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)

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

8 sleepy towns you should visit on the Barrington Coast