
If you’re dreaming of rolling surf, lush headlands, and a town where the pace slows the second you park the car, Scotts Head is calling. This coastal gem serves up long sandy beaches, headland lookouts, and picnic spots galore. From dawn paddle-outs to sunset BBQs, this is the kind of place where your holiday rhythm just… clicks. Whether you’re chasing a weekend surf fix, a family camping tradition, or just some solid chill time, Scotts Head has you covered.
Pack your swimmers, bring your appetite, and get ready to make a few sandy, salty memories you’ll be talking about for years.



You’ll find Scotts Head on the Mid North Coast, about an hour south of Coffs Harbour and 5 hours north of Sydney via the Pacific Highway. You can also catch a coach or train to nearby Macksville, then it’s a short local transfer to town.

Life here revolves around the great outdoors. Swim, surf, or snorkel at the main beach, drop a line in the estuary, or grab the binoculars for a spot of birdwatching. If you’re after a change in scenery, explore nearby national parks or take a day trip to the historic town of Bowraville.

At the southern end of Nambucca Shire, Scotts Head is an idyllic place for families to visit. The sands of Main Beach stretch for miles to the north making it the perfect place to enjoy a solitary walk, build a sandcastle, paddle in clear water or run across sand so clean it squeaks beneath your feet. While the gentle waves are perfect for young children, a variety of surf breaks make it a popular spot for all surfers. This beach is patrolled daily during summer holidays and at weekends from October to Easter.
A very well equipped recreation and camping reserve adjoins this beach - facilities are top quality. Featuring free gas barbecues, modern amenities blocks, plenty of fresh water, and picnic tables - some of these are undercover so that you can picnic even on rainy days.
Don't miss the wonderful mosaic art Whale Table picnic table at the foot of the steps to the lookout by the Surf Club.

Retrace history along an easy walking 1.2-kilometre return track, Bridle trail, near Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, five kilometres east of South West Rocks. In days gone by, horses would haul the massive steam crane used in the granite quarry during the construction of the ill-fated breakwater.
You won’t see any exhausted horses along this trail today. Accessed from Little Bay picnic area, this historic short track is now a beautiful walk through regenerated coastal heathlands and majestic gums. Passing cool patches of rainforest, look for remnants of the old iron water pipe that was used to supply water to the gaol.
If you feel like exploring a little more, an easy track links to both Powder Magazine walking track and Little Bay Beach, where you can also enjoy a refreshing swim.

Most people know Coffs Harbour as the coastal paradise on the NSW Coffs Coast. It’s where the forest meets the sea and there are over 30 incredible beaches to explore and enjoy. Coffs Harbour beaches are next level beautiful, boasting that truly iconic laid-back Australian vibe with perfect conditions for swimming, surfing and just doing a whole lot of nothing much.

It's rare for visitors to get the chance to meet local makers, but at The Yarrahappini Studio Gallery, you can do just that. Located along Stuarts Point Road, the gallery features the work of local artists Dave and Pamela Jones.
Dave is a designer and maker of contemporary custom furniture and timber giftware, carving his designs from a variety of Australian timbers. Pamela is a design artist whose hand-worked textile art panels, lino prints and works on paper reflect the colours and textures of local landscapes and native flora. The gallery is open by appointment, so be sure to phone ahead.
Pamela Houghton Jones is a design artist, produces contemporary hand-worked textile art panels, lino prints, and works on paper. Inspired by the outback and local scenes - the colours and textures reflect the natural landscapes and native flora.
Dave Jones is a designer/maker of contemporary custom furniture, as well as a range of timber gift ware. Displaying the clean lines of modern design Dave crafts his furniture from Australian timbers including a variety of eucalypts and casuarinas plus the more classic timber varieties of red cedar, rosewood, silver ash and blackwood.

Set on the picturesque Macleay River and bordered by thriving palms, luscious green grass and neat hedges is Riverside Tavern on New Entrance Road in South West Rocks.
From a tiled alfresco dining space with charming, wooden outdoor furniture, guests are treated to captivating views of the flowing river through the trees, where sailboats can be seen lazily drifting past. A modern Australian menu boasts hearty choices to suit all tastes, along with some especially tempting options for the little ones.
If you are looking for a fun and picturesque venue to hold your event, look no further than the Riverside Tavern. They cater to a range of events; from small family and friend get-togethers to wedding receptions.

Yarrakuun Cultural Experience offers visitors, locals and groups the chance to approach wellness from a holistic perspective, something that is central to the local Dunghutti culture. Please contact them directly for private or bespoke cultural experiences.
Dancing on the country is a respectable attribute to honour to your people and nation of which you come from. It’s the culture within dancing that glorifies their ancestors and their creation stories. It provides the spiritual healing of self and your environment.
Aboriginal people always have maintained the belonging to the land and not land belonging to them. It's a balance of nature and human that go hand in hand together.
Come and join Yarrakuun for a cultural experience. Contact to make a booking and to find out more information.
Scotts Head enjoys a warm, temperate climate, with sunny summers perfect for swimming and mild winters that are ideal for bushwalking. Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year, keeping the landscape lush and green. Daytime temperatures usually range from 28°C in January to 19°C in August. December and January are the most popular visiting months.

Wake up to the sound of the surf and head straight for Scotts Head Beach – perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, or simply sprawling out on the sand. Want a change of scenery? Paddle Warrell Creek, wander the rainforest tracks in Yarriabini National Park, or chase the epic views from Yarrahapinni Lookout. When the sun goes down, there’s no shortage of places to refuel. Stroll to Club Scotts for a hearty pub-style feed, swing by Driftwood Wholefood Café for fresh eats, or grab fish and chips from @J Café and watch the waves roll in.















Didn’t find what you were looking for? We’re here to help. Get in touch here.
Scotts Head is about 10 kilometres (6 miles) off the Pacific Highway, down Scotts Head road. That’s about a 10 minute drive to get you into town, with Reflections Scotts Heads a minute or two down the road.
There’s lots to do in Scotts Head for kids, particularly outside! There’s swimming and picnicking at Scotts Head Main Beach or favourite local hang, Little Beach. They can learn to surf or try stand-up paddleboarding at Trent Munro Surf Academy, or even go for a walk along the headland to spot wildlife.
Yes, you can take your pooch for an off-leash adventure on the northern end of main beach. But if you’re on Little Beach, pop the leash back on. And if you’re exploring a national park, pup can’t come with you as dogs aren’t allowed.
Yes, during particular times of year. Weekend from October to the East break and during the peak summer holiday season you’ll spot lifeguards patrolling the popular main beach.
Dining at Club Scotts, which is the real name for Scotts Head bowling club, is a culinary adventure! Their menu caters to different dietary requirements, has a range of pub-classics and pizzas available on weekends.
Reflections Scotts Head Holiday Park has a spot for every kind of camper. Set up shop in a caravan or tent (and bring the pup too!), or kick back in a cabin or tiny home. Whether you’re metres from the waves or tucked up near the trees, you’ll be in prime position for salty adventures.