Travel Tips

Surfing series – Mid North Coast

Roaming Australia on a surfing expedition is something everyone should do in their lifetime. Our surf series showcases some of the best waves along our eastern coastline.

On this leg of the journey, it’s time to explore the Mid North Coast of NSW. The stretch from Nambucca Heads to Port Stephens is littered with beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks, so buckle up as you won’t want to miss this line-up.

Tips and Inspiration

Nambucca Heads

Start your surf safari in beautiful Nambucca Heads. On any given day, Nambucca Heads’ Main Beach features small beginner waves and several surf schools. If this isn’t your first time on a board, head around the southern bluff to Beilby’s Beach. The point usually offers a decent ride, and the outer reef breaks work their magic in larger swells. Still chasing that perfect wave? A 10-minute drive north will put you at Valla Beach, which offers seclusion, long rides, and epic stories for the drive back.

Stay: Ingenia Holidays Nambucca Heads
Best for beginners: Main Beach
Experienced surfers: Beilby’s Beach or South Valla

South West Rocks

Next, journey south to the surfer’s playground that is South West Rocks. Situated on Trial Bay between Laggers Point and the Macleay River, this 6km stretch of coast has a wave for every surfer. Newbies can start at popular Horseshoe Bay, which offers protection in most conditions before venturing to the north-facing cove known as Trial Bay Gaol Beach. This corner of the bay protects kids and learners from the big southerly swells. For larger waves, Laggers Point and Front Beach provide sizeable breaks and clean waves. The most experienced surfers will find the heaviest waves on Back Beach.

Stay: Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks
Best for beginners: Horseshoe Bay
Experienced surfers: Back Beach

Port Macquarie

The drive from South-West Rocks to Port Macquarie usually takes an hour. If you have a 4WD and want a sneaky surf on the way, take the Point Plomer Road from Crescent Head to Port Macquarie. Point Plomer Beach has a fun right-hander, and experienced surfers can launch straight off the point. Then towel off and head to Port Macquarie! This part of the coast stretches from the vibrant CBD to a string of charming coastal villages to the south, which are a surfer’s dream. Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills turns on clean heavy rights for experienced surfers, while the northern point of Grants Beach, a few minutes south, offers protection and smaller swells for the learners in your crew.

Stay: Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills
Best for beginners: Grants Beach
Experienced surfers: Rainbow Beach

Port Stephens

Two hours south, Port Stephens has an endless supply of bays, points, and beaches surrounding its huge natural harbour. In other words, you’ll find waves everywhere in Port Stephens! A few steps from our park, experienced surfers will love the consistent left and right-handers on offer at One Mile Beach, while around the corner, Fingal Bay and Birubi Point offer smaller swells for beginners wanting to practice their skills in gentle waters.