Crescent Head is a small surf town at the mouth of Killick Creek, in the Macleay Valley on the NSW Mid North Coast. It’s a National Surfing Reserve, with national parks on three sides, a river valley of country pubs and farm gates behind it, and some of the best coastline in the state. Here’s where we send our guests, big and small.

Getting here

By car

Around 4½ hours north of Sydney along the Pacific Highway, roughly halfway between Sydney and the Gold Coast.

By air

Port Macquarie Airport is the closest, with direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Lord Howe Island. It’s under an hour’s drive to Sea Sea.

Coming from Melbourne? Skip the Sydney stopover. Fly direct to Coffs Harbour and hire a car. It’s just over an hour’s drive to Crescent Head, and an easy option for families. Arriving from the north also takes you past Bellingen, through Gladstone and along the banks of the Belmore River.

Killick Creek & Killick Beach
In town  ·  Family favourite

Killick Beach runs north from the point for around 14 kilometres of white sand. Killick Creek meets the ocean right in town, and its calm, clear water is perfect for kids to swim, paddle and float. Be sure to experience the Killick Creek on high tide.

Rock Pool Exploring
In town  ·  Family favourite

At low tide the multiple headlands reveal natural rock pools for spotting marine life or taking a quiet dip.

Stand-up paddle on the creek
In town  ·  All ages

The sheltered creek is perfect for beginners and a beautiful way to see Crescent Head from the water. Go early when it’s glassy and you can watch the fish below. SUPs are available to hire at Sea Sea.

Fishing
In town & Surrounds ·  All ages

Crescent Head, Hat Head or South West Rocks offer incredible fishing spots for bream, flathead and whiting. For ocean fishing, locals head out from Point Plomer or the creek mouth at Hat Head, early morning or around sunset.

Diving at Fish Rock, South West Rocks
40 minutes by car

Fish Rock is one of Australia’s best-known dive sites, and home to the country’s only true ocean cave dive, running 125 metres through the rock. It sits two kilometres off Smoky Cape. You’ll need Open Water certification or higher.

The headland walk
From the point  ·  All ages

A newly opened track that climbs from the point up over the headland and down to Goolawah Beach behind town. Expect sweeping views north over Crescent Head and south along Goolawah. Dolphins are about all year, and whales pass from July to October.

Big Hill Rainforest Walk
12 minutes by car

A short loop around the top of the headland through littoral rainforest, pandanus palms and low heath, with big coastal views. Look out for sea eagles overhead and dolphins near the shore.

Goolawah National Park
6 minutes by car

Quiet beaches and bush trails just south of town. Good for long walks, fishing, birdwatching, whale watching from the headlands and spotting kangaroos near the dunes.

Maria National Park
14 minutes by car

Tall forest, freshwater streams and wildflowers, part of the Hastings–Macleay Important Bird Area. A haven for bushwalking, cycling and horse riding.

Hat Head: Korogoro Walking Track & the dunes
Hat Head National Park  ·  Family favourite

A loop of around 4 km that follows the river out along the limestone headland. About halfway along, a hidden beach called Little Beach reveals itself.

While you’re there, take the kids to the huge sand dunes near Hungry Gate campground and slide down them on a board.

South West Rocks & Smoky Cape
Day trip

One of our favourite days out. Stop at the Macleay River Fishermen’s Co-op on the way for fresh prawns, then spend the day at North Smoky Beach, a protected, hidden-away beach just below Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Walk up to the lighthouse for one of the best views in the region.

Mini golf at Crescent Head Country Club
In town  ·  Family favourite

An 18-hole mini golf course with fun obstacles, including a giant wave to navigate. Great for kids and grown-ups alike.

Crescent Head Country Club
In town  ·  Bookings 02 6566 0268

Golf with ocean views (keep an eye out for dolphins and passing whales as you line up your shot), two floodlit synthetic tennis courts and eight all-weather carpeted bowls rinks. Open 10am–10pm. Kids are welcome with a parent or guardian.

Macleay Valley Farm, Clybucca
Around 30 minutes by car

A small working farm where kids can hug a lamb, lie down with a cow and feed the alpacas. Parents can get a coffee or a bite to eat, and there’s local honey and seasonal veggies for sale. Be sure to check opening hours.

Social Alley, South West Rocks
Around 40 minutes by car

It’s a vintage-style tenpin bowling alley with six lanes at the South West Rocks Country Club, with cabanas and a diner doing burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries. A great rainy day option for the whole family.

Stoney Aqua Park, Telegraph Point
Around 40 minutes by car  ·  Ages 7+

A giant inflatable water park on a freshwater lake, with slides, climbing walls and obstacle courses. Check their website for sessions and prices.

Kalateenee Mountain Bike Trails
23 minutes by car

A network of flowing trails through bushland just outside Kempsey, with options for beginners through to experienced riders.

The Promised Land, Bellingen
Around 1½ hours by car

Crystal-clear swimming holes and rope swings along the Never Never River in summer, and white-water rafting in the cooler months.

Gladstone
23 minutes by car

A heritage river town on the Macleay. Visit the Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery, browse The Gladstone Hub, with its Antique shop and resident barista, explore Featherlane homewares, and time your visit with the monthly Gladstone Quality Markets by the river.

Bellingen
Around 1 hour 20 minutes by car

A creative river village that’s been a haven for artists since the 1970s. Wander the heritage main street, find the best coffee in the region, browse the galleries and catch the monthly community markets. In summer, be sure to visit The Promised Land. Its crystal-clear swimming holes and rope swings along the Never Never River, perfect fresh water dip.

Bonville Golf Resort
Around 1 hour 20 minutes by car

Often called one of Australia’s most beautiful golf courses, a championship layout framed by towering gums and subtropical rainforest.

Start at home. Sea Sea Kitchen & Bar serves seasonal, local produce, cooked tastefully, alongside natural wines, botanical cocktails and local craft beer. When you want to explore, these are our local favourites.

Mezzaluna
Crescent Head

Modern Italian with handmade pasta and the classics. Tasteful wine list and well shaken cocktails, right across the road from Sea Sea.

The Bush Kitchen
Crescent Head back roads

Wood-fired pizzas in a cosy bush setting.

Bamboo Chinese
Crescent Head Country Club

Modern Australian and Chinese with your classic lazy susans and full glasses of house wine. The local Chinese doesn’t disappoint.

Barnett’s Bakery
Crescent Head

A Mid North Coast institution, famous for award-winning pies and vanilla slices. Grab an afternoon sweat treat.

Heritage Hotel, Gladstone
21 Kinchela St, Gladstone

A classic country pub on the Macleay River with a dog-friendly beer garden and live music. Made for long lunches and sunset drinks.

Garden Bar & Kitchen
Frederickton

Fresh, seasonal food in a beautiful garden setting, perched on the riverside.

Bucket Brewery
Kempsey

The local brewery where our own Sea Sea Lager is brewed. Drop in for a tasting.

Bruno’s Mediterranean
Bellingen

Beautiful Mediterranean food, all cooked over fire. A long-time favourite.

Bellingen Golf Club
Bellingen

Good food and drinks, live music, and a round of golf if you’re keen.

The Blue Door, Bello
Bellingen

Serves a Tasting Menu dictated by local regenerative farmers, with an intimate setting of 24 seats any given time.