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.

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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)

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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)

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

8 sleepy towns you should visit on the Barrington Coast

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

1. Blueys Beach

2. Gloucester

3. Old Bar

4. Bulahdelah

5. Hawks Nest

6. Seal Rocks

7. Wingham

8. Forster

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