Holiday houses in Emerald Beach

Just north of Coffs Harbour, about four hours south of Brisbane, the small coastal village of Emerald Beach is known for its stretch of sandy beach, crystal clear water, and surrounding hills. The water here is ideal for swimming as well as surfing, thanks to a beach break that sends sets of waves rolling smoothly to the shore. If water sports aren’t your thing, you can spend your days checking out the Tasman Sea and Moonee Beach and taking in the local marine life including whales, dolphins, and sharks. Emerald Beach is one of the quieter beaches in New South Wales, promising plenty of space to spread out your beach towel or join in a game of beach cricket or rugby. Another big draw to the area is the beautiful Look At Me Now Headland, which features nature trails, observation points, and plenty of chances to spot local wildlife including kangaroos, sea eagles, and whales.

Thanks to the area’s moderate weather, there is no bad time to book accommodations in Emerald Beach. Winter is the busiest time of the year, when the weather is cooler and drier, and students are on school holidays. During the spring, things begin to slow down a bit and you may be able to find more options on places to stay. In the summer, the temperature starts to rise, but it is still possible to take advantage of the nearby outdoor activities and the beautiful beach. From March to May, the temperature begins to drop again. This is the slowest period for tourism so you may find yourself all by yourself on Emerald Beach.

Look At Me Now Headland

While the Look At Me Now Headland certainly has an eye-catching name, that is not the only thing about it that grabs your attention. The headland juts out into the waters of the Tasman Sea, offering fabulous views of the nearby beaches. As you explore the headland on the loop walking path, which is less than two kilometres, you may encounter one (or many) of the resident kangaroos. It is also a great place for birdwatching in the spring and whale watching in the winter.

Whale Watching from Coffs Coast

From May until October, migrating whales make their way past Coffs Coast as they head north to breed in winter. During their return journey from September to early November, mothers will often have calves with them and tend to swim closer to the shore. There are some great vantage points around Emerald Beach where you can take in their journey. It is also possible to take a whale watching tour starting in Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour Regional Museum

Located 30 minutes from Emerald Beach, this museum is located in a former courthouse and features hands-on exhibits about the area’s Indigenous culture and local maritime history. The primary focus is on the intimate relationship between the region’s residents and its waterways, but there are also seasonal exhibits available.