Travel guide North Coast

35 Fern Tree Close Arakoon NSW Grass Trees Escape is quiet and private and enjoys beautiful natural bushland surrounds. Overall rating?    Excellent What makes Grass Trees Escape different? The property is peaceful and secluded and set in 2.5 acres of bushland full of birds and kangaroos, yet you are only minutes away from beaches and all the wonderful activities that South West Rocks has to offer. There is another house, Tallow Wood Pavilion, making this property perfect for larger families or friends getting away together. Accommodation overview There is one room with a queen-size bed and ensuite, another room with a queen-size bed and the third room has two single beds. Tallow Wood Pavilion has one queen room and one with two king singles. There is a tra... Read more

The mid-north coast of NSW has long been a favoured spot to take a break away from the everyday… sweeping beaches, wonderful surf, the amazing waterways of the Great Lakes and the bounty of sub-tropical rainforests – all within three hours of Sydney. There is another treasure to be found here, nestled in the Seal Rocks hinterland offering peace, serenity and a chance to re-connect with yourself, as well as your special someone. The Lotus Retreat® is the national winner of the Health and Lifestyle category in the 2009 TakeABreak Awards and its aura of seclusion, luxurious comfort and rejuvenation are apparent the moment you arrive. Set on seventy acres and surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens, The Lotus Retreat nestles into the surroundings beautifully. This bout... Read more

If you are looking for the quintessential sleepy, laid-back and almost undiscovered place for a holiday, you will find it hard to go past South West Rocks, and it offers some wonderful sailing for those prepared to treat the historically tricky waterways with respect. The Macleay River Bar has traditionally been regarded as one of the more hazardous entrances on the North Coast and periodically suffers from extreme siltation. The drought conditions of recent times mean that several North Coast bars have experienced reduced depth, and the lack of major flood events has resulted in a deposition of sediment. Leads and similar navigation markers are installed as a guide to safe navigation, but as always, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Master of a vessel. The main entrance approac... Read more

Cherry Tree Lane, Hannam Vale Manning Valley A beautiful and eco-minded property that ticks all the holiday boxes… Overall rating?        Outstanding        What makes Benbellen Country Retreat different? This wonderful property is so many things … a country retreat, farm stay, B&B, country cottages – and all with environmental concerns firmly at the fore. As you arrive you are entranced by the farmland setting, superb outlook and luxurious country home.  This is a working farm, and the kids will love feeding the animals, including baby alpacas (depending on the timing of your visit). Accommodation overview You are spoiled for choice here!  Stay in the B&B luxury of the house f... Read more

The mid-north coast of NSW is home to sparkling waters, glorious hinterland and all the treasures you could wish for when it comes to restaurants, shops and activities, such as golf. And as any one who is a golfer – or who lives with one! – knows, they are passionate about their sport.  The other thing to remember is that golf courses are beautiful examples of man and nature working together, and they are always a great place to be, even if you are not a player. Tallwoods Verve Resort is the perfect place for players and partners alike, and is a highly popular destination for family holidays as well.  It has a challenging championship course set in the serenity of Hallidays Point (just three hours north of Sydney) and is an easy three minute drive to the pristine sw... Read more

Kiwarrak Country Retreat 26 Half Chain Road, Old Bar Manning Valley NSW Beautiful gardens give you time to take a deep breath away from everyday life. Overall rating?  Great   What makes Kiwarrak Country Retreat different? There are glorious and extensive gardens, set around a hobby farm, and the nearby State Forest makes it feel remote, yet the property is only 10 minutes from Taree and Old Bar. Accommodation overview The Kiwarrak Country Retreat consists of a self-contained cottage, comprising two bedrooms with queen-size beds – the main with ensuite - and a sofa bed in the spacious lounge area. The kitchen is also spacious as is the very large second bathroom.  The studio is a true studio and has a queen-size bed, along with dining and living area, sm... Read more

121 Roach Road, Lower Pappinbarra Wauchope, NSW Show the kids what a farm is really like… The mid coast of NSW is a gorgeous part of the world and a great place take the family to enjoy the natural wonders of the area, such as the Ellensborough Falls.  Why not show them some other natural wonders, like real chooks laying real eggs, feeding baby goats and just generally getting in touch with nature. Overall rating?   Great What makes Yanderra different? This is a working farm that raises a variety of cattle, it is set in the beautiful and rugged countryside around Wauchope and gives kids the chance to play in the bushland, fish in the river, round up the cattle and more. Accommodation overview The guest quarters are self-contained, with two comfortable bedro... Read more

If you are looking for the quintessential sleepy, laid-back and almost undiscovered place for a holiday, you will find it hard to go past South West Rocks.  Actually it is easy to go past it – located as it is just off the madness that is the Pacific Highway in holiday time – but take the turn-off and discover something the locals have known for years … this is an absolute gem! It is almost a shame to blow the cover on South West Rocks and let everyone know what they have been missing, because the feeling of an old-time seaside holiday haven is one of its most endearing features. Located on the coast just north of Kempsey, South West Rocks is where the Macleay River meets the sea and it has it all:  subtropical climate, a beautiful cove with pristine waters, ... Read more

Something self-contained, child friendly and not too far to drive? Online websites today are increasingly easy to use, search and browse, so you can find just the place to book accommodation Australia-wide - at your own convenience, 24 hours a day. TakeABreak.com.au has a specific family-friendly section and promises easy browsing, advanced searching, comprehensive information and free access to a full range of accommodation including some of Australia's most popular family destinations in Queensland, NSW , Victoria and WA. If you would like to take your extended family (cats or dogs) also check out the pet-friendly listings.  TakeABreak shows images, detailed property information and an availability calendar too. They provide access to properties and accommodation types that t... Read more

Holidays are all about making wonderful memories that get us through the daily grind until the next time you take a break. If you are looking for a holiday that will live in your memory forever, then look no further than the historic and welcoming Heritage Guesthouse at South West Rocks. Located on the rim of Horseshoe Bay and only 5 hours north of Sydney or 51/2 hours south of Brisbane, this is the ideal place to break your journey if you are travelling up the east coast.  However, there is so much on offer in the region and the guesthouse is such a refuge from the everyday that you may wish that you had booked in for a few days to refresh and revive. The property is a lovingly restored 1880s guesthouse boasting 9 rooms, all with ensuites and uniquely decorated and with different s... Read more