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How to get to Moonee Beach

Getting around Moonee Beach

The beautiful NSW Coffs Coast has a huge range of tranquil seaside towns to explore – none more special than Moonee Beach. Getting there isn’t as complicated as you might think, but wanting to leave might be a challenge!

Stop wondering how to get to Moonee Beach and start planning instead. Read our guide for info on the different ways you can make your way here, whether that’s on a solo train journey or a packed car road trip with the family.

Plan your travel

Moonee Beach, NSW

How to get there

Moonee Beach sits on Australia’s postcard-worthy east coast, easily accessible by car, plane, train and bus. Whether you’re coming from Queensland in the north or Sydney in the south, the Pacific Highway is the main arterial to follow, and Coffs Harbour is the closest major town that you’ll likely pass through if you’re coming via plane, bus or train.

Moonee Beach Region Map

Modes of transport

Here are the key transport options for car, bus, plane, train, bike and by foot. Whatever your preferred transport method, you'll find options to reach Moonee Beach and explore the area.

By Car

Driving into Moonee Beach is the most straightforward option, especially if you enjoy scenic coastal drives. From Brisbane, it’s about a 4 hour ride, but if you add a bit of buffer time you could stop in at Byron Bay or Brunswick Heads on the way. Or if you’re coming up from Sydney, expect it to take 5.5 to 6 hrs, or a bit longer if you add in a stop at Tuncurry (a fun side quest to take as a break).

Here are a few other popular starting points and their rough distances/times for how to get to Moonee Beach by car:

  • Emerald Beach: 6 minutes / 7 km
  • Woolgoolga: 10 minutes / 13 km
  • Coffs Harbour: 16 minutes / 13 km
  • South West Rocks: 1 hr 26 minutes / 114 km
  • Port Macquarie: 1 hr 54 minutes / 166 km.

By Bus

For a slower and less direct journey into Moonee Beach, book a long-distance coach – they run along the Pacific Highway, stopping at Coffs Harbour, and are operated by Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service. From Coffs, there’s a local bus every hour or so that takes you into Moonee Beach (check CDC NSW Buslines for timetables and Moonee Beach directions).

By Plane

Considering flying into Moonee Beach? There’s no airport in the town itself, so your nearest option is 15 km away at Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS). Qantas has flights from most major east coast hubs and there’s hire cars, shuttles and local buses on the ground to take you the final stretch up to Moonee Beach after you’ve landed.

By Train

If you’re looking for how to get to Moonee Beach by train, NSW TrainLink XPT services run along the North Coast line, your gateway into the area. Hop off at Coffs Harbour and from there you can take a taxi, rideshare or local bus to Moonee Beach. Train travel is a beautiful way to see more of the coastline and get you in the mood to relax once you’re here.

By Bike

As mentioned, the Pacific Highway really is your gateway to Moonee Beach and the Coffs Coast. Avid cyclers make their way along the coast this way, but it’s a significant ride that requires detailed planning. As an option, bring your bike along with you and check out the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, which is a 60km stretch from Red Rock down to Sawtell, passing right through Moonee Beach.

By Foot

Moonee Beach, Coffs Coast is a small, relaxed village rather than an urban pedestrian-friendly town. The beach, creek, and reserve are all easily walkable, and you don’t need a car to get to the local shops. But if you’re craving cafe culture or a hot dining spot, you’re going to need a car to get yourself to nearby towns.

Top things to do in Moonee Beach

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Frequently asked questions

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Where is Moonee Beach NSW?

Moonee Beach is a coastal town in NSW, part of the breathtaking Coffs Coast. A short drive north of Coffs Harbour, it’s a popular destination for both local and international visitors. With its beach and Moonee Creek to explore, it’s one of those places that lures you in with its beauty and keeps you coming back for years to come.

How long does it take to drive to Moonee Beach from Sydney?

If you need Moonee Beach directions for a trip up from Sydney, it’s pretty straightforward: take the Pacific Highway (M1) around 543 km north and in just under 6 hours you’ll arrive. Chances are you’ll need to pick a rest stop or three, so check out Forster-Tuncurry, Port Macquarie and South West Rocks for food and beach breaks.

What is the closest airport to Moonee beach?

The closest airport to Moonee Beach is Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS). It’s 15 km away, about a 20-minute drive or taxi ride. Once you land and enter the terminal, follow the signs for your transport option of choice.

Can you take public transport from Brisbane to Moonee Beach?

Yes, but it’s not a direct route. The fastest option is to take a long-distance coach, with Premier Motor Service or Greyhound Australia, into either Byron Bay or Coffs Harbour. From there, you can connect to a local bus for the final leg of your journey.

Is there a direct bus to Moonee Beach NSW?

Unfortunately not, but you can take a coach or train that will get you pretty close. Coffs Harbour is the nearest hub which connects to NSW Trainlink trains and long-distance buses coming from both north and south of Moonee Beach.

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Ways to stay in Moonee Beach

Now that you know how to get to Moonee Beach, it’s time to book your spot at Reflections Moonee Beach. Pick from cabins, campsites and tiny homes with options to suit different budgets and group sizes. The park also has tennis courts, a playground and BBQ area to gather with your friends or make new ones. Stay with us and make the most of the unforgettable Coffs Coast.