Tropical N.S.W. - The Pacific Higway is a popular route to explore all along the east coast of Australia, yet venturing off this main tourist route has its rewards. This is particularly true of the North East coast in NSW.
Long beaches, some stretching for kilometers, world class surfing, lush river systems and stunning national parks with World Heritage listing, make the region a great place to explore before either venturing north to Brisbane or south to Sydney.
Things to Do
Coffs Harbour has its famous Big Banana, or go dolphin and whale watching in the Great Lakes area. Visit the world heritage listed rainforests.
Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads is an enjoyable day trip from Brisbane, on the border of Queensland and New South Wales. Great for fishing and surfing, it also has a very active nightlife.
Tweed Valley to the west has the World Heritage Mt Warning National Park with a scenic rainforest walk up to the summit for even more spectacular views.
Grafton
Grafton, a historical city on the Pacific Highway sits on the Clarence River, giving it a nice country town ambience with big graceful trees and jacaranda trees that flower gloriously in late October to early November.
To the west are the Nymboida, Gilbraltar Range and Washpool National Parks and to the east is Yuraygir, the longest undeveloped chunk of New South Wales coast.
Byron Bay NSW
Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point is also a famous surf spot. Since it also has many protected beaches and inlets, it has become a favourite stop off point for those doing the NSW east coast beach trail from Sydney to Brisbane, even in winter.
On the lower Clarence River and on the coast of New South Wales is the beautiful coastal town of Yamba. A paradise for anglers and other fishermen, the beaches here are charming while Angourie beach is well known to surfers. Restaurants here are both cosmopolitan and great for seafood, especially the river oysters.
Explore the Clarence River with a boat cruise, there are chances to go deep sea fishing or rent your own boat, or stay aboard a houseboat for a few days or week.
North NSW Tours
Bounded by World Heritage National Parks to the east and west means this region is great for surfing, swimming, camping, hiking and trekking. You can find boating, watersports and river cruises on the Richmond and Clarence Rivers.
Ecotours and bus tours exploring the North NSW coastal regions include whale and dolphin watching.
Accommodation
Houseboats in Grafton and in other parts of the North East Coast region. There are camping grounds, caravan parks, hostels, motels as well as classic country pubs to stay at. There are also many guesthouses, Bed and Breakfasts, as well as luxurious resorts and hotels for those looking for modern comfort. View Accommodation in NSW Australia.
Map of the Northern Rivers NSW North East coast tourism region of New South Wales. Shows National Parks, towns including Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Grafton, Casino, Lismore, Ballina and Kyogle.