Roaming Australia on a surfing expedition is something everyone should do in their lifetime. Our surf series showcases some of the best waves along our eastern coastline.

On this leg of the journey, it’s time to explore the Mid North Coast of NSW. The stretch from Nambucca Heads to Port Stephens is littered with beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks, so buckle up as you won’t want to miss this line-up.

Nambucca Heads

Start your surf safari in beautiful Nambucca Heads. On any given day, Nambucca Heads’ Main Beach features small beginner waves and several surf schools. If this isn’t your first time on a board, head around the southern bluff to Beilby’s Beach. The point usually offers a decent ride, and the outer reef breaks work their magic in larger swells. Still chasing that perfect wave? A 10-minute drive north will put you at Valla Beach, which offers seclusion, long rides, and epic stories for the drive back.

South West Rocks

Next, journey south to the surfer’s playground that is South West Rocks. Situated on Trial Bay between Laggers Point and the Macleay River, this 6km stretch of coast has a wave for every surfer. Newbies can start at popular Horseshoe Bay, which offers protection in most conditions before venturing to the north-facing cove known as Trial Bay Gaol Beach. This corner of the bay protects kids and learners from the big southerly swells. For larger waves, Laggers Point and Front Beach provide sizeable breaks and clean waves. The most experienced surfers will find the heaviest waves on Back Beach.

Port Macquarie

The drive from South-West Rocks to Port Macquarie usually takes an hour. If you have a 4WD and want a sneaky surf on the way, take the Point Plomer Road from Crescent Head to Port Macquarie. Point Plomer Beach has a fun right-hander, and experienced surfers can launch straight off the point. Then towel off and head to Port Macquarie! This part of the coast stretches from the vibrant CBD to a string of charming coastal villages to the south, which are a surfer’s dream. Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills turns on clean heavy rights for experienced surfers, while the northern point of Grants Beach, a few minutes south, offers protection and smaller swells for the learners in your crew.

Port Stephens

Two hours south, Port Stephens has an endless supply of bays, points, and beaches surrounding its huge natural harbour. In other words, you’ll find waves everywhere in Port Stephens! A few steps from our park, experienced surfers will love the consistent left and right-handers on offer at One Mile Beach, while around the corner, Fingal Bay and Birubi Point offer smaller swells for beginners wanting to practice their skills in gentle waters.  

Don’t forget to check out the other itineraries in this surf series. Try one, combine two, or even all four for a surf trip to remember.

Explore our parks

Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills
Breathe in the refreshing coastal air at Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills, the absolute beachfront holiday park just 20 minutes south of Port Macquarie in the quiet ‘burb of Bonny Hills.
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Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach
While many of our holiday parks offer a beachfront location, Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach takes things up a notch with a 1.6-kilometre stretch of sand, right on your doorstep.
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Ingenia Holidays White Albatross
Who says you can’t have a rainforest, beach and tidal lagoon all on your doorstep while on holidays? Ingenia Holidays White Albatross is positioned where the Nambucca River and South Pacific Ocean meet, our White Albatross guests can enjoy the luxury of direct access to a tidal lagoon as well as a surf beach less than two minutes’ walk away.
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Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks
Nestled on the banks of Back Creek, a scenic tidal waterway, Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks is the perfect basecamp for both water sports lovers and anglers, with the Macleay River Boat Ramp just two kilometres from the holiday park grounds.
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