Coastal countdown: try the top beaches of New South Wales
For a taste of the celebrity life by the coast, New South Wales has the famous beaches that attract the famous people. These coastal towns are the destinations for Australia’s affluent and famous residents.
One of the most well-known is Palm Beach, home to “Summer Bay” and other hot spots of the long running Home and Away television series. A trip to this palm-fringed peninsula is an opportunity for the soap opera lovers to visit key sites – like Alf’s Bait Shop. If you’re lucky, you might see some filming on the beach and spot some of the programme’s famed characters. Amazing restaurants and properties have sprung up here, drawing in visitors from across the country. For a beach holiday with an opportunity to name drop back home, this has to be one of the best.
A world away from this coastal experience is Lord Howe Island, accessible by yacht or a short flight. This island prides itself on its pristine natural environment - perfect for hiking in the hills, scuba diving or snorkelling over the reef or spotting endemic species like the endangered woodhen or Lord Howe Island Phasmid.
North of Sydney, Port Macquarie attracts a range of visitors every year to its diverse cultural and wildlife experiences. With beautiful beaches, a koala hospital and historic museums, this area delivers on every level.
Coffs Harbour lies further north, a halfway point between Sydney and Brisbane, and ideal for families seeking all-round entertainment. There are museums, water sports, adrenalin activities and excellent restaurants and bars. And if that’s not enough for you, the photo opportunities at The Big Banana should satisfy your appetite.