The Journal

Stories from Crescent Head.

Surf, food, walks, what to pack. Honest local picks from Trent and Liss.

Surf rolling in at the main beach at Crescent Head, NSW

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The best beaches in the Crescent Head area

A local guide to the beaches around Crescent Head, NSW — from the patrolled Front Beach to the empty back beaches south of town. Where to swim, surf and walk the dog.

Read · 6 min

Breakfast on the deck at The Deck, Crescent Head, in the morning light

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The best time to visit Crescent Head

A season-by-season guide to visiting Crescent Head, NSW — surf, weather, crowds, whales and events — to help you pick the right time for your trip.

Read · 6 min

The view south from the Crescent Head headland over the bay toward Hat Head

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The headland and Big Hill walk at Crescent Head

A guide to the headland and Big Hill walks at Crescent Head, NSW — the climb, the views, where to spot kangaroos and whales, and how to do it from town.

Read · 5 min

The leafy upper yard at The Deck, Crescent Head — a comfortable alternative to camping

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Camping & caravan parks near Crescent Head

A guide to camping and caravan parks at Crescent Head, NSW — the in-town holiday park, beachfront bush camping at Goolawah, and a comfortable house if you'd rather a bed.

Read · 6 min

Inside Sea Sea café in Crescent Head — relaxed local café culture

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Crescent Head vs Port Macquarie

Deciding between Crescent Head and Port Macquarie for your NSW Mid North Coast holiday? An honest comparison of the surf, the vibe, the food and who each town suits.

Read · 6 min

Sea Sea in Crescent Head — an easy base for Macleay Valley day trips

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Day trips from Crescent Head

The best day trips from Crescent Head, NSW — South West Rocks, Trial Bay Gaol, Smoky Cape, Port Macquarie, Hat Head and the Macleay Valley. Easy drives from your base at The Deck.

Read · 6 min

The Killick Creek estuary near Crescent Head, NSW — a calm fishing and swimming spot

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Fishing at Crescent Head

Where to fish at Crescent Head, NSW — the Killick Creek estuary, the beaches, the rocks and the boat ramp. A local guide to wetting a line on the Mid North Coast.

Read · 5 min

The deck at The Deck, Crescent Head at sunrise — the view that's waiting at the end of the drive

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How to get to Crescent Head

Driving directions and travel times to Crescent Head, NSW — from Sydney, Brisbane, the nearest airports, and Kempsey. Everything you need to plan the trip.

Read · 5 min

The open-plan living and dining area at The Deck, opening onto the deck and the view

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Is Crescent Head worth visiting?

Thinking of a trip to Crescent Head, NSW? Here's an honest look at what the town is — the surf, the beaches, the food, the pace — and who it suits.

Read · 6 min

Longboarding at the Crescent Head point break, a beginner-friendly wave

Surf

Learning to surf at Crescent Head

Why Crescent Head is one of the best places in NSW to learn to surf — a long, gentle longboard wave, where to start, and how to make a weekend of it.

Read · 5 min

The wood fireplace at The Deck, Crescent Head — a cosy spot on a rainy day

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Things to do in Crescent Head when it rains

Rained out at Crescent Head? Indoor ideas, cosy spots, easy drives and rainy-day backups — how to make the most of a wet day on the Mid North Coast.

Read · 5 min

The third bedroom at The Deck — two single beds, ideal for kids

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Things to do in Crescent Head with kids

A family guide to Crescent Head, NSW — the safe swimming, mini golf, walks, the country club and rainy-day backups. What to do with kids on a Crescent Head holiday.

Read · 6 min

The day bed at The Deck, Crescent Head — a relaxed weekend away

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A weekend in Crescent Head: the perfect 48 hours

How to spend a weekend in Crescent Head, NSW — a relaxed 48-hour itinerary of surf, beach, bakery, bistro and headland walks, from the hosts of The Deck.

Read · 5 min

The ocean horizon off Crescent Head, NSW — whales pass close to the headland in season

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Whale watching at Crescent Head, NSW

When and where to see whales at Crescent Head, NSW. The migration seasons, the best vantage points on the headland, and what you can spot from the coast.

Read · 4 min

Golfer mid-swing on the Crescent Head Country Club headland, with the bay behind

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Crescent Head Country Club — golf, tennis, bowls

The Crescent Head Country Club sits on the headland with one of the prettiest nine-hole golf courses in NSW. Tennis, bowls, a cold beer at four. A local guide.

Read · 5 min

Crescent Head mini golf course with bridges, lake, and native plants

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Mini golf in Crescent Head — the new 18-hole course

Crescent Head's new 18-hole mini golf course opened in 2024 — built around a small lake with native plants. Walk from The Deck, kid-friendly, dog-friendly on lead.

Read · 3 min

Sea Sea — dog-friendly outdoor café in Crescent Head

Eat

Where to eat & drink in Crescent Head — a local guide

The full local guide to restaurants and coffee shops in Crescent Head — Sea Sea, the Tavern, the Country Club bistro, Cressence, Mezzaluna2440, plus Cheetah Five, Drift and Blackfish for coffee.

Read · 6 min

The Crescent Head point break peeling at low tide

Surf

The 5 best surf spots near Crescent Head, NSW

A local guide to surfing Crescent Head — the point break, the back beaches, and where to paddle out depending on the swell and wind.

Read · 6 min

Kangaroos visiting at dusk near the property

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Dog-friendly walks in Hat Head National Park

Where to take your dog walking in and around Crescent Head — beaches, headlands, and quiet trails through the national park.

Read · 5 min

The dining table on the deck, set for breakfast

Stay

What to bring (and what we already have) at The Deck

A packing guide for your stay at The Deck, Crescent Head — what we stock, what to bring, and what to skip.

Read · 4 min