Boasting some of Australia’s best beaches, gorgeous rainforest hinterland, and bush walking and camping that’s really just as good as you’ll experience anywhere else in the country, the NSW Mid North Coast is one spectacular family holiday destination.

Easily accessible, nestled mid-way between Brisbane and Sydney arriving by road, train or air are all options for this glorious stretch of the East Coast. With everything from small towns to bigger regional centres to choose from, whether it’s action or seclusion, it’s all available at a range of price points.

Forster: The twin towns of Forster-Tuncurry offer families the option to get away in a total sea side haven to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and beaches, kayaking, surfing, cruises, bike riding. There are also fun parks like The Big Buzz and a treetop adventure park too!

Port Macquarie Region: This stunning region of the country also includes the gorgeous beach side towns of Lake Cathie and Laurieton within its region. Lake Cathie is well renowned for its family friendly swimming, and Laurieton markets on the third Sunday of every month offer great local food and crafts. Head inland to the towns of Kendall and Wauchope to explore boutique shopping, amazing hinterland walks complete with waterfalls and rainforest beauty. Don’t forget to visit Timbertown in Wauchope too., or perhaps spend some time up on horseback with Bellrowan Horse riding tours.

Within Port Macquarie itself there’s non-stop activities, with a range of spectacular beaches, fishing, surfing, swimming, cruises and whale watching, scrumptious café’s, mini golf, water slides, visit Billabong Zoo, take in a movie, ride a camel, tours, great café’s and shows at the Glasshouse.

Coffs Harbour Region: Just a little further up the coast toward Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is a paradise all of its own. With great beaches for kids, swimming and surfing everyone in the family can hit the waves. There’s the Big Banana where you can go ice skating, toboggan riding and enjoy the water slides, or perhaps the amazing hinterland and Bellingen markets take your fancy? Cruises, boating, fishing, whale watching and the list goes on.

So if you’re looking for adventure, fun parks, bush walks, surfing, swimming, fishing, or any other great activities to get out with the kids during your next holiday, the Mid North Coast is definitely one region that has not only spectacular scenery, but a range of activities to suit all family age groups. As a big bonus, all the towns along the coast are within easy driving distance of each other, so you can explore and enjoy a range of great places, or, you can limit yourself to just one, the choice is yours. You’ll have a range of accommodation options from bush camping to 5 star resorts, so it’s really worth considering for your next family holiday.

About The Author

Loreena Walsh is the owner of Little Aussie Travellers, a website and blog inspiring families to get out and explore everything Australia has to offer. Loreena explores Australia with her husband  Matt, children Jackson, Amahli and Byron and the family Kelpie. For inspiration on making the most of your family holidays, you can get the latest updates on the website, as well as joining Little Aussie Travellers on facebook or twitter.

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  1. May 16, 2013 at 8:20 pm,

    MoM Rewards: rachy0802 has a topaz MoM rewards level rachy0802 said:

    I took the kids to Forster last year and had a great time and will be going there again in the future, beautiful weather and beaches and we also did the whale watching cruise. Great fun


  2. mouse

    May 15, 2013 at 6:58 pm,

    MoM Rewards: mouse has a diamond MoM rewards level mouse said:

    These are all beautiful cities that i have not visited in many years. I think i will have to put them on the holiday list and revisit some of them


  3. sarahjanedreamer

    May 08, 2013 at 8:14 am,

    MoM Rewards: sarahjanedreamer has a topaz MoM rewards level sarahjanedreamer said:

    I love living in Aus, what a great country we have. I’m the the Tweed Valley, it is so lush and spectacular.


  4. smiles

    May 05, 2013 at 4:54 pm,

    MoM Rewards: smiles has a diamond MoM rewards level smiles said:

    Port Stevens and Hasting cove is great for the family. My hubby loved the fishing and the kids loved the beaches.


  5. cairnsy77@gmail.com

    May 04, 2013 at 3:46 pm,

    MoM Rewards: cairnsy77@gmail.com has a diamond MoM rewards level cairnsy77@gmail.com said:

    i love coffs too ive taken my family up there and they just loved it the place is such a beautiful layed back place to visit


  6. tobysmummy

    May 02, 2013 at 3:10 pm,

    MoM Rewards: tobysmummy has a diamond MoM rewards level tobysmummy said:

    I loved Coffs Harbour when we stayed there :)


  7. moocowmel

    April 30, 2013 at 8:47 pm,

    MoM Rewards: moocowmel has a diamond MoM rewards level moocowmel said:

    My favourite attraction at Coffs Harbour is the pet porpoise pool (I think it has a new name). So amazing!


  8. mouse

    April 29, 2013 at 11:11 am,

    MoM Rewards: mouse has a diamond MoM rewards level mouse said:

    Beautiful destinations and so close to home. Will have to visit sometime in the near future


  9. hopefullyheidi

    April 28, 2013 at 11:46 pm,

    MoM Rewards: hopefullyheidi has a diamond MoM rewards level hopefullyheidi said:

    il pin this article as it has some good info


  10. hopefullyheidi

    April 28, 2013 at 11:45 pm,

    MoM Rewards: hopefullyheidi has a diamond MoM rewards level hopefullyheidi said:

    yes ive always had coffs on my list of destinations!


  11. kmwalters

    April 28, 2013 at 3:13 pm,

    MoM Rewards: kmwalters has a emerald MoM rewards level kmwalters said:

    Would love to go on a road trip to Coffs Harbour, my brothers taken his family and they had a blast!


  12. curlytops

    April 20, 2013 at 5:54 pm,

    MoM Rewards: curlytops has a diamond MoM rewards level curlytops said:

    I have been told Coffs Harbour is a fantastic family vacation. Must get there one day!


  13. riss_whatever

    April 08, 2013 at 7:03 pm,

    MoM Rewards: riss_whatever has a diamond MoM rewards level riss_whatever said:

    Having travelled to these places as a kid, when my family spent 6 months travelling around Australia when I was 10, I’d love to go back with my partner n son to see how much it’s changed and to experience the beauty again


  14. snoopy

    March 28, 2013 at 12:21 pm,

    MoM Rewards: snoopy has a diamond MoM rewards level snoopy said:

    There are so many great places to go in NSW, I love the country winery regions mostly andf and not so much a beach goer, but the kids love the Beaches and we’ve taken them to Northern NSW beaches a few times around Tweed Heads and also Potts Point, and some lovely family orientated and less populated beaches around those areas.


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