10 BEST Things To Do In Crescent Head, NSW: 2024 Guide

Crescent Head is low-key my favorite destination on the east coast of Australia, and that’s saying something!

This cruisey little surf town located in the Macleay region on the mid-NSW North Coast draws in visitors from far and wide to relax, unwind and experience the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that this place has to offer.

Whether you have one day or one week to explore this incredible destination, there is something here for everyone!

Having visited on countless occasions over the years, I think it’s safe to say that I know this place like the back of my hand.

Furthermore, I have put together this complete guide of 10 awesome things to do in Crescent Head so that you can make the most of your time spent here.

QUICK ANSWERS – CRESCENT HEAD

Before going through the best things to do in Crescent Head, let’s cover the essential information you should know before visiting, like the location, how to get there, and more.

WHERE IS CRESCENT HEAD?

Crescent Head is approximately a 6-hour drive south of the Gold Coast and around a 5-hour drive north of Sydney.

Click here to see the location on Google Maps.

HOW TO GET TO CRESCENT HEAD?

You will need your own vehicle to visit Crescent Head New South Wales as there are no public transportation options to get here.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CRESCENT HEAD?

Crescent Head NSW sees glorious sunshine almost all year round.

If you want the best of the best conditions weatherwise, I recommend visiting between May and October (Autumn, Winter, and Spring) which is ideal for beach bumming, nature walks, and water sports.

Summer is between December and February which sees hot temperatures and some rainfall.

10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CRESCENT HEAD

As mentioned earlier, there are many fantastic things to do in Crescent Head New South Wales that are suitable for all types of travelers.

CRESCENT HEAD SURFING

First up on this list of things to do in Crescent Head is surfing the world-famous right-hand point break that wraps around Little Nobby headland and into the bay.

Not only is Crescent dubbed one of the longest right-hander waves in the country but it’s also classed as one of Australia’s iconic Natural Surfing Reserves. 

It’s mostly suited for longboarders as it’s a pretty mellow wave that peels off the point and runs for a couple of hundred meters to Killick Creek.

Though in saying that, when the conditions are in favor and this region catches the bigger swells, it’s a great spot for short-boarders too. 

If you’re wanting to surf the famous point break, it’s best to bring your own surfboard, rent one from the local surf shop in town or you can check out Surfaris which offers lessons, surf tours, and accommodation.

SWIM IN KILLICK CREEK

Next on this list of awesome things to do is to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Killick Creek!

Situated right around the corner from the famous surf break and just a stone’s throw from the Caravan Park, you can go for a refreshing dip in the shallow waters of Killick Creek, take the kids for some stand-up paddle boarding or hang out on the creek-side sandbanks in the sun. 

Another cool feature at Killick Creek is an old wooden footbridge that stretches from one side of the creek to the other, which can be used on high tide to access more of the sandy beaches to the north.

PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF

Crescent Head Golf Course is arguably one of Australia’s most scenic golf courses!

Ideally located on the shorefront, this is one course you have to play a round of golf at and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro!

For just $15 a game, this golf course may be a small course but it comes with a big view.

From the 2nd tee, you’ll have panoramic views overlooking the entire town, iconic beaches, and Hat Head can be seen in the distance. 

One thing to remember when playing a round of golf is that there are generally people on foot exploring the area on the outskirts of the course.

Be sure to yell ‘fore’ if you see your golf ball heading toward an unsuspecting pedestrian.

STAY AT THE HOLIDAY PARK

If you’re looking to spend a couple of days, there’s no better spot to stay than at the Crescent Head Caravan Park which offers beachfront campsites, cabins, and amenities. 

The caravan park has availability all year round though they are generally fully booked during school holidays and Christmas holidays so make sure to book well in advance during these times. 

Once you’re all set up at Crescent Head Holiday Park you can get around on foot to the beaches, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, etc as everything is within walking distance from the park.

CRESCENT HEAD LOOKOUT

Crescent Head Lookout is definitely not to be missed on your list of things to do in Crescent Head.

Located just above the golf club on the edge of the cliff, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the town, Little Nobby, Big Nobby, the beaches to the north, and the beaches to the south.

There are two ways to reach the lookout;

1. Walk up the headland via the golf course, and you’ll find a dirt trail that leads around the cliffs to the lookout.
2. Drive to the end of Skyline Crescent, find a park in the parking lot, and the lookout is just a stone’s throw from here.

WATCH THE WAVES ON PEBBLY BEACH

Pebbly Beach, located on the south side of Little Nobby, is a great spot to perch up on one of the park benches and watch the waves crashing in and out of this rocky bay. 

Not many people surf or swim at Pebbly Beach as it’s quite dangerous with many rugged rocks in the bay.

Nonetheless, Pebbly Beach is worth checking out to take a few photos and marvel at the ocean.

SCENIC DRIVE TO POINT PLOMMER

If you’re still thinking about what to do at Crescent Head, another epic adventure to add to your list is taking a 25-minute scenic coastal drive south to Point Plommer.

Please note: the route to Point Plommer is an unsealed dirt road though it’s suitable for all types of cars, vans, caravans, etc. Take it slow, don’t overtake, and enjoy the drive through the national park. 

On the way to Point Plommer, there are a few must-see spots to check out which are Racecourse Head, Delicate Nobby, Big Hill Picnic Area, The Arches, and lastly Point Plommer.

Each of these spots can be found on Google Maps and you’ll find roadside parking lots at each one where you can safely park your vehicle and set off on foot to explore. 

ENJOY A MEAL AT THE COUNTRY CLUB

Feeling hungry?! You sure can’t go past a hearty meal at the Crescent Head Country Club, which not only offers delicious food but also boasts incredible ocean views of Killick Creek and the main beach.

You are spoiled for choice at the Country Club with two restaurants inside the venue which are;

• Birdies Bistro – Australian cuisine open for lunch and dinner
• Bamboo Restaurant – Chinese cuisine open for lunch and dinner

In addition to the restaurants, there is a fully licensed bar inside serving up your favorite beer, wine, or spirit.

For sporting enthusiasts, the Country Club also offers lawn bowls, tennis, golf cart hire, pool table, and TAB facilities.

With a relaxed atmosphere and stunning coastal setting, be sure to include a visit to the Country Club on your list of things to do, especially if you live a surf van life in Australia.

WATCH THE SUNSET FROM LITTLE NOBBY

If you travel as a couple, or want to see a beautiful sight while in Crescent Head, make sure to watch an unforgettable sunset from Little Nobby, one of the best things to do crescent head offers!

It’s an easy walk along the footpath from the center of town to Little Nobby that takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

Or if you’re already at the main beach, it’s just a stone’s throw to the Little Nobby viewpoint.

When you reach the end of the footpath, there is a dirt trail that leads up the mellow hillside to the top of Little Nobby headland and it’s arguably the best spot to watch the sunset.

RENT A BIKE AND EXPLORE AROUND

Last but not least on this list of awesome things to do in Crescent Head is to rent a bike and explore!

Many locals and tourists choose to explore on two wheels, and with good reason. The flat roads leading out of town are perfect for a ride, or if you’re feeling more ambitious, a longer journey.

For those up for a challenge, take on the 25km cycle to Gladstone (50km round trip), or keep pushing on to Hat Head National Park.

It’s worth noting that, at the time of writing, there are no bike rental stores in Crescent Head, so you’ll have to take yours or rent it in Port Macquarie.

Still wondering what to do in Crescent Head?

WHAT TO PACK FOR CRESCENT HEAD AUSTRALIA

When visiting Cresso, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

FINAL THOUGHTS – CRESCENT HEAD NSW

I hope you found this article useful and if you have any questions about Crescent Head NSW, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about the Crescent Head things to do to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

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