Beautiful coastal escape on the Coffs Coast of NSWSawtell is a beautiful coastal village alongside the Bongil Bongil National Park. The land around Sawtell Beach was purchased and subdivided years ago by Oswald Sawtell for housing and farmland. Sawtell railway station, post office, school, and hotel followed soon after, and by the 1930s Sawtell had become the thriving coastal village it still is today. You can enjoy surfing, swimming, and picnicking on beautiful Sawtell Beach; you can even whale watch from the headlands! Sawtell is also famous for their Chilli Festival, which is a wonderful family event.

 

The morning sunrise at Sawtell Beach on NSW Mid North Coast, near Coffs Harbour

 

ABOUT SAWTELL

With its picturesque beaches, stylish cute cafes, and impressive national park, Sawtell on the mid-North Coast of NSW is a wonderful destination for a seaside escape or a sea change! With idyllic beaches, rainforest areas, interesting wildlife, and estuaries,  Sawtell Coast is ideal for family adventures and outdoor activities.

Why not hire a kayak and go for an exploration of the beautiful natural wilderness around Sawtell and Bongil Bongil National Park?

The lovely little village’s main street is graced with enormous fig trees, which provide shade for the street’s little shops, cafes, and restaurants – which is a blessed relief in Summer. Do you like Chilli? Delicious fresh local produce is also honoured at the annual Sawtell Chilli Festival, which is a fun day for everyone with rides and activities for families and children.

From Sydney or Brisbane, you can drive along the Legendary Pacific Coast touring route to Sawtell. The trip via vehicle takes about five to six hours, with a couple of stops for refreshments. You could also take a train to Sawtell Station from your local stop or fly to Coffs Harbour Airport, where you can then rent a car for the short drive south to Sawtell.

Go bushwalking aloing the Bluff Loop trail in Bongil Bongil National Park, near Sawtell
Bluff Loop trail, in Bongil Bongil National Park

 

Sawtell's yearly Chilli Festival in the main street of Sawtell.
Sawtell Annual Chilli Festival – Some Like It Hot! – Photo courtesy of coffscoast.com.au

 

FLY INTO COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT

Coffs Harbour City Airport is situated about 4km from the town centre of Coffs Harbour. You could take the shuttle bus or taxi service at the front of the terminal to make the short journey south to Sawtell. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services available at the airport, and explore the Coffs Coast region at your own pace.

Direct flights operate to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. There are four operators servicing the region – QantasLink, Tigerair, Virgin Australia, and Fly Corporate.

 

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST

1st Avenue Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Sawtell, which features local art, along with Aboriginal and African art. Supporting the local community, 1st Avenue Art Gallery is a lovely place to stop and consider buying a souvenir from Sawtell! See some more on their website.

 

Boambee Beach is another lovely beach located along the Coffs Coast.  It extends from Corambirra Point to Boambee Creek (which is just north of Sawtell). The beach is popular with fishermen, joggers, and jet skis. The local racing club takes their beautiful horses to the beach in the early morning for training. If you enjoy beaches and horses, it’s the perfect moment to visit! See some more on this website.

 

Coffs Coast Surf Tours offers wonderful packages for surfing, sightseeing, and holiday accommodation. You can enjoy having your own personal tour guide! Operated by locals who know all the best surfing spots, you can be sure to enjoy an unforgettable visit. Find out more on their website.