New South Wales summer beach destinations for the family

Planning a road trip to the New South Wales coast? A summer holiday has never been easier! New South Wales offers some of Australia’s most exciting beach destinations and the good news is the sun shines for months after if you're looking to plan a trip into the Aussie autumn.

There are beach destinations to suit every traveller, whether you’re looking for a surf beach, calm waters or somewhere to relax on.

All you need is a set of wheels, you can pick up a rental from Sydney Airport and set off on a coastal adventure.

Byron Bay

This is one of the most exciting beach destinations for adventurers in northern New South Wales, just like Tallow Beach (pictured). It’s famous for its surfing and scuba diving sites. Just 15 minutes from the centre of town you’ll encounter several exciting walking tracks at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Look out for the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse and the Maritime Museum. There’s also plenty of trendy cafes nearby to choose from.

Tathra

This small seaside town on the Sapphire Coast closer to the Victorian border is a great place to take the family for a relaxing summer holiday. Tathra Beach is where you’ll find most people prefer to spend their warm summer days in the sunshine and cooling off in the crystal-clear water. Check out the Tathra Wharf, which opened in 1862 and is the oldest deep-water timber wharf on Australia’s east coast.

Newcastle

Just two hours north of Sydney is the wonderful Newcastle with great surf beaches, such as Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. It also boasts vibrant city scene with trendy cafes and restaurants, boutique stores and outdoor walks. There's even the Newcastle Art Gallery, which is one of regional Australia's most important public art collections. It really is the place to go if you want a relaxing getaway along with all the comforts of home. Think

Norah Head

At the northern end of the Central Coast is the lovely Norah Head, which is a great spot for snorkelling, diving and fishing. It's also known for its stunning views along walking trails. A good spot is Soldiers Beach, which has been well protected from development. The idyllic beach is surrounded by the Wyrrabalong National Park, which is just a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney. The area is popular for surfers because of the consistent swell, but the water is also a safe place for swimmers who stay between the flags.

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