The coastal towns and villages of the Australian state of New South Wales are popular destinations of visitors to Australia. This is particularly so because of the number and variety of aquatic activities one can do: swimming, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, cruising, fishing. As well, there's usually the availability of nearby lodgings and cafes and restaurants.
New South Wales faces the Pacific in the east, so one can have activities closer to the coast or farther out in the ocean, say, for marlin fishing.
If driving from Sydney, take the Pacific Highway north or the Princes Highway south. The coastal route should be interesting and picturesque.
Here are 10 major NSW coastal destinations in alphabetical order:
1. Bermagui
Camel Rock at Bermagui's Wallaga Lake National Park © Sally Mayman / Destination NSW
Bermagui on the NSW Sapphire Coast is probably best known as a fishing destination. Not only is it home to fishing fleets but visitors can get on charter vessels to go after the big fish of the ocean. For those of a more sedentary bent, there's golf and snorkeling. Long stretches of beach are ideal for coastal walks. Bermagui is some 383 kilometres south of Sydney. Head south on the Princes Highway until past the town of Narooma, watch for the turnoff to Bermagui and turn left into Bermagui Rd, continuing on Wallaga Lake Rd.
2. Byron Bay
Byron Bay street scene © Adam Taylor / Destination NSW
The beachside town of Byron Bay is closer to Brisbane (165 kilometres), capital of Queensland, than it is to Sydney (772 kilometres). Driving some 74 kilometres north from Byron Bay brings the traveler to Queensland's Gold Coast. A popular venue for open air concerts, such as Bluesfest in the Easter season, Byron Bay has a reputation for its surf culture, its arts and artists, and an alternative lifestyle. Cape Byron, east of Byron Bay, is Australia's easternmost point.
3. Eden
Eden Harbour © Tourism New South Wales
The old whaling town of Eden is the state's southernmost town, some 478 kilometres from Sydney via the Princes Highway. As with most New South Wales coastal towns, fishing is both a commercial and leisure activity. Eden is at the southern end of the NSW Sapphire Coast which starts at Bermagui. Being roughly at the midpoint of Sydney to Melbourne coastal travel, Eden is a convenient stopover town.
4. The Entrance
Pelicans at The Entrance © Tourism New South Wales
Located at the northern end of the NSW Central Coast, The Entrance is just over 100 kilometres from Sydney. From the Newcastle Freeway, watch for the turnoff to The Entrance north of of the Gosford exit and head east to the coast. An alternative route is to take the Gosford exit but turning right before reaching Gosford city proper and following the signs to The Entrance, which sits at the, yes, entrance to Tuggerah Lake. The area is well known for recreational fishing and other aquatic activities. The pelicans that come to feed on the coast are a much publicised visitor attraction.
5. Jervis Bay
Blenheim Beach at Jervis Bay © Tourism New South Wales
Some of the world's whitest sand beaches are to be found in Jervis Bay some 185 kilometres by road from Sydney. Take the Princes Highway all the way south past the city of Nowra on the New South Wales South Coast and watch for the turnoff sign to Jervis Bay. Follow the signs to Huskisson and other Jervis Bay towns and villages. The road trip fropm Sydney should take about two hours and 40 minutes. Fishing and diving charter trips are available, or you may prefer to simply laze away the day on the beach or explore Booderee National Park.
6. Narooma
Glasshouse Rocks at Narooma © Tourism New South Wales
Narooma in the Eurobodalla region of New South Wales is another fishermen's haunt on the state's fishing coast. Some 350 kilometres by road from Sydney, it certainly isn't a daytrip destination and should be more suited to weekend or longer-stay travel. Fishing? You can go surfcasting on the beach or join a fishing charter out to the ocean for giant tuna or even marlin. Other aquatic activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. Consider a visit to Montague Island offshore.
7. Newcastle
Nobbys Head Beach in Newcastle © Tourism New South Wales
Newcastle, New South Wales' steel city, has grown in recent years to become a popular visitor destination on the state's North Coast. Not only is the city close to a number of beaches for a variety of water-based activities but the city's restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment and arts venues are major attractions. The city is also a convenient jump-off point for daytrips to Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley. In 2011 Newcastle was named by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top 10 cities to visit. Take the Newcastle Freeway from Sydney and you should be there in two hours or so.
8. Port Macquarie
Flynns Beach at Port Macquarie © Tourism New South Wales
Port Macquarie on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast is not only a convenient stopover city (390 kilometres north of Sydney) between Sydney and Brisbane but a popular visitor destination as well. Located at the mouth of the Hastings River, it is both a riverside and seaside community and visitors can indulge themselves in a number of aquatic activities. There are at least nine beaches conveniently close to Port Macquarie city centre. Timbertown Heritage Theme Park in Wauchope is just across the Pacific Highway west of town.
9. Port Stephens
Little Beach at Port Stephens © Tourism New South Wales
Port Stephens, within two and a half hours by road from Sydney, is a popular holiday venue not only for its beaches but also for its water and land recreational activities. Go for dolphin or whale watch (mainly during the whale migration season) cruises or go sightseeing to Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. Deep-sea and big-game fishing cruises are also available, as are scuba diving charters. For those who prefer land activities, there's golf and inland treks into the bush.
10. Wollongong
North Beach in Wollongong © Tourism New South Wales
Often overlooked as a visitor destination, the city of Wollongong has its share of fine swimming and surfing beaches and is about an hour's drive from Sydney. It is New South Wales' third largest city and has a bustling commercial centre, together with various arts and entertainment venues. Spend the day on North Beach or at Belmore Basin. While the traditional road route to Wollongong is via the Princes Highway, why not try the Grand Pacific Drive through picturesque coastal villages and innumerable beaches?
