Plizio Visual Lab

Sawtell

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Oct 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Sawtell

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

The best spot for a sheltered swim is Boambee Creek Reserve, just north of the village. There is a small entry fee per vehicle.
Sawtell Beach is patrolled in the summer months; always swim between the red and yellow flags.
First Avenue's giant fig trees provide excellent shade, making it great for a midday stroll or cafe hop.
For the best sunrise views, head up to Bonville Headland at the southern end of the beach.

🍽 Food

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Brunch on First Avenue

The main street is packed with excellent cafes serving modern Australian brunch and local coffee.

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Fish and Chips

Grab some fresh local seafood from a takeaway on the main street and eat it by the beach.

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Pub Grub

The local hotel on First Avenue features hearty Australian pub meals and cold beers.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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First Avenue Boutiques

Stroll the main street for independent clothing, homewares, and surf gear.

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Local Art

Look out for small galleries and craft shops featuring works by regional artists.

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Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool

A unique ocean pool at the southern end of the beach, great for a calm dip.

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Boambee Headland

Enjoy a peaceful walk with panoramic views over the ocean and creek mouth.

Sawtell is a highly sought-after coastal destination on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. This easy on the eye village instantly charms visitors with its iconic First Avenue, a bustling main street split by an expansive median strip shaded by magnificent, towering Moreton Bay fig trees. Under this lush canopy, you will find a bustling array of boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, lively pubs, and an independent art deco cinema. The town exudes an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that perfectly complements its memorable natural surroundings, making it a favorite for both weekend getaways and long summer holidays. The coastline here is nothing short of spectacular, drawing surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers year-round. Sawtell Main Beach is the crown jewel, offering beautifully golden sands and excellent, patrolled swimming conditions right in front of the historic Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club. At the southern end of the beach, Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool provides a safe and scenic spot for a saltwater dip. Just slightly north, Murrays Beach gives a quieter, more natural beach experience, while Bonville Beach to the south borders the pristine Bongil Bongil National Park, offering secluded stretches of sand and excellent fishing spots. Beyond the crashing waves, Sawtell is bounded by the calm waters of Boambee Creek and Bonville Creek. These beautiful estuarine systems are well-suited for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and family picnics along the grassy banks. The nearby Bongil Bongil National Park has extensive walking and cycling trails through coastal rainforests, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife, including koalas. With its rich heritage, superb dining, and panoramic coastal landscape, Sawtell is a quintessential Australian seaside town.

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Location: Australia
Highlights: Sawtell Headland · Sawtell Swim Center · Sawtell Chilli Festival
Nearby: Coffs Harbour (8 km)
Population: ~3.799 (2019)