The North Coast region of New South Wales is one of the best destinations for family holidays. You’ll find a wide range of activities and adventures to entertain young and old, from lounging on the beach and snorkelling in coral reefs to exploring volcanic hinterlands or enjoying wildlife tours.
The North Coast is home to incredible destinations and attractions for all ages, such as the Oakvale Wildlife Park just north of Newcastle, the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park and the Botanic Gardens in Coffs Harbour and the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie. And an abundance of beachfront accommodation puts you within reach of the best that NSW North Coast has to offer.
Family adventures on your doorstep from your Byron Bay accommodation
Byron Bay is one of the best family holiday destinations. A trendy destination for surfing, kayaking and beach adventures, Byron Bay is home to pristine beaches and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. A number of coastal walks will take you through lush rainforest to see local wildlife, including a Platypus Walk where you can encounter these unique creatures in their native habitat. The nearby towns of Ballina and Lennox Head offer stunning beaches, river cruises, kayaking tours and other waterside attractions. You can visit the Australian Seabird Rescue with the kids to learn about local bird life and conservation or tour the Naval and Maritime Museum to discover tales of the town’s seafaring past.
Holiday on the beach at Byron Bay family accommodation
In this Byron Bay beach house, you'll be just steps away from the shore with convenient, direct access. This private hideaway features six bedrooms with room enough for 12 people to sleep comfortably, so don't hesitate to bring the whole family along. You'll have easy access to Main Beach and many of the area's attractions, such as the Cape Byron Lighthouse and the Cumbebin Swamp Nature Reserve. The house's perfect positioning will also put you close to Byron Bay's centre, with various restaurants and shopping destinations just a few minutes' walk from your front gate.
Accommodation ideas for your Byron Bay family holiday
Plan for family fun in Tweed Heads accommodation
The vibrant town of Tweed Heads hugs the border between QLD and NSW, allowing families to explore the best of the two states for the price of one. You can take rainforest cruises to see local flora and fauna, go snorkelling with turtles, trap mud crabs or trek to Point Danger to catch a glimpse of migrating whales. Families will also enjoy attractions like the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve and Tropical Fruit World. For a little outdoor adventure, you can take beginner surf lessons at Duranbah Beach, a world-renowned surf destination.
Family-friendly accommodation with a private pool, minutes from the Kirra beach
Just a 5 minute walk to Kirra Beach, famous for its immaculate sandy beach and crystal clear surf, the stylish Cirrus at Kirra two-level home is perfect for families with its spacious living areas, four bedrooms and private outdoor pool and garden/alfresco entertaining area.
Embark on coastal adventure from Port Macquarie accommodation
The array of calm beaches, lush rainforests and wildlife encounters in Port Macquarie make it a top destination for your family holidays with kids. Port Macquarie is home to the highest population of koalas on the east coast and to the Koala Hospital, which treats sick and injured furry friends. During a tour of the facility, you can follow the Koalas Sculpture Trail to find giant sculptures of the loveable marsupial. You can also explore the Billabong Zoo to see koalas, saltwater crocodiles and other native Australian wildlife. Kids will also enjoy attractions like the Bago Winery Maze, the Port Macquarie Museum and the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, which takes you through a lush rainforest canopy.
Relax in luxury in Casa Bella, the perfect family beachfront accommodation
If you're looking for luxury and jaw-dropping views in Port Macquarie, the sprawling three-storey Casa Bella oceanfront home makes the perfect choice. Overlooking the spectacular Lighthouse Beach, it offers its own private pool, light-filled, modern interiors with plenty of space to entertain inside and out, along with five bedrooms and three bathrooms to accommodate large family groups.
Explore outdoor adventure at Myall Lakes accommodation
If you enjoy outdoor excursions, Myall Lakes is one of the top family holiday destinations in Australia. It’s home to a variety of beautiful lakefront beaches and offers endless opportunities for fishing, camping, picnics and hiking. Take a Myall Lakes paddling tour on one of the vast lakes or try out rock climbing, abseiling and hiking at Out and About adventure. If you want to try out surfing, sea kayaking or other water adventures, you can visit the nearby beach areas of Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach and Seal Rocks.
Accommodation ideas for your Myall Lakes family holiday
Lounge by the sea in this Clifton Beach House accommodation
With its stunning, uninterrupted sunrise, ocean views and easy access to Boomerang Beach, Clifton Beach House is a great option for a luxurious beachfront accommodation in NSW North Coast. The home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms to accommodate 10 people, a modern kitchen with high-end appliances and large decks for outdoor entertainment. Known for its excellent surf conditions, Boomerang Beach offers water sports, snorkelling and opportunities to glimpse frolicking dolphins, as well as the Booti Booti National Park.
Take to the water from Forster accommodation
Crystal-clear Great Lakes and pristine coastal beaches in Pacific Palms make Forster one of the best family holiday destinations for outdoor adventures. The area is popular for fishing charters, beach fishing, dolphin cruises and scuba diving experiences to well-known wildlife habitats, such as the Grey Nurse Shark site. Forster is also along the migratory path of whales, which can be viewed with a whale-watching cruise. The nearby Booti Booti National Park is a must-see attraction that has scenic headlands, lush rainforest and calm beaches for swimming, hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking and other outdoor activities.
Unwind in luxury at Strand Beachside accommodation
The modern and luxurious Strand Beachside penthouse accommodation offers bird’s-eye views of the water and all you need for a seaside family holiday. The penthouse has two large bedrooms, large lounge and dining areas, a full kitchen, a master bedroom with an ensuite and spa, a private living area and two large balconies for evenings by the water and breathtaking ocean views.
Have a kid-friendly adventure at Port Stephens accommodation
The sheltered bay beaches and ample wildlife of Port Stephens make it an ideal destination for families with children. You can swim with wild bottlenose dolphins on the Dolphin Swim Australia tour or take a cruise to see humpback whales on their annual migration. Port Stephens is also popular for water sports such as diving, snorkelling, sailing and surfing, as well as land adventures like quad biking on the Southern Hemisphere’s largest coastal sand dunes. Get up close and personal with sharks and rays at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters or take a "nude" kayak trip to view ocean life in a transparent kayak. The nearby Nelson Bay is a popular destination for mountain biking and hiking as well.
Gather the family in this bayside Hamptons-style retreat
Ideally located in the heart of Port Stephens area and a 5 minute drive from Nelson Bay, the generously proportioned Hamptons Coastline Retreat takes full advantage of the stunning bay views. With its six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and three undercover outdoor living spaces, groups can choose to gather or retreat as required. Amenities include a private heated pool and for cooler months, a gas fireplace to curl up in front of. Its convenient location makes Port Stephens' best family attractions, including the Tomaree National Park, Splash Waterpark and the Oakvale Wildlife Park, easy to explore.