Photo: Tony1 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Hallidays Point is a serene coastal pocket on the NSW Central Coast, where the bush meets the sea and the pace of life slows to a gentle rhythm. This is the kind of place where you can breathe deep, with long stretches of sand, rocky headlands, and a laid-back village vibe that feels a world away from the city.
Highlights & What to See
- Diamond Beach – A stunning, dog-friendly stretch of sand with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply strolling at sunset. The beach is backed by low dunes and coastal scrub, giving it a wild, undeveloped feel.
- Hallidays Point Lookout – Perched on the headland, this lookout offers panoramic views of the coastline from Forster to the south. It’s a prime spot for whale watching during migration season (June–November).
- Red Head Reserve – A coastal bushland reserve with walking trails that wind through angophora forest to dramatic cliff-top views. Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos and sea eagles.
- Black Head Beach – A quieter sibling to Diamond Beach, with a natural rock pool at the southern end and excellent surf breaks. The headland itself is a geological marvel of dark volcanic rock.
- Wallabi Point – A tiny hamlet just north with a historic timber jetty and a patrolled beach. It’s a great spot for a quiet picnic or a kayak launch into the estuary.
Suggested Time to Spend
Hallidays Point rewards a relaxed pace. With one day you can hit the highlights: a morning swim at Diamond Beach, a walk to the lookout, and lunch at a local café. For a deeper experience, stay two or three days to explore the bush trails, surf a different break each day, and watch the sunset from the headland. It’s also an ideal base for a longer Central Coast road trip.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Forster–Tuncurry – A 20-minute drive north brings you to the twin towns straddling the Wallamba River, with a lively waterfront, boutique shops, and the iconic Forster Beach.
- Cape Hawke – Just north of Forster, this headland offers a lighthouse walk with superlative coastal views and a chance to spot dolphins.
- Booti Booti National Park – A stunning park with a coastal walk from Seven Mile Beach to the park’s northern end, plus excellent fishing and birdwatching.
- Myall Lakes National Park – A 30-minute drive west, this vast system of lakes and paperbark forests is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and bush camping.
- Seal Rocks – A tiny, unspoilt coastal village south of Hallidays Point, known for its lighthouse, pristine beaches, and resident seal colony.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Forster–Tuncurry — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cape Hawke — Rob Freijs / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Booti Booti National Park — Anonymous Dissident / Public domain
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Diamond Beach — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0