Sawtell Village

Just south of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell Village is a laid-back coastal escape where the main street feels like a community living room and the beach is never more than a few minutes’ walk away. This former banana-growing settlement has evolved into a beloved stop for travellers seeking good coffee, boutique shopping, and uncrowded surf breaks. The village’s relaxed rhythm and genuine local flavour make it a refreshing alternative to the more commercialised stretches of the NSW north coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Sawtell Beach: A wide, patrolled beach with gentle waves ideal for swimming and long shoreline walks. The headland at the southern end offers a short coastal walk with panoramic views.
• First Avenue dining strip: The village’s heart, lined with cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. Don’t miss the legendary fish and chips from Sawtell Beach Takeaway, or a flat white at Element Bar.
• Sawtell Village Markets: Held on the fourth Sunday of each month, these markets feature local produce, artisan crafts, and live music – a perfect morning out.
• Bongil Bongil National Park: Just north of the village, this coastal park protects ancient rainforest, paperbark wetlands, and superb walking trails through flooded gum forests.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve: A short drive away at Coffs Harbour, this island is a crucial nesting site for wedge-tailed shearwaters and offers a dramatic boardwalk with ocean views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that one full day and night in Sawtell is enough to soak up the village atmosphere, enjoy the beach, and sample the food scene. Arrive in the morning to grab a coffee and explore First Avenue, spend the afternoon swimming or walking the coastal track, and settle in for dinner at one of the local restaurants. If you have a second day, use it to explore Bongil Bongil National Park or take a short drive to Coffs Harbour for the Big Banana or the Botanic Garden. Sawtell also works well as a lunch stop on a road trip between Sydney and Byron Bay.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour: Just 10 minutes north, offering the Big Banana theme park, Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden, and the Jetty Strip dining precinct.
• Bongil Bongil National Park: Right on the doorstep, with excellent walking trails through coastal rainforest and wetlands.
• Urunga: A charming river town 15 minutes south, known for its boardwalk over the Kalang River and the Urunga Lagoon.
• Dorrigo National Park: An hour inland, this World Heritage-listed park features ancient rainforest, waterfalls, and the spectacular Skywalk lookout.
• Nambucca Heads: 30 minutes south, with a scenic headland walk, the V-Wall rock art, and a lovely sheltered beach.

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