Things To Do in Northern New South Wales

Cape Byron Lighthouse - Australia's Most Easterly Point

The iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse stands majestically at Australia's most easterly mainland point, making it a must-visit attraction. Built in 1901 using prefabricated concrete blocks, this historic lighthouse rises 118 meters above sea level and remains Australia's most powerful beacon with a light intensity of 2,200,000 candelas.

The lighthouse is accessed via the stunning Cape Byron Walking Track, a 3.7-kilometer loop trail that winds through coastal rainforest, across grassy clifftops, and along pristine beaches. This Grade 3 walk typically takes 2-2.5 hours to complete and offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Byron Bay beaches, and the rolling hinterland.

• What to See: Historic lighthouse, Maritime Museum, 360-degree ocean views, whale watching (June-November)
• Wildlife Spotting: Humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, wallabies, sea eagles
• Best Time: Early morning for sunrise (be the first person in Australia to see the sun) or late afternoon for sunset
• Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle per hour for parking (cash or card at information center)
• Lighthouse Tours: Volunteer-run tours available daily 10am-3pm for a gold coin donation

Byron Bay Beaches

Byron Bay boasts some of Australia's most beautiful and diverse beaches, each offering unique characteristics:

Main Beach

The town's most accessible beach, Main Beach stretches north from Clarkes Beach with calm, protected waters ideal for families and swimmers. The patrolled beach connects directly to town, making it perfect for combining beach time with shopping and dining.

The Pass

One of Australia's most famous surf breaks, The Pass offers long, peeling right-hand waves perfect for longboarding. This spot is excellent for watching surfers or learning to surf with numerous surf schools operating here daily.

Wategos Beach

Nestled beneath Cape Byron, Wategos is Byron's most exclusive beach, surrounded by luxury homes often called "millionaire's row." The small, sheltered bay offers calm conditions and excellent snorkeling around the rocks at either end.

Tallow Beach

Stretching 7 kilometers south of Cape Byron, Tallow Beach offers expansive stretches of pristine sand, powerful surf, and relative solitude compared to Byron's busier beaches. Popular with experienced surfers and those seeking peaceful beach walks.

Byron Bay Hinterland

Just 30 minutes from the coast, the Byron Hinterland offers a completely different experience with rolling hills, rainforest valleys, and charming villages:

Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens

Home to the world's tallest geode pair and an extraordinary collection of crystals from around the globe. The site features tranquil gardens, meditation spaces, walking trails, and daily workshops. Visitors can stand between the two tallest crystals on Earth for a unique spiritual experience.

Minyon Falls & Nightcap National Park

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, Nightcap National Park protects ancient subtropical rainforest. Minyon Falls plunges 100 meters into a lush gorge, with viewing platforms providing spectacular vistas. The 1.4-kilometer Protesters Falls circuit walk winds through groves of Bangalow palms.

Bangalow, Federal, and Nimbin

These charming hinterland towns offer unique experiences: Bangalow with its elegant heritage buildings and boutique shopping; Federal with excellent cafes and the famous Doma Cafe serving fresh sushi; and Nimbin with its counterculture vibe and colorful street art.

Byron Bay Activities

• Surfing Lessons: Numerous surf schools offer beginner to advanced instruction at The Pass, Main Beach, and Wategos
• Sea Kayaking: Paddle from Clarkes Beach around Cape Byron, spotting dolphins, turtles, and whales (seasonal)
• Diving & Snorkeling: Julian Rocks Marine Reserve offers world-class diving with manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish
• Skydiving: Tandem jumps from up to 15,000 feet with spectacular coastal views
• Whale Watching: May to November, watch humpback whales from Cape Byron or join specialized boat tours
• Markets: Byron Bay Community Market (first Sunday), Byron Farmers Market (Thursday mornings)

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Port Stephens is renowned as Australia's dolphin capital, with over 140 resident bottlenose dolphins calling the bay home year-round. The pristine waters of Port Stephens provide perfect conditions for marine wildlife encounters, making it one of NSW's premier destinations for dolphin and whale watching.

Between May and November, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast, passing directly by Port Stephens on their annual journey to and from Antarctic waters. This spectacular migration brings breaching, tail-slapping, and other dramatic behaviors within easy viewing distance of the coast.

Best Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruises

• Moonshadow-TQC Cruises: Operating for over 40 years with the largest fleet in Port Stephens. Offers 1.5-hour dolphin watching and 3-hour whale watching cruises departing from d'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay
• Imagine Cruises: 16-meter catamaran with friendly crew, offering 90-minute Envision cruises and 3-hour whale watching adventures
• Aquamarine Adventures: Small-group eco-cruises aboard "Envision" with only 22 passengers for a more intimate experience
• Unique Experience: Swim with wild oceanic dolphins - an unforgettable snorkeling adventure where you join the pod

Best Whale Watching Vantage Points

Tomaree Head Summit

The premier land-based whale watching location in Port Stephens. The Tomaree Head Summit walk is a 2.2-kilometer return track that climbs through natural bushland to spectacular 360-degree viewing platforms. While the initial ascent is steep, the panoramic views of Port Stephens, the offshore islands, and the vast Pacific Ocean make the effort worthwhile. Allow 1.5-2 hours return and bring water, sturdy shoes, and binoculars.

Barry Park Whale Watching Platform, Fingal Bay

Located at the end of Marine Drive, Barry Park features a purpose-built whale watching platform with benches and an easy boardwalk around the headland. This accessible location offers excellent whale viewing without the strenuous hike required at other vantage points.

Yacaaba Headland

This Grade 4 walking track offers views over Port Stephens, the ocean, and Myall Lakes National Park. The more challenging hike rewards visitors with spectacular coastal panoramas and excellent whale spotting opportunities.

Stockton Sand Dunes (Worimi Conservation Lands)

The Worimi Conservation Lands feature Australia's largest coastal sand dune system and NSW's longest beach stretching over 32 kilometers. These massive dunes, reaching heights of 30 meters, create an otherworldly landscape that has served as a filming location for movies including Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.

Adventures available include:

• 4WD Tours: Guided adventures across the expansive dune systems
• Sandboarding: Slide down massive dunes on specially designed boards
• Quad Biking: Explore the dunes on guided ATV tours
• Camel Rides: Sunset camel rides across the sand creating unforgettable photo opportunities
• Photography: The stark, sculptural dunes provide incredible landscape photography opportunities

More Port Stephens Experiences

• Tomaree National Park: Pristine beaches, coastal walks, and abundant wildlife including koalas
• Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary: See rescued koalas in a natural bushland setting, walk the SKYwalk treetop platform
• Nelson Bay: Waterfront dining, marina, boutique shopping, and departure point for most cruises
• Shoal Bay: Family-friendly beach with calm waters, rock pools, and beachfront cafes
• Myall Lakes National Park: NSW's largest natural lake system, perfect for kayaking, sailing, and fishing
• Fishing Charters: Target species including flathead, bream, jewfish, and offshore game fish

The Big Banana & Attractions

Australia's original "Big Thing," the Big Banana has been a Coffs Harbour icon since 1964. Far more than just a roadside attraction, this venue has evolved into a comprehensive family entertainment destination featuring:

• Big Banana Fun Park: Water slides, toboggan run, ice skating, mini golf
• Plantation Tours: Learn about tropical fruit growing in educational farm tours
• World of Bananas: Interactive museum exploring banana cultivation and history
• Cafe & Shop: Sample banana-inspired treats and purchase local products

Dorrigo National Park & Skywalk

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, Dorrigo National Park protects ancient subtropical rainforest that has existed for millions of years. Located 70 kilometers west of Coffs Harbour in the Great Dividing Range, the park offers a dramatic contrast to the coastal environment.

The park's highlight is the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre featuring the spectacular Skywalk - an elevated walkway extending 70 meters into the rainforest canopy, 21 meters above the forest floor. This architectural marvel provides a birds-eye view of the multi-layered rainforest ecosystem.

Top Walks in Dorrigo

• Skywalk (0.6km, 20 mins): Wheelchair accessible, spectacular canopy views
• Wonga Walk (6.6km loop, 2-3 hours): Descends into the rainforest valley to Crystal Shower Falls
• Crystal Shower Falls (200m, 10 mins): Easy access to spectacular waterfall
• Lyrebird Link (1.2km, 45 mins): Connects the Rainforest Centre to never-never picnic area

Coffs Harbour Beaches & Activities

• Diggers Beach: Popular surf beach with consistent waves and beautiful coastal scenery
• Park Beach: Patrolled family beach with nearby shopping and dining
• Sawtell: Charming beachside village 10km south with excellent cafes, rock pool, and relaxed atmosphere
• Muttonbird Island: Easy walk to island nature reserve, excellent whale watching May-November
• Solitary Islands Marine Park: Outstanding diving and snorkeling with tropical and temperate species
• Coffs Harbour Jetty: Historic landmark, fishing, marine life viewing, restaurants

Ballina Beaches & Coastal Walks

The Ballina region offers some of the North Coast's most pristine and uncrowded beaches:

Ballina North Wall & Richmond River Light

The coastal path around Ballina's northern breakwall is perfect for relaxed strolling with guaranteed dolphin sightings as they ride waves and chase baitfish. Follow the oceanfront past Lighthouse Beach to reach Ballina Head's historic Richmond River Light (circa 1880), which offers stunning views over the river mouth and ocean.

Lennox Head

A world-famous surf break and charming coastal village. The trail from Skennars Beach to Pat Morton Lookout provides spectacular coastal views. Lennox is known for its powerful right-hand point break that attracts international surf competitions.

Shaws Bay

Calm, protected waters perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and family swimming. The scenic location on the Richmond River offers a more peaceful alternative to ocean beaches.

Northern Rivers Hinterland Villages

Brunswick Heads

A sleepy beachside village at the Brunswick River mouth, famous for the Brunswick Heads Bakery - far more than a standard bakery, this is one of the region's most popular eateries serving artisan breads and gourmet treats.

Federal

Tiny hinterland village home to Doma Cafe, serving exceptional fresh sushi with local twists in a charming countryside setting.

Eltham

Visit Barefoot Farm producing pecan nuts and gourmet products. The Eltham Hotel's Sunday lunch is popular with locals seeking country pub fare.

Whale Watching Season (May-November)

Every year, approximately 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast between Antarctic waters and the Great Barrier Reef. Northern NSW offers exceptional whale watching opportunities from both land and sea:

• Best Land Viewing: Cape Byron, Point Danger (Tweed Heads), Tomaree Head, Muttonbird Island (Coffs Harbour)
• Whale Watching Cruises: Available from Port Stephens, Byron Bay, Ballina, Coffs Harbour
• Peak Season: July-September for northward migration; October-November for mothers with calves heading south
• Behaviors to Watch: Breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping, pectoral fin waving

Other Wildlife Experiences

• Dolphins: Year-round in Port Stephens, Byron Bay, Ballina - often visible from beaches and headlands
• Sea Turtles: Snorkeling at Julian Rocks, diving in marine parks
• Koalas: Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, Tomaree National Park, hinterland forests
• Lyrebirds: Dorrigo, Border Ranges, and other rainforest national parks
• Flying Foxes: Large colonies visible at dusk in coastal towns
• Sea Eagles & Ospreys: Commonly seen hunting along rivers and coastline
• Kangaroos & Wallabies: Often spotted at dawn and dusk in national parks and coastal reserves

Farm-to-Table Dining

Northern NSW's fertile volcanic soil and subtropical climate create perfect conditions for diverse agriculture. The region has embraced farm-to-table dining, with restaurants showcasing exceptional local produce:

• Byron Bay: The Farm Byron Bay (massive farm-to-table venue), Three Blue Ducks, Harvest Newrybar
• Bangalow: Doma Cafe (fresh sushi with local ingredients), Harvest Cafe
• Ballina: Shelly Beach Bistro, Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel Restaurant
• Coffs Harbour: Latitude 30, Fiasco, Sawtell's beachfront dining scene

Craft Breweries & Distilleries

The craft beverage scene has exploded across Northern NSW, with world-class breweries and distilleries:

Stone & Wood Brewery - Byron Bay

Famous for their Pacific Ale, this award-winning brewery offers tours, tastings, and a vibrant beer garden atmosphere. The brewery has become a Byron Bay institution since its founding in 2008.

Cape Byron Distillery

Australia's first carbon-neutral distillery producing exceptional gins, vodka, and liqueurs using rainwater and local botanicals. Tours available showcasing sustainable production methods.

Husk Distillers - Tweed Valley

Award-winning distillery producing world-class rum, gin, and vodka from local sugarcane and botanicals. Their Sunday sessions have become legendary social events.

Seven Mile Brewery - Ballina

Coastal brewery with ocean views serving craft beers and excellent food in a relaxed beach setting.

Farmers Markets

Experience the region's agricultural abundance at vibrant farmers markets:

• Byron Bay Farmers Market: Thursday mornings 7am-11am at Butler Street Reserve
• Bangalow Market: 4th Sunday of each month, community market with local produce and crafts
• New Brighton Farmers Market: Saturday mornings, intimate market with organic producers
• Coffs Harbour Growers Market: Thursday mornings at City Square
• Ballina Farmers Market: Friday mornings at Ballina Fair Shopping Centre

Tropical Fruit Experiences

The subtropical climate supports unique fruit growing not possible elsewhere in NSW:

• Macadamia Nuts: Northern NSW produces most of Australia's macadamia crop - visit working farms and factories
• Avocados: World-class avocados grown throughout the region
• Bananas: Tropical banana plantations, especially around Coffs Harbour
• Dragon Fruit, Lychees, Mangoes: Various tropical fruit farms offer pick-your-own experiences

Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Northern NSW is home to several Aboriginal nations including the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl, and Worimi peoples. Visitors can engage with Indigenous culture through:

• Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Museum and walking trails near Tweed Heads showcasing Bundjalung culture
• Arakwal National Park: Jointly managed by the Arakwal people, with cultural interpretation along walking trails
• Cultural Tours: Various operators offer Indigenous-led tours exploring traditional practices, bush tucker, and cultural sites
• Art Galleries: Aboriginal art galleries throughout the region featuring works by local Indigenous artists

Arts & Music Scene

Northern NSW has a thriving creative community attracting artists, musicians, and performers:

• Byron Bay: Regular live music venues, Bluesfest (Easter), Falls Festival (December-January)
• Splendour in the Grass: One of Australia's largest music festivals held annually near Byron Bay
• Regional Galleries: Tweed Regional Gallery, Lismore Regional Gallery showcasing local and national artists
• Street Art: Murals and street art in Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Nimbin
• Busking Culture: Byron Bay's streets feature talented musicians and performers daily

Major Annual Events

Byron Bay Bluesfest (Easter)

One of Australia's premier music festivals featuring international and Australian blues, roots, and soul artists over five days. Held at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm just north of Byron Bay.

Splendour in the Grass (July)

Australia's largest outdoor music festival attracting over 30,000 attendees and featuring headline international acts across multiple stages. Held at North Byron Parklands.

Falls Festival (December-January)

New Year's music festival featuring diverse lineup of international and Australian artists. Byron Bay is one of three locations hosting this popular event.

Tropfest (February)

The world's largest short film festival often includes Northern NSW locations.

Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Festival (November)

Celebrating American Southern food and bluegrass music in the charming hinterland town.

Port Stephens Whale Festival (June)

Month-long celebration of the annual whale migration with special cruises, talks, and events.

3-Day Byron Bay Escape

Day 1: Arrive, explore Byron town center, relax on Main Beach, sunset at Cape Byron Lighthouse

Day 2: Early morning Cape Byron walk, surf lesson at The Pass, afternoon at Wategos Beach, evening dining on Jonson Street

Day 3: Hinterland tour visiting Crystal Castle and Minyon Falls, lunch at Harvest Newrybar, sunset drinks at Stone & Wood Brewery

5-Day North Coast Adventure

Day 1: Arrive Port Stephens, dolphin watching cruise, Tomaree Head walk, seafood dinner in Nelson Bay

Day 2: Morning at Stockton Sand Dunes (4WD tour or sandboarding), afternoon at Shoal Bay, koala sanctuary visit

Day 3: Drive to Coffs Harbour (3 hours), stop at beach towns along the way, Big Banana, settle into accommodation

Day 4: Dorrigo National Park and Skywalk, waterfall walks, return to coast for sunset at Sawtell

Day 5: Morning beach activities, Muttonbird Island walk, departure or continue to Byron Bay

7-Day Ultimate Northern NSW

Days 1-2: Port Stephens - dolphin watching, sand dunes, beaches, koalas

Days 3-4: Coffs Harbour - beaches, Dorrigo rainforest, Solitary Islands snorkeling

Days 5-6: Byron Bay - lighthouse walks, surfing, beaches, town exploration, hinterland

Day 7: Tweed Coast or return via coastal route stopping at Ballina and beach towns

Rainforest & Waterfall Discovery

Focus on World Heritage rainforests: Dorrigo National Park (Skywalk and waterfalls), Border Ranges National Park (scenic rim drive, Antarctic Beech forests), Nightcap National Park (Minyon Falls, Protesters Falls), combining with coastal accommodation in Byron Bay or Coffs Harbour.