Surfing is woven into the fabric of Crescent Head, a lively beach town. Known as “Creso” by locals, the sun-soaked village boasts one of the best surf breaks in Australia. The legendary right-hand break off Killick Beach is one of the longest and most reliable in the country. Sugar-white sand and turquoise water add to the postcard-perfect setting. Learn to surf with a local surf school or rent a board and paddle out to uncrowded breaks like Point Plomer and Racecourse Beach.
From laid-back cafes to trendy boutiques, there’s plenty of action off the beach. Kickstart your day with a rainbow-coloured smoothie bowl and locally roasted coffee. Chef-driven restaurants incorporate native Australian ingredients into creative dishes.
Enjoy spectacular coastal views on the Big Hill Rainforest Track. The 1.4-kilometre trail skirts the coast and is a fantastic place to whale watch in the winter. Find more scenic coastal trails, as well as pristine beaches, in nearby Goolawah National Park. Further south is Limeburners Creek National Park, where you can visit fascinating Aboriginal heritage sites.
Getting there
Crescent Head is in the Macleay Valley Coast region, a five-hour drive from Sydney and six hours from Brisbane. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Crescent Head and explore the Macleay Valley Coast at your own pace. Sydney International airport is a five-hour drive away.