Planning your next family holiday? Whether you’re travelling with a posse of 2 or 10, our list of top things to do with kids on the Northern NSW coast will guarantee you a fun-filled trip of a lifetime!
Cook Island Aquatic Reserve
Just 600 metres offshore from Fingal Head, this stunning marine playground is a popular place to spot green sea turtles as well as a variety of tropical fish and sharks. Take a diving or snorkelling tour and discover what lies beneath the sea.
Tropical Fruit World
Jump on the miniature train and take a ride through the native eucalypt forest at Tropical Fruit World. Taste delicious seasonal fruits including some unique ones like the cheese fruit or stick to the favourites like avocados and bananas. Visit the farmyard animals, relax on a wildlife boat cruise or play some mini-golf…the possibilities are endless!
Credit: Destination NSW
Mt Warning
Pack a picnic and head for the kid-friendly Lyrebird track at Mount Warning in Wollumbin National Park. This easy 0.6km walk winds through subtropical rainforest, across Breakfast Creek to a scenic lookout. For experienced hikers, climb the summit track to experience a sunrise like no other (tip: leave the kids with a babysitter if you’re venturing out on this more difficult track!).
Credit: Destination NSW
Byron Bay Lighthouse
The Cape Byron Lighthouse is located on Australia’s most easterly point and is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay. Visit the Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office for stories about shipwrecks and mysteries of the sea or join in on a Byron Bay Lighthouse walk for stunning views of the coastline (you may even spot some dolphins and whales!).
Credit: Destination NSW
Macadamia Castle
Not just nuts! The Macadamia Castle offers so much more than macadamias (although be sure to grab a bag when you visit - they’re delicious!). With an animal fun park, train rides, mini-golf course, café and school holiday activities, you’ll want to come back time and time again.
Whale watching
Bring your binoculars or hop on a whale watching tour to view the majestic species of toothed whales and baleen whales as they migrate along the NSW coastline between May and November. You’ll have a whale of a good time!
Big Banana
The kids will go bananas over the water park, giant indoor slide, ice skating, laser tag and more at the Big Banana, one of the main Coffs Harbour attractions. Don’t forget to take a picture with Australia’s original and most famous “Big Thing”, the Big Banana itself, before you leave!
Credit: Destination NSW
Visit some of the Best Beaches in Australia
Just south of the Gold Coast lie some of Australia’s best beaches, including Salt Beach, a few minutes’ drive from Kingscliff. Hire tandem bikes from Mantra on Salt Beach and cruise along the coast, or simply set up for the day along the huge stretch of sand.
Credit: Photography Byron Bay
The coastal town of Byron Bay is known for its laid-back vibe, world-class festivals and spectacular beaches including Belongil Beach, Wategos Beach and Main Beach Byron Bay. With stellar surf breaks and secluded swimming coves, this is the perfect place to relax with the family.
Credit: Destination NSW
Diggers Beach in Coffs Harbour is a wide, sheltered beach popular for surfing, swimming and fishing and has an adjacent picnic area and children’s playground. The protected Jetty Beach meets the Jetty Foreshores Park with BBQ area and playground and is just a few steps from restaurants, the Marina, Yacht Club and Harbourside Markets on Sundays.
Credit: Destination NSW
Family Holiday Accommodation
Once you’ve made a list of the top attractions to visit with the kids, the final step to planning the perfect family getaway to Northern NSW is choosing your family holiday accommodation.
Salt Kingscliff Accommodation: Mantra on Salt Beach and Peppers Salt Resort & Spa
Just 15 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta, these 2 sister resorts boast numerous pools, restaurants, a tour desk, bicycle hire and large serviced apartments.
Credit: Londonxboston
Located directly on the stunning sands of Diggers Beach, this resort features 2 onsite restaurants, tennis courts, 4 swimming pools, children’s play area and a child-minding service.
Ready to book your school holiday deal or next family getaway? Click here to book now!