North Coast region
What to do in this region
Things to do
Immersive stories
Dorrigo Rainforest birds revealed self-guided audio tour
See more immersive stories
Camping and accommodation
Find your true north
Answer the call of the East Coast trail for some of the best natural beauty in NSW. Pristine beaches, ancient Gondwana rainforest, towering waterfalls, and volcanic hinterland walks: choose your own adventure on NSW's North Coast.
Park:
Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is great for school excursions and is home to Cape Byron lighthouse, heritage accommodation, walking tracks, scenic lookouts and the Cape Café.
Visitor centres
- Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre
- Dorrigo Rainforest Centre
- Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
Nearby towns
Lismore
Lismore is a major North Coast commercial, cultural and administrative centre. It's set in undulating country on the north arm of the Richmond River.
Maitland
One of Maitland's premier stops, Maitland Gaol ceased service as a correctional facility in 1998, After housing some of Australia's most hardened and notorious criminals, Maitland Gaol closed in 1998. Now, the cell doors are open again and you can take a self-guided audio tour, a themed-guided tour or torchlight tour by night.
Newcastle
Newcastle is a harbour city surrounded by amazing surf beaches that are linked by a great coastal walk, the Bathers Way. The walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach takes about three hours and is a great way to explore the city.