In the summer of 1992 I requested a beer at a bowls club in northern New South Wales. The barman was an absolute gentleman, and we both had a reasonable grasp of the English language, but we had no idea what the other was talking about. Disgruntled and thirsty, I returned to Queensland where a pot is a pot and XXXX beer taps are not for display purposes only.
This brief social exchange had a profound effect on my holidaying behaviour for quite some time, and it was with some reluctance that I agreed to a weekend away in Kingscliff a few years ago.
Since then, I have been back on countless occasions. Northern New South Wales boasts some of the most spectacular beaches, headlands, resorts and coastal towns in the country, all less than two hours drive from the city of Brisbane.
Getting there
Travelling to northern NSW from Brisbane has never been simpler. Jump on the South East Freeway/Pacific Motorway, through the recently completed Tugun Bypass into New South Wales, and then continue south along the Pacific Highway. Exits to the beaches are well signed. Given reasonable traffic you can expect to be at your destination in less than 90 minutes.
If you aren't in a hurry take the Chinderah Road exit off the Pacific Highway. This leads you onto the Tweed Coast Road where you can work your way down the coast.
Tweed Heads
Point Danger (named by Captain Cook after he almost became shipwrecked) has great views north and south and provides an opportunity to stand in both states at once.
The beautiful Tweed River offers excellent boating, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Why not explore the many waterways by renting a houseboat or spending a day on the award-winning Catch a Crab tour.
Just south of the river mouth the headland near Fingal Beach lighthouse is well worth a visit. Take in the basalt outcrop known as Giants Causeway and nearby Cook Island - a breeding habitat for a number of sea-birds.
Make sure you have enough time to drop in at the Sheoak Shack Gallery Café, 64 Fingal Road, Fingal Head - locally produced art and coffee and the most comfortable chairs on the north coast.
Kingscliff
Driving into Kingscliff one is reminded of those sleepy coastal towns of bygone days. The ocean side of Marine Parade is home to two caravan parks, the bowls club, the surf club and plenty of parks and walking tracks.
Cross the road and check out the cafés, restaurants, resorts and gift shops. For a great coffee on the boardwalk, try the Choux Box or Café Sbiza. If you are hoping to catch up on some reading stop in at the well stocked Boardwalk Books.
Cross the one lane bridge across Cudgen Creek and you will be struck by the modern face of Kingscliff. Architect designed beach-houses and exclusive resorts have taken hold along a considerable stretch of beach-front south of the existing township.
For resort accommodation check out Mantra On Salt or Peppers, and for absolute luxury check out Australia's largest Day Spa - The Golden Door.
Cabarita
Something of a surfing institution, Cabarita boasts an exceptional right break when conditions suit (east to south-easterly swell), safe swimming conditions and one of the prettiest headlands on the east coast of Australia.
Take the short walk up to the headland and while away an hour or two. Blissful.
Hastings Point
Don't blink and miss it! Hastings Point is one of those beautiful little seaside villages the kids will love.
Built around the tranquil shores of Cudgera Creek, Hastings Point offers swimming, surfing, fishing and kayaking for the adventurous. The Hastings Point Holiday Park offers year round accommodation with caravan and tent sites, and camping sites are made available on the headland during school holidays.
Pottsville
A sleepy little seaside town (for now), Pottsville is the sort of place your grandparents would take you. Residential development is fast encroaching on this quiet village, yet it manages to retain its small town charm.
The long-running Pottsville Markets, on the corner of Coast and Coronation Roads, take place on the first and third Sundays of each month. The markets offer a wide range of local fresh produce, plants and gift ideas.
Fishing opportunities abound along the NSW north coast, but Pottsville can lay claim to being a prime location. Black Rock, on the southern side of Mooball Creek, is a renowned spot for tailor and bream throughout the winter.
Don't forget that NSW has different fishing regulations from Queensland. Bag limits and legal sizes vary and you will need a fishing licence. Three day licences are available and can be purchased online or from licensing agencies.
Brunswick Heads
Brunswick Heads feels like Byron Bay felt like twenty years ago. Nestled below Mt Warning and built around the banks of the Brunswick River, Brunswick Heads retains its sense of community and has a resident population of around 2000 people.
As well as the surf beaches that are prevalent throughout the region, a delightful beach in the mouth of the river offers safe swimming for the youngsters.
Take the time to walk across the footbridge over the Brunswick River (near the Byron Shire Holiday Parks). On calm days, hundreds of very large bream, whiting, mullet and the occasional stingray can be spotted feeding on the shallow sand flats below.
A visit to the beer garden of the Hotel Brunswick is a must. Overlooking the Brunswick River, grab a chair under one of the big trees and have a few drinks while the sun sets behind the ranges. Just remember to ask for a middy.
Before the highway was upgraded to avoid the Burringbar Range we would often take the coastal road through Wooyung, and stop for some local fruit from the roadside stalls. Great place, I agree with you Paul.