Novotel Wollongong Northbeach: a seaside stay with breezy charm

Beachfront bliss meets elevated comfort at this sleek coastal stay that balances location, views and refined dining in equal measure.

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is a modern coastal escape that practically dips its toes in the Pacific. Set opposite one of the Illawarra’s best stretches of sand, this contemporary hotel brings together breezy design, sweeping views and elevated dining. Whether you’re here for a relaxing weekend, a family getaway or a work trip, this laid-back yet luxurious spot invites you to slow down, take in the view and let the sea air do the rest.

From oceanfront suites and sunset cocktails to slow mornings and standout dining, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach delivers all the luxe coastal vibes.

The location

Panorama suite bath and bedroom at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — It doesn’t get much closer to the beach than this. (Image: Emily Murphy)

It doesn’t get much closer to the ocean than this. Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is perched directly across the road from North Wollongong Beach on Dharawal Country, with uninterrupted views over the Pacific. Just a short drive or 15-minute walk from Wollongong CBD, the hotel is well-placed for both seaside serenity and urban convenience. Directly opposite the sand, it’s also an easy base for beach walks, surfing or simply lazing by the shore.

Style and character

Palisade Kitchen and Bar at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — The hotel is a coastal classic. (Image: Emily Murphy)

While the Novotel is part of a global hotel group, this particular outpost feels like its own coastal classic. A multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2021 has transformed it into a sleek, contemporary stay with soft seaside tones, plush furnishings and curated finishes that make the most of its beachside location. Large windows and balconies invite the ocean in, while subtle nods to coastal living, like timber panelling, nautical blues and sandy beiges, enhance the relaxed aesthetic. It’s polished without being pretentious and perfectly pitched for both leisure and business travellers.

Facilities

Adrift Pool Bar at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — Adrift Pool Bar is a summer hotspot. (Image: Emily Murphy)

The hotel is generously equipped with all the essentials and a few elevated extras. There’s a compact fitness centre, a swimming pool, an onsite convenience store and beach towels available at reception. With over a dozen event spaces including ballrooms, boardrooms and outdoor terraces, it’s also a popular wedding and conference destination. Parking is available onsite and reception is open 24/7.

Rooms

Panorama suite at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — The panorama suite is true to its name. (Image: Emily Murphy)

There are 209 rooms and suites at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, ranging from coastal-view standard rooms to sweeping top-floor suites. I stayed in the panorama suite (room 1002) on the 10th floor and can confirm it lives up to its name. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a wraparound balcony with panoramic views of the ocean, and a freestanding bathtub positioned by the bedroom window offers a luxuriously uninterrupted view of the coastline below.

Panorama suite bath at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — Relax in the freestanding tub. (Image: Emily Murphy)

While the bathroom is a little dated, the living area is roomy and comfortable with couches and a dining table, there’s a coffee pod machine and two non-smart TVs – but honestly, the real entertainment is the view.

Food and drink

North Bar food and cocktails at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — North Bar is the place for creative small plates and cocktails. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Dining is a highlight here, with five venues onsite. North Bar is the place for creative small plates and cocktails in a chic, coastal-inspired setting. I started with Sydney rock oysters, followed by prawn and lobster rolls and juicy pork and garlic chive dumplings.

For something more refined, Palisade Kitchen & Bar offers elevated modern Australian fare with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce. The charcuterie board set the tone, but the standout was the seared yellowfin tuna with white soy dashi, charred mandarin, nori paste and rice crackers – a dish that felt as artful as it was flavourful.

Palisade Kitchen and Bar barramundi at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — The pan-fried Spring Creek barramundi is delicious. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Other highlights included grilled Spencer Gulf king prawns with miso garlic butter and yuzu sesame, and pan-fried Spring Creek barramundi with kipfler potatoes, beurre blanc and shaved fennel. I finished with a decadent Biscoff and ricotta New York-style baked cheesecake.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible rooms available featuring roll-in showers, lowered amenities and wider doorways. The main areas of the hotel, including reception, lifts, restaurants and event spaces, are wheelchair accessible, with staff available to assist as needed. There are also accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

Family-friendly?

Absolutely. The hotel offers family rooms and interconnecting rooms, and there’s a kids’ menu available at both North Bar and Palisade. The beachfront location makes it easy for little ones to play by the sea, and the staff are welcoming to guests of all ages.

Details

Best for: Couples, weekenders and anyone who wants ocean views with elevated dining.

Address: 2-14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong, NSW

Cost: From around $270 per night for a standard room.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .