Things to do in Norah Head

If you’re staying in Norah Head or nearby on the Central Coast, you’ll find yourself in the perfect spot for a relaxing coastal escape. Located around 115km north of Sydney (about a 90-minute drive) and just 50km south of Newcastle (under an hour by car), Norah Head offers the best of both worlds, easy to reach, yet far enough away to feel like a true holiday. From coastal walks to heritage sites, water adventures to hidden gems, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Whether you’re after fresh sea air, wildlife encounters, or a calm meal by the waves, here’s your guide.

Explore nature & scenery

Norah Head Lighthouse & Lightstation Precinct

At the heart of the area is the heritage-listed Norah Head Lighthouse, built in the early 1900s. You can take a guided tour, explore the grounds, and enjoy sweeping views across the Pacific.

Coastal walks & headland trails

The headland is crisscrossed with walking tracks, perfect for spotting whales in migration season and taking in wild coastal scenery.

Rock Pools & Beaches

The rock shelves near the lighthouse reveal fascinating marine life at low tide, while Soldiers Beach is ideal for a classic day in the surf and sun.

Wyrrabalong National Park

A short drive away, this park is filled with native bushland, birdlife, and trails that weave between forest and coast.

Water-based activities & adventure

Surfing & swimming

Norah Head sits within a National Surfing Reserve, making it a great spot for surfers of varying levels. Soldiers Beach especially is a go-to spot, and there are surf coaching options around the area.

• Soldiers Beach – renowned surf break, patrolled in summer.
• Lakes Beach (Budgewoi) – family-friendly swimming with lifeguards.
• Pelican Beach (north Soldiers) – quieter stretch for experienced surfers.

Snorkelling & Diving

The rocky reefs and underwater terrain around Norah Head attract divers and snorkelers keen to explore marine life.

• Cabbage Tree Harbour – calm, sheltered waters for snorkelling.
• Reefs near Norah Head Lighthouse – popular dive sites with rich marine life.
• Tuggerah Reef – offshore site for experienced divers.

Fishing & rock fishing

The rock platforms near the lighthouse are popular among anglers targeting tailor, jewfish, snapper, and drummer.

• Norah Head rock platforms – iconic for land-based fishing.
• Pelican Point – reliable spot for mixed catches.
• Hargraves Beach – good for beach fishing in the late afternoon.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Calmer inlets and nearby bays make for pleasant paddleboarding or kayaking ventures.

• Tuggerah Lake – flatwater paddling for all levels.
• Budgewoi Lake – scenic and family-friendly.
• Coastline between Lakes Beach and Hargraves Beach – stunning on calm days.

Heritage & history

• Norah Head Lighthouse Tours – Explore the historia Norah Head Lighthouse on a tour with a local volunteer. This really is a journey through history. Learn about the keepers who lived and worked here and the shipwrecks offshore.
• Hargraves House (Noraville) – One of the Central Coast’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 1850s.
• Maritime History – Hear tales of WWII naval action and wrecks like the Iron Chieftain just off the headland.

Food, drink & local flavours

• The Island Café – a brunch favourite with seaside vibes.
• Cafés around Soldiers Beach – grab fish and chips or coffee with an ocean view.
• Picnic spots – pack your own and enjoy a clifftop meal overlooking the waves.

Family-friendly & offbeat ideas

• Wildlife Spotting – from migrating whales (May–Nov) to seabirds along the headlands.
• Picnic Train Day Trips – heritage steam train rides run occasionally in the region.
• Local Shops – browse the surf stores and general shop for beach gear and coastal keepsakes.

Ready to visit Norah Head?

Norah Head is a destination where natural beauty, history, and laid-back coastal living all come together. Whether you’re climbing the lighthouse for sweeping ocean views, casting a line off the rocks, or enjoying fish and chips with your toes in the sand, this Central Coast gem has something for everyone. With Sydney and Newcastle just a short drive away, it’s the perfect place for a weekend escape or a longer coastal break. Pack your swimmers, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to make lasting memories at Norah Head.