Holiday houses in Scotts Head

At the southern end of the Nambucca Shire on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, the tiny coastal town of Scotts Head has long been a popular holiday destination. The sands of Main (Forster) Beach stretch for miles to the north, perfect for long beach walks and peaceful solitary swims. While the gentle waves of Scotts Head are perfect for young children, a variety of surf breaks can also be found here.

A well-equipped recreation area adjoins the southern end of the beach featuring free gas barbecues, modern amenities blocks, drinking water, and picnic tables. Running parallel to Main Beach is Warrell Creek. Part of Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park, it’s a beautiful setting for kayaking, though you’ll need to bring your own or hire one in Nambucca Heads. To the south of Scotts Head lies Yarriabini National Park, which has a superb lookout and several picnic spots.

Like most Mid North Coast beach towns, Scotts Head is at its busiest during the summer months, particularly during New South Wales school holidays. It’s warm enough to swim year-round, though you’ll want a wetsuit for surfing during the colder months from around May through September. The cooler months are ideal for exploring nearby national parks, with the Scotts Head Lookout a good spot for whale watching from May to November. The winter months also see banksias bloom along Tower Road as you head up to Yarriabini Lookout in Yarriabini National Park to enjoy spectacular views of the Macleay Valley. Held in April, the Scotts Head Festival showcases gourmet food, wine, and boutique beers, as well as music and art from across the region.

South West Rocks and Arakoon National Park

A 45-minute drive south of Scotts Head, the small coastal town of South West Rocks makes for a great day trip. Well known among the scuba diving community for its Fish Rock Cave dive site, South West Rocks is also home to the colonial-era Trial Bay Gaol jail, part of Arakoon National Park, which has five scenic walking trails.

Nambucca Heads

A tranquil town at the mouth of the Nambucca River, a 25-minute drive north of Scotts Head, Nambucca Heads is popular for swimming, surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Boat tours are also available on the river. Don’t miss the graffitied rocks of the V Wall at the Nambucca River entrance, which has become an outdoor gallery.

Hat Head

Just under an hour’s drive south of Scotts Head, the picturesque small coastal town of Hat Head is surrounded by Hat Head National Park. At the southeastern edge of town lie the trailheads for the Korogoro Walking Track that loops the headland, and the Connors Walking Track that skirts a string of secluded beaches. There are more trails to explore at the northern end of the national park, 30 kilometres northeast of Hat Head at Smoky Cape, which is also home to a heritage lighthouse.