There is plenty of adventure for the young (and young at heart) on these coastal getaways north of Sydney.  

Get out on the water in Avalon  

Nestled on Sydney’s idyllic northern beaches, Avalon has become a favoured destination for short family getaways. Just 37km from Sydney, it’s fringed by lush bushland, with the calm bay of Pittwater on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Surfers flock to the waves at Avalon Beach, while an ocean pool at the southern end of the beach is perfect for young families. It’s a great place for water sports; try paddle boarding with Avalon SUP or kayaking with EcoTreasures. Hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach, an easy 800-metre trail to the top, where you’ll take in panoramic views over Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Broken Bay and the Central Coast. After your walk, drop in to one of Palm Beach’s bustling brunch spots, such as The Boathouse Palm Beach or Dunes Palm Beach. Stay at Avalon Treehouse, which offers beautiful district views with water glimpses and is just a few minutes’ drive to the Avalon shopping village. 

Check out Newcastle  

A two-hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is the second largest city in New South Wales. Come here for beautiful surf beaches, scenic coastal walks and a cool café scene. Go for a walk along the Anzac Memorial Walk at Bar Beach, a 450m cliff top walkway with views stretching from the city to the coast. Or stroll along Bathers Way, a scenic 6km city walk that links Newcastle’s pretty beaches, stopping at Merewether ocean baths for a dip. Merewether Surfhouse is a relaxed spot for lunch overlooking the sea. If you’re visiting on the weekend, be sure to check out the Newcastle City Farmers Market, held most Sundays (7am-1pm) at the Newcastle Showground. Meander down Darby Street with its style-centric design stores and popular cafés such as The Autumn Rooms and Three Monkeys. Kids will love the lap pool at Rydges Newcastle, located directly on the historic harbourfront.  

Beach hop through Port Stephens  

A 2.5-hour drive north from Sydney, or 30 minutes from Newcastle, Port Stephens is an aquatic playground encompassing 26 distinct beaches. Family holidays here revolve around the sea, from sandboarding at Stockton Beach to swimming with dolphins or riding a camel at sunset. Get up close to Australian native wildlife, farm animals and exotic creatures at Oakvale WIldlife Reserve, or go on a whale watching or dolphin cruise. If you’re wanting an educational and fun activity for the kids, explore Worimi Conservation Lands on a Sand Dune Adventure Tour and learn about Aboriginal culture and history and local bush foods. Nelson Bay offers a great range of dining options in town and at the marina. Start the day at Little Nel Café, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Little Beach Boathouse and sit down to dinner at Shoal Bay Country Club, sampling the region’s delicious local produce. Stay in a cabin at Middle Rock Holiday Resort with One Mile and Samurai Beaches at your doorstep, or book well in advance for boutique beach house, Salt at Shoal Bay. 

Soak up the sun in Port Macquarie  

[Text Wrapping Break]There is so much to do in Port Macquarie, a four-hour drive north from Sydney. Swim or surf at Town Beach, join a whale watching cruise (May to November) or walk through the rainforest canopy in Sea Acres National Park. For some guaranteed family fun, visit Hydro Golf and Putt Putt, then enjoy an ice cream from Blue Cow Gelato. Kids will delight in strawberry picking at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, or visiting the Koala Hospital, where volunteers care for up to 250 koalas each year. In the evening, nab an outdoor table at waterfront restaurant The Beach House or enjoy fish and chips from one of the town's many casual eateries. Stay at family-friendly Flynns Beach Resort, which offers excellent child-friendly facilities, including two heated swimming pools, a playground, tennis court and gym.