The Deck.

The Journal

Exploring Crescent Head

The beaches, the walks, the whales, the day trips and the things that fill the space between surfs. Crescent Head rewards slowness, and most of what's worth doing here is within walking distance of the middle of town.

15 guides · written by Trent and Liss, who live here.

The coastline north of Crescent Head toward Hat Head

Hat Head and Hat Head National Park

A guide to Hat Head village and Hat Head National Park, NSW — the walking tracks, the beaches, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, and the dog rule that catches people out.

Read · 8 min

The Macleay Valley coast from the air

Kempsey and the Macleay Valley

A guide to Kempsey and the Macleay Valley, NSW — the Slim Dusty Centre, Gladstone, the markets, Fredo pies, and what's worth stopping for on the way to the coast.

Read · 8 min

The Killick Creek estuary at Crescent Head, NSW — calm water for swimming and fishing

Killick Creek: the estuary at Crescent Head

A guide to Killick Creek, Crescent Head — the safest swimming in town, the tides that matter, fishing the estuary, kayaking, and the dog beach across the bridge.

Read · 7 min

The empty coastline south of Crescent Head

Point Plomer Road and the back beaches

The empty coast south of Crescent Head — Point Plomer Road, Goolawah, the back beaches, beach driving permits, and which park allows dogs and which doesn't.

Read · 8 min

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

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, and which one suits which day.

Read · 6 min

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

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

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

Day trips from Crescent Head

The best day trips from Crescent Head, NSW — South West Rocks, Trial Bay Gaol, Smoky Cape, Port Macquarie and the Macleay Valley hinterland.

Read · 6 min

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

Fishing at Crescent Head

Where to fish at Crescent Head, NSW — the Killick Creek estuary, the beaches, the rocks and the boat ramp, plus what's running and when.

Read · 5 min

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

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

Things to do in Crescent Head with kids

A family guide to Crescent Head, NSW — the safe swimming, the mini golf, the walks, the country club, and the rainy-day backups.

Read · 6 min

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

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

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

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

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

Kangaroos visiting at dusk near the property

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

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