Forget the postcard-perfect beaches of Yamba and the glitzy allure of Byron Bay, the understated charm of Kingscliff is arguably just as captivating, without the hordes of crowds and selfie-takers. Dense with turquoise beaches, landscapes, food offerings, and luscious coastal views, the town inspires year-round escapes, so much so that it feels like there is no true off-season here. Recently ranked among Australia’s best towns, it is located on the edge of the Northern Rivers region of NSW but well worth the effort whether you’re a wide-eyed traveller, a beach bum, or a discerning foodie in search of your next culinary obsession. Here are some things to do in this charming beach town.
Kingscliff, NSW
Kingscliff’s intricate blend of beaches, rivers, and crystal clear creeks make it a striking aquatic maze and one of NSW’s best beachside escapes. Sun-seekers will find no shortage of adventure here with a stacked line-up of water activities including snorkelling, surfing, and kayaking on the crisp blue waters, endless ocean vistas, seasonal whale watching, and plenty of breezy, waterside cafes to discover. From restaurants to cocktail-sipping at sunset and famous local attractions — here are all the best things to see, eat, and do in the chic coastal town of Kingscliff.
Things to see and do: Beaches, wild swimming and surf breaks
Life in Kingscliff revolves around its coastal environment and it’s the place to visit to shake off any lingering post-summer blues. The main Kingscliff Beach is one of the most beautiful spots in the Tweed Region of NSW, perfect for seaside strolls, with easy access to shops, cafes, and local clubs. Equally enchanting is the ever-loved Cudgen Creek with calm, cove-like waters perfect for a leisurely swim. The picturesque creek is fringed by tiny parks leaving you with a tranquil setting for a picnic. If you’re visiting, don’t miss the boardwalk that connects to the main beach to take in the full bounty of the sun and crystalline waters. Meanwhile, the eastern-facing South Kingscliff Beach is a great vantage point to see the sunrise over its pale, aqua waters. The gorgeous sunflower fields of Farm & Co., is also a must-do activity in the area.
A short 15-minute drive will take you to the pristine white sands of Fingal Bay Beach, a patrolled, family-friendly spot that’s perfect for catching a wave and lots of people watching in between. Speaking of, Kingscliff also hosts the annual Australian Longboard Surfing Open, drawing top surfers and fans from around the world. If you’re a novice, there are plenty of opportunities to master the art of surfing in no time.
Places to eat: Beachside cafes, local markets and restaurants
Naturally, to complement the coastal beauty, the Tweed Heads and Kingscliff areas also offer a vibrant selection of cafés, hotels, and restaurants.
If you prefer your coffee and breakfast with a side of ocean breeze, there are some highly recommended local gems to check out in Kingscliff: Choux Box Cafe, the town’s longest-running cafe, is a local institution dishing out fresh and light dishes and ample nostalgia. Mockingbird Café offers excellent brunch, lunch, and coffee in a relaxed garden setting while Crockd Studios is where the creatives can go for their daily cuppa and fun pottery classes. Zanzibar Cafe is a local favourite serving fresh food with a deftly executed Moroccan twist while The Brew & Bake Co., is the place to go for delicious baked goods. Don’t miss The Salt Mill, a local icon serving wholesome bites with all-important beach views.
You’ll want to bring a big appetite to the top-notch restaurants in the area. Taverna is an Insta-worthy white and green restaurant in Kingscliff that stands out as one of Australia’s best regional Greek restaurants. For a burst of flavour, head to Spice Den for delicious pan-Asian dishes and if you love seafood, make a beeline for Fins. Meanwhile, the European-inspired Pot & Pint offers an excellent setting for delicious cocktails and community hangouts.
Prefer hanging out at a local market instead? Head to the beachside Kingscliff Markets for a wholesome start to the day. Held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the market offers a diverse mix of fresh food, jewellry, homewares, and more.
The best time to visit Kingscliff
Kingscliff is a good idea all year round but here are some hot tips to consider before planning your trip. The shoulder season months of autumn — March to May, and spring — September to November, are recommended for milder temps and fewer crowds. You can catch a glimpse of migrating whales along the coastline from May to November while the summer months are made for water activities of all kinds. Read more about Kingscliff and find accommodation options here.
How to get there
If you love a road trip, Kingscliff is a long and leisurely 9-hour drive from Sydney or you can choose to fly into either Gold Coast Airport or Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. If you’re coming from Brisbane, it’s just an 80-minute drive to the town.