Holiday houses in Cabarita Beach

Almost as far north as you can travel in New South Wales before entering Queensland, Cabarita Beach is the quintessential Australian coastal hamlet. It’s regularly featured on lists of the country’s top beaches, not only for its long swathes of sand (things are never crowded here) but also for its consistently good waves: this part of the state is a magnet for surfers. In fact, pro athletes train here using Surfing Australia’s High Performance Centre as a base.

Nearby lie quiet estuaries good for fishing, picnic-perfect grassy knolls, and extensive wetlands, their protected status guaranteeing that development across the region is strictly controlled. If you want languid, sun-filled days, you’ve come to the right place. Cabarita is also the ideal gateway for exploring the surrounding Tweed Coast, which offers rolling sand dunes as well as dreamy hinterland rainforest where coffee plantations, artisan producers, and farmers’ markets rule.

Life here revolves around the water, so it’s hardly surprising that summer months (December through February) are Cabarita’s peak season, with cafes and restaurants moving dining outdoors, and families pulling out picnic rugs for scenic al fresco meals. That is, unless you’re an avid surfer, in which case the cooler winter months (June through August) offer consistent waves thanks to southerly winds. Surf events are held here and along the coast, from Byron Bay in the south to the Gold Coast in the north, throughout the season and into spring as well. The other seasonal draw is pods of migrating whales, which steam along the coast between May and November and are easy to spot breaching and blowing from Norries Headland and the Hastings Point Lookout.

Cudgen Lake

Birdwatching, swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, picnicking — this vast wetland treasure offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. The lake is particularly scenic thanks to its setting, surrounded by floodplain forests and rainforests where koalas and other native wildlife are a common sight. Bring your own equipment, or make the most of rental outlets nearby.

Hinterland

This part of New South Wales is lush in every sense of the world, with the balmy weather and rainfall creating perfect growing conditions for coffee, sunflowers, and tropical fruit. Drive along the coast and then into the hinterland, pausing at honesty boxes, farmers’ markets, and farm-gate stalls to pick up a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce.

Surfing

No visit to Cabarita Beach is complete without at least some time spent frolicking amid the waves, whether off popular Bogangar Beach or at Norries Head. The town’s surf shop rents equipment and can advise on conditions and the day’s best breaks. If you’re new to the sport, sign up for lessons at the local surf school and you’ll be riding like a pro in no time.