous green foliage and crystal blue waters everywhere you look. If you’re lucky, you may spot a wild koala.

For easy-access beach beauties, you can’t go past Boomerang and Blueys Beach. Further afoot, you might enjoy Elizabeth Beach and Shelly Beach.

For surfers, Seal Rocks and Treachery Camp is a short drive away, with more idyllic beaches and fun waves.

Seal Rocks is a pretty popular surf spot | @johnrespondek

11. Tuross Heads, South Coast

Time from Sydney: 4.5 hours

It’s no secret NSW is full of culturally sacred and astonishingly beautiful walks. I’d say the Bingi Dreaming Track is pretty up there. And one of your best NSW coastal towns to stay to access it is Tuross Heads, where you can either start or finish this stunning walk enshrined with Aboriginal culture, heritage, and songlines.

Tuross Heads itself has a quintessential NSW beach holiday town vibe. Honestly, just driving into the town itself is quite the experience with the majestic Coila Lake and Tuross Lake greeting you at the turnoff.

Just look at that colour | @johnrespondek

If you’ve got a boat, FWBs (Friends With Boats), or a kayak, I also highly recommend checking out Horse Island, Cambathin Island, and Deuaumba Island, accessed via Tuross Lake. No FWBs? No dramas. Watercraft hire is available if you so desire.

You’ve got a few tasty options for dining out. The one I can safely endorse is The Pickled Octopus Seafood and Thai Cafe, overlooking the lake.

If you happen to have extra time on your hands, explore the surroundings – Congo, Meringo, and Bingie are epic zones, accessible via dirt roads and a sturdy vehicle (that is, if you’re not exploring on foot via the Bingi Dreaming Track).

12. Brooms Head, North Coast

Time from Sydney: 7 hours

Yamba and Angourie are both awesome, no question. However, in the spirit of lesser-known NSW coastal towns, I’m throwing Brooms Head into the ring as a contender. It’s tiny and oh-so beautiful and you have a chance of spotting wild emus.

The nearby Lake Arragan is a camp spot that won’t disappoint

Nestled in the Yuraygir National Park, your eyeballs are in for a red-hued treat. Make sure you visit Cakora Point, as well as Lake Arragan and Red Cliff, around 3km north of Brooms Head on Brooms Head Road.

Bring your canoe or kayak if possible, because Lake Arragan is a top spot for paddling fun.

Read more: Hiking Yuraygir Coastal Walk With a Boat on My Back

That’s a Wrap on our Best NSW Coastal Towns for Quiet Beach Holidays!

Remember, less popular doesn’t mean less amazing for these NSW coastal beauties.

It isn’t just about escaping the crowds, it’s about discovering the lesser-known treasures that await. There really is a spot for every vibe, whether you’re looking to be at one with nature or still have a holiday in NSW with plenty of entertainment and dining options.

Whether you’re seeking serenity or stirring up some excitement, these coastal towns in NSW are likely to leave a lasting impression no matter whether you’re flying solo, partnered up, or taking the whole fam. Happy travels!

Read more: 12 Best Dog Friendly Camping Sites in NSW

Header image by @haz_and_loz

FAQs Best NSW Coastal Towns

Which NSW coastal towns are best for foodies?

Narooma, Bermagui, and Merimbula have fantastic places to eat, with fresh seafood, boutique wineries, and top-rated restaurants.

What are the best coastal towns in NSW for whale watching?

Eden and Narooma are popular spots for whale watching, offering spectacular views of migrating humpback whales – just make sure you head there during whale watching season! The best time to see whales in Eden is between September and November.

What’s the best time of year to visit NSW coastal towns?

The best time to visit the NSW coastline is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild, and the beaches are less crowded. Summer (December to February) is also popular but can get busy, and you definitely want to make sure you bring bathers and sunscreen!

Do I need a car to explore NSW coastal towns?

While some towns are accessible by public transport, having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the scenic routes, hidden beaches, and remote areas along the coast.

Which coastal town in NSW is best for surfing?

If you’re a surfer, head to towns like Byron Bay, Crescent Head, or Lennox Head for consistently good waves.

More Places to Explore in NSW

• • Coastal Hiking in Yuraygir National Park (Northern NSW)
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  • Eurobodalla’s Calling! Here’s 8 Reasons To Answer
  • Why the Northern Rivers is the Best Basecamp to Explore Both NSW & QLD
  • 8 Overnight Bikepacking Routes in NSW
  • The Lakes Way in NSW Delivers a Weekend Road Trip of Golden Barrington Coast Beaches
  • The Complete Guide to Adventures Near Sydney, NSW