Veteran Australian coastal advocate and author, Brad Farmer, has been reviewing beaches worldwide for over 35 years and has examined first-hand most of the nation’s 11,761 coastal beaches. This year, Brad’s Top 20 features six NSW beaches; the most beaches of any state in the country included in the list.
The winner of the coveted title of Best Australian Beach for 2020 is the laid-back surf town of Cabarita on the NSW North Coast, with Shellharbour’s Minnamurra Beach at number 3 and Wagga Beach listed at number 9 – the first time an inland beach has ever been included.
The NSW coastline stretches for over 2000 kilometres and is dotted with over 850 picture-perfect spots for swimming, surfing and snorkelling. Beyond its beaches, each of the NSW regions listed this year offer a diverse range of experiences that will satisfy all holiday makers from fresh produce and local wine, lush rainforests, unique wildlife, and fascinating Indigenous culture.
Destination NSW suggests travellers plan their visit to NSW around these incredible beach towns:
Place: Cabarita Beach, North Coast (50-minute drive from Gold Coast)
Good for: Relaxation and coastal walks
Tucked between big players Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, Cabarita offers endless surfing opportunities, limited commercial development and a quiet ambience with just 3000 residents. Spend your days in this region cycling around the coast, indulging in local food and wine, browsing nearby shopping centres and topping it off with a good night’s sleep at one of the many relaxing hotels including Halcyon House, Diamond Beach Resort and The Beach.
Place: Minnamurra Beach, South Coast (2-hour drive from Sydney)
Good for: Surfing
Minnamurra Beach also referred to as ‘Mystics’ is a favourite with the locals. The Beach stretches from the rocky headland towards the volcanic outcrop known as Stack Island, and forms part of the National Surfing Reserve at Killalea State Park. Set up your picnic for the day and take in the stunning scenery. While in the area take a short drive to the popular ocean-front strip, Shellharbour Village or the heritage-listed Bass Point Reserve.
Minnamurra Lookout, Minnamurra. Destination NSW
Place: Wagga Beach, Riverina (1 hour 30 minute drive from Albury Airport)
Good for: Waterside picnics and kayaking
Located in the beautiful Riverina on the sandy banks of Murrumbidgee River, Wagga Wagga offers a range of experiences for all travellers including plenty of restaurants, breweries, national parks, hiking trails and many accommodation options. The inland gem of Wagga Beach is situated just five minutes from the city CBD, so you don’t have to travel far to find this small piece of paradise while you are in region.
Place: Fingal Bay, North Coast (3-hour drive from Sydney)
Good for: Dolphin spotting
Relax on beautiful sandy beaches, meet the resident bottlenose dolphins, enjoy fun water sports, explore giant sand dunes and savour delicious waterfront places to eat in the beachside hub of Port Stephens. The family-friendly spot is perfect for catching the sunrise, sunset and plenty of dolphins!
Place: Ned’s Beach, Lord Howe Island (2-hour flight from Sydney)
Good for: Feeding the fish
Ned’s Beach is known for the colourful fish and occasional turtle’s that inhabit the crystal-clear waters. Just wade in and hand-feed mullet, butterfly fish and stingrays, or snorkel the shallow reef to see giant clams and coral. While you’re visiting this World Heritage-listed paradise, why not hike world-class mountains, taste the famous Fish Fry Buffet at Beach House on the Moon or rejuvenate with a three-hour treatment at the incredible Capella Spa.
Place: Diamond Head, North Coast (4-hour drive from Sydney)
Good for: Camping
Stretching for six kilometres, Diamond Head Beach is an ideal spot for surfing, fishing or a casual afternoon stroll. Though only 10 minutes from the centre of Forster, the remoteness of this beach will make you feel like you are much further away from anything. For the campers, head to the campground at Diamond Head – one of the most popular places to stay in Crowdy Bay National Park.
Cabarita. Destination NSW
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