Sawtell

With its long stretch of white sand, gentle surf and a relaxed main street lined with cafes and boutiques, Sawtell is one of the NSW North Coast’s most appealing beachside villages. It has a classic coastal holiday feel without the crowds of bigger resort towns, making it a favourite for families and couples seeking a laid-back escape. The beach, framed by a historic timber jetty and a headland walking track, is the heart of the village, but Sawtell also boasts a lively food scene and easy access to nearby national parks.

Highlights & What to See

• Sawtell Beach – A magnificent, patrolled beach perfect for swimming, surfing and long walks. The southern end near the jetty is particularly scenic.
• Sawtell Jetty – A historic timber jetty extending into the ocean, ideal for a stroll, fishing or simply watching the sunset.
• Boambee Creek Reserve – A peaceful mangrove-lined waterway on the southern edge of town, great for kayaking, paddleboarding or a picnic by the water.
• Bongil Bongil National Park – Just north of town, this coastal park offers excellent walking trails through paperbark forests and wetlands, with abundant birdlife – look for glossy black-cockatoos.
• First Avenue Shopping & Dining – The main street is packed with excellent cafes, bakeries, restaurants and boutique shops. Don’t miss the famous Sawtell bakery for a cream bun.
• Coffs Harbour Butterfly House – A short drive south, this indoor tropical garden lets you walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies – a hit with families.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two nights to truly relax and soak up the village atmosphere. Spend a day at the beach and jetty, another exploring the national park and creek, and enjoy the local cafes and restaurants in between. Sawtell also works well as a base for exploring the wider Coffs Coast region, with day trips to Coffs Harbour, the Dorrigo National Park or the Solitary Islands.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – 10 minutes south, with the Big Banana, a marina and more dining options.
• Dorrigo National Park – 45 minutes inland, a World Heritage-listed rainforest with spectacular waterfalls and walking trails.
• Solitary Islands Marine Park – Offshore islands and reefs offering excellent snorkelling, diving and whale watching.
• Urunga – 15 minutes north, a sleepy coastal town with a beautiful boardwalk over the river mouth and mangroves.
• Bellingen – 30 minutes inland, a creative, arty town set in the fertile Bellinger Valley, known for its markets and music festivals.

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