Good value on the North Coast starts with knowing what you are paying for. Our North Coast specials page sticks to the essentials: one listed day tour with a price, the kinds of accommodation that suit smaller budgets, and the region's free-to-enjoy beaches and scenery.
The region has a mild, sub-tropical climate, and the coast is long, so a little planning goes a long way.
North Coast specials: the listed tour
One tour is listed for the North Coast on this site, and it comes with a clear price. The Day Tours Anna Bay and Nelson Bay from Port Macquarie runs for 12 hours and is priced from AUD 450.
| Tour | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Day Tours Anna Bay and Nelson Bay, Port Macquarie | 12 hours | from AUD 450 |
It is a long day, so it suits travellers who want one full outing rather than several short ones. Check current prices with the operator before booking. For other options, our North Coast tours and rentals page is the place to look.
Free and low-cost things to enjoy
The region is known for uncrowded beaches, and a beach costs nothing. The coastline is famous for its white sandy beaches, which is much of the reason people come.
Inland, the northern part of the region holds Mount Warning and the remnants of the long-extinct Tweed Volcano. The region includes a significant share of the state's forests and national parks, so trekking through ancient forest is a natural budget choice.
In Murwillumbah, the Tweed Regional Gallery houses the Margaret Olley Art Centre, with examples of the artist's work and a recreation of parts of her home studio, including the Hat Factory and the Yellow Room. Lismore and Grafton also have regional art galleries.
For more ideas, see our North Coast activities page.
Stretching the budget on accommodation
Stays on the North Coast suit every budget, from camping and caravanning in beachfront tourist parks and national parks, through to beach houses, hotels, luxury resorts and hinterland retreats. Motels, hotels and apartments are spread across the whole area.
Camping and caravan sites are the obvious low-cost end of that range. Our North Coast accommodation page is a good starting point, and North Coast apartments is worth a look if you are sharing costs with a group.
Getting there without overspending
You can reach the North Coast by road, rail or air. The Pacific Drive is an historic tourist road between Sydney and Tweed Heads, passing national parks, coastal hamlets and beaches. The North Coast railway line links Sydney to Brisbane, and the region is also traversed by the Pacific Highway, Bruxner Highway, Clarence Way and Summerland Way.
Airports serve Coffs Harbour and Ballina (near Byron Bay), and there is another at Coolangatta just over the Queensland border. The Northern Rivers part of the coast sits between 590 and 820 kilometres north of Sydney, so driving is a real commitment. If you would rather not drive, see North Coast transfers.
Reading the calendar around Byron Bay
Tourism is especially important in the north of the region. Tweed Heads is effectively a southern extension of the Gold Coast, and Byron Bay has a reputation as a centre for relaxation and yoga. At certain times of the year it is also a convenient recreation area for partygoers from south-east Queensland. We reckon that is a good reason to think about timing before booking Byron Bay.
Nimbin, in the Lismore area, draws visitors for its permaculture and self-sufficiency initiatives, and holds the annual MardiGrass celebration. Lismore, Kyogle and Casino are other towns to base yourself in.
Planning with family
Families will find more on our North Coast holidays with kids page. You can also check official advice at Visit NSW, and read more on the region's geography and history at Wikipedia: Northern Rivers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest tour listed for the North Coast?
The tour listed is the 12-hour Day Tours Anna Bay and Nelson Bay from Port Macquarie, from AUD 450.
What is the climate like?
The region has a mild, sub-tropical climate, and Byron Bay is busier at certain times of the year.
Can we stay on a budget?
Yes. Accommodation ranges from camping and caravanning in beachfront tourist parks and national parks through to hotels, motels and apartments.