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A Family-Friendly Coastal Road Trip
Summer and the New South Wales coast go hand in hand. Long daylight hours, warm ocean swims, easy road trips and coastal towns that invite you to slow down and stay awhile it’s the ultimate season for exploring Australia’s east coast.
While NSW is famous for icons like Sydney, there's a lot more magic beyond the skyline. Stretching north to sou
th is a diverse coastline dotted with surf towns, calm family beaches, national parks and relaxed seaside communities. Combine those icons with lesser-known regional gems, and NSW quickly earns its place on any summer bucket list.
This family-friendly coastal road trip is ideal for families, couples and caravanners chasing sunshine, beach time and relaxed holiday vibes with the added bonus of two Travel Auctions favourite stays along the way.
Coastal Towns Worth the Visit
Byron Bay
There’s a reason Byron Bay remains one of Australia’s most talked-about coastal towns. From sunrise to sunset, it hums with energy. Start your day with a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the 3.7km loop track is especially breathtaking in the early morning, when golden light spills across the coastline and dolphins, turtles and (in season) whales glide past offshore.
Spend the rest of the day beach hopping between Wategos, The Pass and Main Beach, browsing local markets or lingering over long lunches. As evening falls, Byron’s live music and dining scene comes alive, making it as memorable after dark as it is by day.
Lennox Head
Just south of Byron, Lennox Head offers the same natural beauty with a gentler pace. Its sweeping crescent beach, famous point break and easygoing village atmosphere make it perfect for travellers who love the Northern Rivers lifestyle, without the crowds.
One of the area’s highlights is nearby Lake Ainsworth, a freshwater tea-tree lake where you can float, cool off and reset after a morning by the ocean.
Worth the detour:
Head slightly inland to Casino, where open spaces and country charm provide a refreshing contrast to the coast. Stay at Discovery Parks, Casino, a Travel Auctions favourite offering powered sites for caravans and campers or standard cabins for a no fuss, family-friendly stay.
Standard Cabin - Sleeps 4: travelauctions-Discovery-Parks-Casino
Powered Sites: .travelauctionsDiscovery-Parks-Casino
Coffs Harbour
Few destinations balance variety and accessibility quite like Coffs Harbour. Located on the NSW North Coast, i
t’s known for its patrolled beaches, lush hinterland, waterfalls and the iconic Big Banana, making it a hit with families and first-time visitors alike.
It’s also home to Sanctuary Resort Motor Inn, a Travel Auctions favourite that offers a comfortable, central base close to beaches, cafés and local attractions.
Don’t miss: Emerald Beach, Look At Me Now Headland and golden-hour sunsets at Jetty Beach.
Sanctuary Resort Motor Inn, Coffs Harbour: travelauctionsSanctuary-Resort-Motor-Inn
Forster
Set between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake, Forster is a water lover’s playground. Calm lake swimming, ocean beaches and dolphin cruises make it especially popular with families.
The stretch of coastline between Forster and Booti Booti National Park offers more than 40 kilometres of sand, ideal for escaping the crowds. In town, Main Beach is patrolled, protected from large swells and conveniently close to cafés and shops. Across the bridge in Tuncurry, you’ll find rock pools and the rugged beauty of Nine Mile Beach.
Jervis Bay
For postcard-perfect scenery, Jervis Bay is hard to top. Calm, crystal-clear waters and some of the whitest sand in the world make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling and slowing right down.
Nature lovers will feel right at home here. Booderee National Park blends white-sand beaches with bushland trails, while Jervis Bay Marine Park protects an underwater world teeming with dolphins, seals, little penguins and leafy sea dragons. Keep an eye out for kangaroos grazing near the shoreline, a uniquely Australian moment.
Eden
Tucked away on the far South Coast, Eden feels like one of New South Wales’ best-kept secrets. This historic seaside town sits where coastline meets national parks, making it a dream escape for travellers who crave nature, space and quieter beaches. Eden’s rich whaling history comes to life at the fascinating Eden Killer Whale Museum, and it’s also one of Australia’s best land-based whale-watching locations during migration season. Think clear blue water, hidden coves, coastal walks and headlands that feel wonderfully untouched.
Stay right on the edge of it all at either Discovery Parks Eden or the Eden Gateway Holiday Park, both relaxed and scenic bases for exploring the region. Choose from either a deluxe 2 bedroom Cabin or a Snug Cove Villa for three nights or settle in for a longer 10-night powered site stay, perfect for caravanners and campers wanting to slow the pace and soak up the wild beauty of the South Coast.
Discovery Parks Eden- Deluxe 2 Bedroom Cabin - Sleeps 6: travelauctionsEden-Gateway-Holiday-Park
Eden Gateway Holiday Park - Snug Cove Villa: .travelauctionsEden-Gateway-Holiday-Park-EDEN-
Eden Gateway Holiday Park - Powered Site: travelauctions-Eden-Gateway-Holiday-Park
Explore the NSW Coast with Travel Auctions
From buzzing surf towns to laid-back seaside escapes, the NSW coast truly offers something for every kind of summer traveller. With Travel Auctions, you can bid on accommodation you love, choose what you’re willing to pay and enjoy the flexibility to travel up to 12 months from purchase.
Bid. Win. Go.
Your next NSW coastal escape could be just one winning bid away.