Grassy to Crescent Head: The top 10 sandy seaside spots on the summer hit list
Ten of the beast beaches in the Macleay Valley feature on a new, one-stop-shop travel website featuring a smorgasbord of must-sees and dos in the region.
Mid-North Coast
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A mouth-watering look at the wonderful Macleay Valley coastline has just been launched online in a bid to lure tourists to one of Australia’s most serene locations.
From Grassy to Crescent Head and all in between, the Macleay Valley Coast’s ‘Discover Something New’ campaign is brimming with a smorgasbord of must-sees and dos across the region, offering a refreshing and reinvigorated look at the area’s landscapes, coastal hot spots and activities.
It also includes a breakdown of the region’s top 10 beaches.
Macleay Valley Coast tourism officer Alex Henley helped launch the new website – a one-stop shop for tourists and locals looking to escape and enjoy the best the district has to offer.
“We’re tying to tell people this is what’s great about the Macleay, to get them to visit and the keep people here,” she said.
“There are some real hidden gems. This site has some great aspirational content to get people excited about coming to the Macleay.”
Tourist drives, villages, walks, food, drink, camping and shopping – all feature.
But by far the most sought after summer spots, will be by the region’s beach. The Macleay Valley is book-ended by both Grassy Heady and Crescent Head – two of the top surfing locations across the Mid-North Coast.
Here’s a look at the top 10 beaches for those looking to make that escape this summer.
1. POINT PLOMER, CRESCENT HEAD
A popular surfing, swimming and fishing beach - Point Plomber is one of the most sought after spots for domestic travellers living the ‘van life.’
Nestled at the back of Crescent Head, it offers a superb point break for experienced surfers and smooth conditions for swimming that make it ideal for families and children.
The headland offers a wonderful view of the playful pod of dolphins.
Those looking to stay one or more nights can book in at the beachside campground, and rise with the sun to the serene sounds of the nearby waves.
2. THE POINT & KILLICK CREEK, CRESCENT HEAD
Crescent Head needs no introduction. Popular amongst just about every age group, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a sun-filled summer family holiday.
It’s a well known pilgrimage spot for people escaping the city life, to spend a few lazy days down by the creek.
The creek runs out to the ocean, and joins up with the Crescent Head Surfing Reserve – a world-famous location with a phenomenal right-hand wave.
3. DELICATE NOBBY, CRESCENT HEAD
For those looking for a place to get away from the Crescent Head crowds, a drive to Delicate Nobby Beach should do the trick.
Here, you can play and snorkel in the rock pools.
Delicate is also one of the few beaches that allow dogs off-leash.
4. HAT HEAD AND KOROGORO CREEK
The crystal turquoise waters and white sands of Korogoro Creek is truly a remarkable place to be at high tide.
This is the spot for avid snorkelers or spear fishers. Make a base on the sand beside the creek for a day in the great outdoors.
Topical fish also roam this area that you won’t find anywhere else. The beach is also patrolled during the holidays and safe to swim at. itself is also safe for kids and patrolled during the holidays.
5. HORSESHOE BAY, SOUTH WEST ROCKS
What. A. Spot. Horseshoe Bay in South West Rocks is just minutes from the centre of town making it perfect for a seaside takeaway while observing the surf.
The cove is patrolled on weekends, and during school holidays.
6. MAIN BEACH, SOUTH WEST ROCKS
This expansive, long stretch of sand runs for 3.5 kilometres to Trial Bay.
If you’ve got the time, a walk along the route from one end to the other is recommended.
This is another great safe swimming zone which is patrolled during the summer months and school holidays.
7. TRIAL BAY, SOUTH WEST ROCKS
The wind-protected Trial Bay is a haven if you’re looking to escape the exposed beaches and large swells.
There’s a purpose-built break wall, making it almost always calm and great for kids.
It is one of the few places on the east coast where it’s possible to watch the sun set over the water.
8. GRASSY HEAD
The northernmost tip of the Macleay Valley. This hidden gem has a secret fan base of holiday-makers who spend the festive season together with bat and ball in hand, or swimming in the beautiful beach or nearby lagoon.
If you walk around the headland you’ll stumble on your own rock pools, or enjoy the uncrowded surf on the southern side of Grassy Head.
9. RACECOURSE BEACH, CRESCENT HEAD
The second of Point Plomer Road’s two beaches, Racecourse Beach is a quiet, expansive, beautiful setting perfect escape to if you want a solitary walk or surf.
10. GAP BEACH, SOUTH WEST ROCKS
An adventurer’s paradise, Gap Beach can only be accessed by 4WD or by hiking the Smoky Cape Trail. Just be aware that the beach is not patrolled.
Macleay Valley Coast
For more information and a comprehensive tourism guide on the Macleay Valley Coast, visit https://macleayvalleycoast.com.au/
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