New South Wales, located on the east coast of Australia, is home to some of the most picturesque beach towns in the country. From the bustling metropolis of Sydney to the laid-back coastal towns, there are plenty of options for beach lovers. The beaches of New South Wales are famous for their crystal clear waters and white sandy shores, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Some of the best beach towns in New South Wales include Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Byron Bay. Bondi Beach is a popular spot for Sydneysiders and tourists alike, known for its lively atmosphere and great surf. Manly Beach is another popular destination, with a laid-back vibe and a long promenade perfect for a leisurely stroll. Byron Bay, located in the far north of the state, is a bohemian town known for its hippie culture, alternative lifestyle, and beautiful beaches. Each of these towns has its own unique charm and offers a different experience for visitors.
ALSO READ: The Best Lighthouses to Visit in New South Wales
But we’re here for the quieter side of things, the beach towns that are a bit further down the road. These are the best beach towns to visit along New South Wales’ sprawling coastline.

Yamba
Yamba, located in the Clarence Valley region of New South Wales, is a picturesque coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The town boasts several beaches, the most famous of which is the main beach, known as Main Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Angourie Beach, which is known for its great surf breaks and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Yamba is also known for its Pippi Beach, which is a secluded spot perfect for a peaceful and relaxing day at the beach.
The town has a great selection of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants, and it’s known for its seafood specialties. The town also offers a range of water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Yamba River, which offers scenic views and an abundance of wildlife. The town also has a strong community spirit and offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year.
Stay in Yamba:

South West Rocks
South West Rocks, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, is a charming coastal town known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. The town offers a variety of beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Trial Bay, which is a secluded spot with great picnic and barbecue facilities, and Gap Beach, known for its great surf breaks and popular among local surfers.
The town’s crystal-clear waters also make it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, providing a chance to spot a wide variety of marine life such as dolphins, seals, and whales. The town offers a variety of activities like fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The town also has a great selection of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants, and it’s known for its seafood specialties. The town also has a strong community spirit and offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year. The area also offers opportunities for camping and hiking, with several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coast.
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Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay, located on the south coast of New South Wales, is a popular coastal destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life. The bay is home to several beaches, the most famous of which is Hyams Beach, which is known for having the whitest sand in the world. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the nearby Greenfield Beach, which is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, as well as exploring the nearby rock pools.
The bay is also known for its crystal-clear waters, which makes it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, where visitors can spot a wide variety of marine life such as dolphins, seals, and whales. Jervis Bay also offers a range of water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The town has a great selection of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants, and it’s known for its seafood specialties. The area also has an abundance of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. Jervis Bay is also a popular spot for camping and hiking, with several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the bay.
Stay in Jervis Bay:

Woolgoolga
Woolgoolga, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, is a charming coastal town known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches. The town is home to a large Sikh community and is famous for its annual Sikh festival, the “Curryfest”. The town boasts several beaches, the most famous of which is the main beach, known as Woolgoolga Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Back Beach, which is a secluded spot with great picnic and barbecue facilities and is a popular spot for local surfers. The town’s crystal-clear waters also make it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, where visitors can spot a wide variety of marine life such as dolphins, seals, and whales. Woolgoolga also offers a range of water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The town has a great selection of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants, and it’s known for its delicious Indian cuisine. The town also has a strong community spirit and offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Curryfest.
Stay at Woolgoola:

Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, is a popular coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and natural beauty. The town boasts several beaches, the most famous of which is the main beach, known as Nambucca Heads Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Shelly Beach, which is a secluded spot with great picnic and barbecue facilities and is a popular spot for local surfers. The town’s crystal-clear waters also make it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, where visitors can spot a wide variety of marine life such as dolphins, seals, and whales.
Nambucca Heads also offers a range of water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The town has a great selection of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants, and it’s known for its seafood specialties. The town also has a strong community spirit and offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year. The area also offers opportunities for camping and hiking, with several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coast and the nearby Nambucca River.
Stay at Nambucca Heads:

Merimbula
Merimbula, located on the far south coast of New South Wales, is a popular coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. The town boasts several beaches, the most famous of which is the main beach, known as Merimbula Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Spencer Park, which is a secluded spot with great picnic and barbecue facilities. The town is also known for its Bar Beach, which is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and watching the sunset.
Merimbula is also known for its lake, which is the largest coastal lake in New South Wales and offers a range of water activities such as fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The town has a great selection of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants, and it’s known for its seafood specialties. The town is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and visitors can take a stroll on the boardwalk to explore the lake and spot some of the local species. The town also has a strong community spirit and offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year.
Stay at Merimbula:

Tathra
Tathra, located on the south coast of New South Wales, is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. The town boasts several beaches, the most famous of which is the main beach, known as Tathra Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Tathra Wharf, which is a popular spot for fishing and has great picnic and barbecue facilities.
The town’s crystal-clear waters also make it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, where visitors can spot a wide variety of marine life such as dolphins, seals, and whales. Tathra also offers a range of water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The town has a great selection of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants, and it’s known for its seafood specialties. The town also has a strong community spirit and offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year. The area also offers opportunities for camping and hiking, with several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coast and the nearby Bega River.
Stay in Tathra:

Brunswick Heads
Brunswick Heads, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, is a charming coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The town is situated on the banks of the Brunswick River, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront, or enjoy a spot of fishing. The main beach, known as Brunswick Heads Beach, is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
The town also offers a range of water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Torakina Beach, which is known for its great surf breaks and is popular among local surfers. The town has a strong community spirit and offers a range of events and festivals throughout the year. The town has also a variety of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants. The town is also known for its historic Hotel Brunswick and it’s a great spot for live music and entertainment.
Stay at Brunswick Heads:

Byron Bay
You can’t write a list of the beach towns in New South Wales without including Byron Bay.
Byron Bay, located in the far north of New South Wales, is a popular destination for beach-goers and hippie-minded travellers. The town is known for its bohemian culture, alternative lifestyle, and beautiful beaches. Main Beach, is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and watching the sunset.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Tallow Beach, known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches and great surf breaks. The town has a thriving foodie culture and offers a wide range of dining options from casual beachside cafes to high-end restaurants. The town also has a lively arts scene, with many local artists and art galleries. The town is also famous for its lighthouse, which is the most eastern point in Australia, and a popular spot for watching the sunrise.
Stay at Byron Bay: