Looking to plan a holiday that offers things for both big humans and little humans? Kingscliff – a picturesque coastal town in northern New South Wales – is sure to set mama’s soul on fire. Here Victoria Beattie (mama to one) and Emma Henderson (mama to three), from The Beach People, share their travel guide to their hometown – including local secrets and tips for things to do with, and without, kids. Because, mama needs to enjoy some wine solo time, too, right?
Tell us, what do you love about Kingslciff?
Emma: “It’s a sleepy seaside town, with friendly people, great surf and crystal-clear water full of marine life. And the local produce is delicious. It’s a great location. It feels country yet it’s only 30 minutes to the Gold Coast or 40 minutes to Byron Bay. There are plenty of spots to eat and loads of nature activities for the kids.”
Victoria: “It’s very relaxing with its endless – mostly empty – beaches. The hinterland also provides lots of fun activities for the littles. It’s also 15 minutes to the local airport, should we need to pop somewhere for work.”
From left: Victoria Beattie and Emma Henderson on the beach in Kingscliff. Image: Matt Johnson.
How long have you lived here and what are your favourite things to do?
Emma: “I love living in Kingscliff; I’ve lived here for 10 years. You can hire a SUP board in the creek or explore the sand dunes on the south side of the creek. There’s a beautiful bike path that runs from Salt to Cabarita that’s always fun for a ride.”
Victoria: “I’ve lived here nine years and my absolute favourite thing to do is jump off the rocks in the creek with my son Theodore and puppy, Duke; then we float with the outgoing tide to the beach. Heaven.”
Best spot for breakfast?
Victoria: “Visit the local farms and get some fresh avocados and tomatoes.”
Emma: “Tucker in Casuarina or Salt Mill in Kingscliff.”
Victoria and Emma with their children. Image: Matt Johnson.
Where’s your fave spot for lunch?
Victoria: “I love Zanzibar on the main street for a royal kebab, sweet potato chips and homemade treats.”
Emma: Sushi under Azura Ocean View apartments has the best sushi in town. They offer organic veggies and brown rice rolls – so gooooood!”
Best place to go for dinner?
Victoria: “Spice Den in Casuarina – they have the most delicious corn fritters wrapped in ginger and Vietnamese mint. Or, Fins at Salt Village for the most delicious seafood.”
Emma: “Taverna on a Sunday night for the feast! It’s modern Greek. Order the halloumi with honey and the watermelon sorbet.”
Where does one go to drink in Kingscliff?
Emma: “There really isn’t much for that but our favourite cellar in the whole world is on the main street, Emmanuel’s. He supplies the most beautiful wines and has a barefoot tasting on a Friday afternoon at 5pm.”
Victoria: “Yes, I agree with Em; or, you could pop to Halcyon House which is only five minutes away.”
Best place for coffee?
Emma and Victoria: “Tucker.”
Where to stay?
Emma: “The resorts in Salt are great!”
Victoria: “Or find a place on Airbnb.”
Best things to do?
Emma: “The creek at high tide.”
Victoria: “Visit the local farms for some fresh produce. The Chinderah Bay Antiques & Museum of the Sea is also not to be missed.”
Image: Matt Johnson.
Best thing to do kid-free?
Emma: “Paddle your surfboard over to Cook Island to swim with the dolphins and turtles (also possibly the sharks).”
Victoria: “Rock jump at Fingal – but this comes with a strong tide warning as it’s super dangerous!”
Best kid-oriented things to do?
Emma: “If you go down to the coast guard, take a walk out to the point. Surf one side or crystal-clear water in the creek the other side. If it’s the right season, you can see the whales too.”
Victoria: “Tropical Fruit World is fun!
Enjoying a day at at the beach. Image: Matt Johnson.
Local secret?
Emma: “There are a few pipi beds south of us but the exact location is a secret. My husband loves to put them in his Sunday night paella. Delish!”
Victoria: “With the surrounding headlands there is always a place to swim to avoid the wind and there are plenty of back beaches.”
You might also like TRAVEL: 5 offbeat destinations for the wanderlust family, 7 things you must have when travelling with a baby, and Why travel is an important part of your child’s development.
