8 Must-Visit Barrington Coast Towns

These sleepy towns will reel you in with their underrated beauty and charm.

On the Lower Mid North Coast of NSW, the Barrington Coast is a vast region that encompasses the Manning Valley, Great Lakes and Gloucester.

As such it’s a medley of rolling country valleys, snaking rivers and a swirling emerald and turquoise coastline, with a plethora of under-the-radar towns that are prime for chilled-out getaways. Here, eight of the best towns on the Barrington Coast.

1. Blueys Beach

This small pocket of coast was thrown into the spotlight when Tourism Australia’s ‘beach expert’ Brad Farmer named Boomerang Beach one of country’s best for 2023. In fact, we also included it in our 100 Emerging Destinations.

an aerial view of Blueys Beach, Barrington Coast — Blueys Beach is a perfect surfing spot in Pacific Palms. (Image: Destination NSW)

The crescent-shaped stretch of coast, along with its neighbour Blueys Beach, boasts luminous water, pristine sand and a consistent beach break, drawing in surfers and beach-lovers from far and wide. But despite the attention, these ’hoods are the epitome of a languid seaside break.

a family with a dog having fun along Blueys Beach, Barrington Coast — Take a breather at Blueys Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

The tiny township of Blueys Beach is where it’s all at: a handful of dining options including Indo-inspired Kembali Cafe and Hueys at Blueys pizzeria , a small supermarket, a bottle shop and deli, and a zen wellness centre for soothing massages between sand time. Slow, chilled days – what the best beach holidays are made of.

2. Gloucester

Head inland along one of the state’s oldest tourist drives, Bucketts Way to the small country town of Gloucester.

scenic views of the Gloucester River on the Barrington Coast — The Gloucester River connects above the beautiful cascades of Gloucester Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

Nestled in a valley where the Gloucester, Avon and Barrington rivers meet, this quaint town is overlooked by the Buccan Buccans (Bucketts Mountains) and is known as base camp for adventures in the Barrington Tops National Park , home to the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests.

moss covered trees within Barrington Tops National Park, Barrington Coast — Gaze in awe at the enchanted mossy rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Aside from kayaking, bushwalking and mountain biking, the region is rich in Gold Rush history (tours of a nearby gold mine are available), is where infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt roamed in the 19^th century, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with cellar doors including Mograni Creek Estate .

3. Old Bar

Flying under the radar, Old Bar is a beachside gem near Taree that has long been a favourite with surfers. Of late, it has also become a music lovers’ pilgrimage, with the arrival of Boogie Woogie Beach House in 2016.

friends entering the Flow Bar in Boogie Woogie Beach House, Old Bar, Barrington Coast — Drink booze with your friends at Boogie Woogie Beach House. (Image: Destination NSW)

This motel turned music-themed hotel (including rooms adorned with Dave Grohl, Bowie and Nick Cave iconography) is host to a packed calendar of live music events. For a small town, Old Bar sure packs a punch, with the recently renovated Finns at Old Bar offering a coastal-chic stay, and a handful of great eateries including Sai Thai and Buyi Espresso Bar .

4. Bulahdelah

Once a thriving small town popular catering to travellers on long road trips across the state, Bulahdelah flew off the radar once the bypass was built. But this inland town, meaning ‘the meeting place of two rivers’, is well worth a longer linger.

Bulahdelah is blessed with abundant waterways, some 130 kilometres in fact, where houseboating is an idyllic holiday choice.

Myalls Lake Getaway Houseboats hires out a range of houseboats to skipper yourself around this large freshwater lake system, where you can spend unhurried days kayaking, swimming and fishing.

Overlooking the township, Bulahdelah Mountain is a legislated Aboriginal Place of the Worimi People. Located within Bulahdelah State Forest , there are three walking tracks that take you to the Worimi Cultural Area and the mountain lookout, through a verdant landscape of towering Blackbutt trees and grass trees.

5. Hawks Nest

Hawks Nest is one of those coastal towns that families return to again and again for nostalgic holidays. Days are spent in the sun, sand hopping between its incredible beaches.

a couple kayaking along Karuah River off Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest, Barrington Coast — Paddle your way around Karuah River off Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bennetts Beach, also known as The Dolphins Playground, is a great spot for surfing, while Jimmys Beach, a family favourite for its sheltered swimming conditions, is a pristine five-kilometre arc between the Myall River and Yacaaba Headland.

an aerial view of Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, Barrington Coast — The sun rises majestically over Bennetts Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can reach the tip of this headland on a challenging yet scenic six-kilometre hike from Bennetts Beach, weaving underneath angophora and through grass trees, up a steep rocky track to the forested ridge top. From here you’ll have panoramic views to Seals Rock and Tomaree Headland.

6. Seal Rocks

There’s only one road in and one road out, which is part of the beauty of Seal Rocks. This isolated surf village has been luring surfers in for decades, who set up camp in either Treachery Camp , Reflections Seal Rocks or Yagon Campground . You’ll need to bring all provisions, as there’s also only one shop.

an aerial view of Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, Barrington Coast — Opt for a remote getaway at Number One Beach, Seal Rocks. (Image: Destination NSW)

Continuing on with the theme, the town’s main beach is also known as Number One. It’s good for beginner surfers and SUPers, while Treachery Beach and Lighthouse Beach are magnets for old hands.

an aerial view overlooking the scenic waters off Number One Beach, Seal Rocks, Barrington Coast — Soak up sweeping turquoise coastlines at Number One Beach, Seal Rocks. (Image: Destination NSW)

The heritage lighthouse, Sugarloaf Point, has been standing sentinel since 1874 and is still in operation today, using the original main light. There is a walk to the lighthouse, which will take you through coastal forest and up to the headland for a spectacular view of this remote and uncrowded coast.

the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse atop Sugarloaf Point, Seal Rocks — Capture 360-degree views of the surf village at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Wingham

Step back in time at the oldest town on the Barrington Coast, Wingham. A 10-minute drive west of Taree, this town was settled on the banks of the Manning River in 1844 by timber cutters and dairy farmers and retains much of its old-world charm.

Its town square is dotted with glorious Federation-style buildings that are recognised on the National Trust, including the Post Office, the 1889 Australian Hotel (where you can still enjoy a hearty pub meal), the old 1929-built bank, and the Wingham Museum , which is housed in an 1870 building and displays a rich homage to yesteryear.

Pick up a map to take the self-guided five-kilometre heritage walk around the historic town and to the river. Spend time exploring Wingham Brush Nature Reserve , a rare subtropical lowland rainforest, home to the vulnerable grey-headed flying fox and gigantic Moreton Bay figs.

8. Forster

OK, we admit this one is a little more roused. But Forster is a long-loved seaside town that still offers the essentials of a slow seaside break. Gloriously set between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean, Forster is an aquatic wonderland.

an overhead shot of people riding a stand-up paddle board along Wallis Lake, Forster — Wallis Lake has crystal-clear waters perfect for stand-up paddle boarding. (Image: Destination NSW)

Take your pick of water-based activities from calm swimming at Main Beach or in the ocean baths, rock-hopping around to the magical pools of Pebbly Beach, or suiting up with Dive Forster and swimming with grey nurse sharks or dolphins.

a mother and daughter riding a stand-up paddleboard along Wallis Lake, Forster — Pace yourself on a stand-up paddleboard. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s also excellent fishing off the breakwall, whale watching and scenic cruises with Amaroo Cruises , kayaking, SUPing and boating in Wallis Lake, home to dolphins, rays and turtles.

a couple walking along Forster Beach, Forster — Stroll along the white sand path along Forster Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

The lake is also prime oyster territory; sample them straight from the water at Thirty Three Degrees. Across the lake, Mexican cantina Si Senorita is a lively spot for tacos, tequila and sunsets, or head beachside for an ocean-view lunch at Beach Bums Cafe .

a couple dining at Beach Bums Cafe, Forster, Barrington Coast — Dine by the beachside at Beach Bums Cafe, Forster. (Image: Destination NSW)

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

8 sleepy towns you should visit on the Barrington Coast