Summer is here, which makes now the perfect time to get started on your travel arrangements. With balmy afternoons and beachside lounging on the horizon, you might find yourself seeking out the best places to visit to make the most of the warm season. While Bali and Tokyo are always tempting, sometimes it’s worth thinking out of the box and exploring the many summer gems in our own backyard. Not only do you save time and money, but you get to explore places that are just as beautiful, minus the long flight. If rainforest hikes, spectacular natural wonders, and beaches with crystal clear waters sound like your idea of the perfect summer escape, here are the top trending destinations in NSW you should check out this summer.
1. Kiama
The always-famous Kiama is a favourite for Sydneysiders thanks to its easy accessibility and variety of things on offer. The picture-perfect beach town offers something for all kinds of travellers, from nature lovers to foodies and Instagram enthusiasts. Soak up the sun by a coastal cafe, go on the stunning Kiama Coastal Walk, see the world-famous Kiama Blowhole up close, lounge by the beaches, or fill your bags at the vibrant beachside markets. The town might be small, but it packs a punch with no dearth of things to do. It’s also easily accessible by public transport, making it a go-to destination for city dwellers looking to get away for a bit. Plan your trip with our full summer guide to Kiama.
2. Byron Bay
Where is Byron Bay — said no one ever, because it’s a place everyone knows. The always-trending gem is packed with tourists all year round, but it’s truly at its best in summer. Rainforest trails, sun-kissed beaches, boho boutiques, and quality cafes are just some of the things on offer. With its relaxed coastal vibe, Byron effortlessly blends a thriving tourism scene with a laidback charm that draws surfers, holidaymakers, and wanderers from Australia and beyond. You should expect crowds no matter when you visit, but there are plenty of hidden gems and pristine beaches if you want to get away from it all, and that’s why it remains the go-to spot for those seeking the ultimate Aussie summer experience.
3. Yamba
If the crowds at Byron aren’t quite your vibe, you’ll find the perfect alternative to the coastal gem just 1.5 hours down the road. Yamba is quickly becoming a contender for Byron’s crown thanks to its stunning beaches, incredible boutiques, sun-soaked vibes, and stellar eateries perched by the water. Even better, you won’t have to fight for space with the crowds here. Whether you’re lacing up your hiking boots for the scenic Yuraygir Coastal Walk, enjoying a film at the nostalgic Yamba Cinema, or strolling through the Yamba River Markets for a more relaxed shopping experience, the town is full of surprises. And with five pristine beaches to choose from, each with its own personality, you can enjoy plenty of time in the sun. Plan your summer getaway with our guide to Yamba.
4. Coffs Harbour
What’s not to love about the Coffs Coast? This summer favourite boasts over 30 incredible beaches promising endless summer vibes, delicious waterfront cafes and restaurants, the nearby Dorrigo National Park with incredible waterfalls and road trips, lush rainforests, and of course, the iconic Big Banana. It’s also been voted the coffee capital of Australia this year, beating the likes of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, a reason in itself to plan a visit. With a vibrant culinary scene, plenty of family-friendly fun, and opportunities to kick back and relax, Coffs Harbour is a trending domestic hotspot well worth adding to your summer itinerary.
5. Jervis Bay
Why go to the Maldives or even the Whitsundays, when you could experience some of that same exotic beauty right on your doorstep? Best known for its powdery white sand beaches, gin-clear waters, and colourful marine life, Jervis Bay truly comes alive in the warmer months. The coastal paradise also boasts Booderee National Park, a beautiful hidden gem where you’ll find sea caves, beaches, waterside camping, botanic gardens, and more. Join a whale watching cruise, lounge at Hyams Beach with some of the whitest sand in Australia, go on a dreamy coastal walk or discover a remarkable underwater world; there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy summer in Jervis Bay.
6. Gerringong
On your next weekend adventure to Kiama, make sure to carve out some time for Gerringong. The up-and-coming destination that has inched into the spotlight, making waves on social media as home to “the most Instagrammable street in Australia,” yet it remains somewhat surprisingly under-the-radar. The town boasts glittering ocean views, retro cool shops and cafes, coastal trails, and more. If you’re visiting, start your morning with a dip at the gorgeous Ourie Pool, head to the Whale Watching Platform for a chance to spot migrating giants, and wrap up the day with brunch or a lazy lunch at Sea Vista Cafe, complete with panoramic ocean views. Plan your trip here.