Have You Heard of Sawtell? Here's What You've Been Missing

It’s renowned for its beach but Sawtell has a whole lot more to offer if you look a little closer.

Sawtell is a pretty resort town south of Coffs Harbour that has long been popular with road-trippers who want to break up their drive along NSW’s North Coast. The idyllic seaside village is bracketed by two rocky headlands that sit adjacent to Boambee Creek in the north and Bonville Creek in the south. And while the number one reason for passers-by to pull off the highway is to picnic, surf or paddleboard at the pretty beach that sits between the two promontories, Sawtell is also full of undiscovered gems to seek out – a compelling reason to ditch a longer NSW road trip and fly direct to embrace a deeper exploration of the region.

1. See Indigenous art at Yarrila Arts and Museum

visitors looking at the art displays inside Yarrila Arts And Museum — Delve into the Indigenous art on display at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Sawtell is known in the local language as Ganyjarr Ganyjarr and the revival of Gumbaynggirr language is central to Indigenous culture in the region. Head to the Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour, just a 10-kilometre drive from Sawtell, to examine themes of place, community and belonging. Don’t miss the Yaamanga Around Here exhibition, which is on permanent display.

2. Visit Sawtell Art Gallery

Visit the dinky Sawtell Art Gallery for a snapshot of what inspires the local artists in the area. The gallery is one of Sawtell’s hidden secrets with weekly classes on everything from painting and drawing techniques using ‘Anything but Watercolour’ to workshops revolving around the ideas of abstraction. The most recent exhibition, Beauty of Sawtell, included a lot of works featuring the wild, verdant landscapes of the Coffs Coast.

3. There are plenty of cafes and bars in Sawtell to satisfy

people dining outside Cafe Treeo, Sawtell — Cafe Treeo is a great spot to take in Sawtell’s charm.

Sunny Sawtell is much-loved for its iconic main strip, which is lined with giant fig trees that help preserve the town’s charm. Although the town (population: 3788) is rather sleepy, it has plenty to offer on the foodie front. Plan a progressive feast that bounces between its best cafes and bars. Dine on the best local cuisine at Hilltop Store, The Spare Room, Bar Que Sera, The Athletic Club, Café Treeo, Split Café & Espresso Bar and Morty’s Joint. Fish and chips on the headland are also a thing.

4. Pretty swimming spots in Sawtell

Sawtell Beach is your go-to for surfing. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s a lot of inspiration to be found in Sawtell for surfers who look out to sea in search of crashing waves. Sawtell Main Beach is a popular place to pull on a neoprene suit and paddle out, while Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool and Jetty Beach are sheltered spots for swimming.

Soak up the sun and walk against the tide at Boambee Creek Reserve before drifting back to the sand spit and doing it all over again. On-leash dogs are welcome.

5. Sawtell lookouts to spot whales and dolphins

the Sealy Lookout in Sawtell, Coffs Harbour — Find Sealy Lookout perched on a ridge just above Coffs Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sawtell Headlands is a top spot to sit and stare out to sea at dusk and dawn in the hope of spotting whales and dolphins . Even if you don’t see any tail-slapping or dramatic breaches, there are worse ways to bookend your day. Sawtell Headland and Sealy Lookout are perfect viewpoints, and a pair of binoculars should reap awards in the height of the season (between June and October). It’s one of the best things to do on the Coffs Coast.

6. Explore the watery world of Boambee

Fishos should also cast off near the Bonville Railway Bridge where mangrove jack, bream, trevally and flathead can be found. There’s great crabbing and fishing to be had when you venture from Boambee Creek Estuary into Newport’s Creek. Or head downstream to Boambee Creek Reserve, where you will see fishing platforms jutting out over the water. Buddy up with a Boambee local and they might point out the local jewfish hole.

7. Golf, mountain bike, SUP or kayak in Sawtell

an aerial view of kayaks at C-Change Adventures, Sawtell — Go kayaking in Sawtell with C-Change Adventures. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sawtell Golf Club is just 500 metres from the boutique village of Sawtell, where golfers of all abilities can get in the swing. Bonville Golf Resort is another top spot to enjoy a round. Keen mountain bikers should also download the Coffs Coast Mountain Biking Map to help make sense of the trails that squiggle around the Cows with Guns trail in Pine Creek State Forest. Kayaking and SUPing are also popular: book an ecotour with C-Change Adventures .

8. Spot koalas in the wild at Bongil Bongil National Park

Your kids will declare bushwalking to be a ‘pretty cool’ pursuit when you steer them away from their devices and into the Eco Certified Bongil Bongil National Park . The park on Gumbaynggirr Country is a great day trip from Sawtell with one of NSW’s largest populations of koalas in the wild. Stay in Tuckers Rocks Cottage overnight so you can cover a lot of ground: there’s fishing, beach and rainforest hikes and mountain bike trails, too.

9. Showtime at Sawtell Cinema

family eating lunch in front of sawtell cinema — Pop into the cute Sawtell Cinema.

This Art Deco cinema in Sawtell is the regional theatre of your dreams. The two-screen Sawtell Cinema (formerly the Majestic) complex screens a range of funky arthouse films and foreign flicks, too. It also schedules the latest family and mainstream blockbusters and is fully licensed. Settle in with a choc top for the annual Sawtell Film Festival , which runs from April to May. Follow up your night at the movies with a wander down fig-lined First Avenue.

10. Spice things up at the annual Chilli Festival

Any guide to the secrets of Sawtell includes the annual winter Sawtell Chilli Festival . The festival ticks a lot of boxes for lovers of all things hot and spicy, luring more than 13,000 people for the annual event, held on the first Saturday in July. Don’t miss the chilli chicken wing eating challenge, and the chance to choose from a diverse range of chilli products such as the Alsa range of rubs, seasoning and spices, Mel’s Sweet Picnic chilli and condiments from The Chilli Factory.

11. Take home treasures from Sawtell’s boutique shops

Find stores filled with antique furniture, clothing, books and more along the main tree-lined strip of Sawtell. Forget generic chains and malls. Sawtell is an oasis for shoppers who like people-watching and ease of access when weaving in and out of stylish boutiques and homeware stores along the high street. If you feel the need to recalibrate, bliss out at the Figtree Day Spa .

For more unexpected wonders of the Coffs Coast, read our guide to Coffs Harbour and beyond.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

12 surprising secrets of Sawtell to discover