We added Moonee Beach as a stop on our second road trip through New South Wales. The first time, we had stayed in Nelson Bay, but this time we wanted to explore something new along the coast. After roughly 550 kilometers from Sydney, we arrived at this small, laid-back seaside spot – and instantly felt that it was the right choice. Even though it was only a two-day stop, Moonee Beach completely won us over. The calm waters, the open skies, and the sight of kangaroos and dolphins right on the beach made the place unforgettable. Late April turned out to be the perfect time to visit – warm enough for swims, quiet enough to enjoy nature at its best.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t try too hard to impress, yet stays in your memory long after you’ve left. For anyone planning a coastal road trip toward Byron Bay, Moonee Beach is the perfect spot to slow down, recharge, and simply enjoy the moment.
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Top Things to Do Around Moonee Beach You Shouldn’t Miss
When you come to Moonee Beach, don’t expect a touristy scene – and that’s exactly what makes it so special. There are no crowds, no souvenir shops, and no loud beach bars. Instead, you’ll find calm, space, and a beautiful mix of wildlife and coastal vibes. For us, it felt like the perfect place to slow down for a few days before heading further north. Even though our stay was short, two spots truly stood out and showed what makes Moonee Beach such a hidden gem on the NSW coast.
Moonee Beach – Main Beach
If you love wide, open beaches, this one will win your heart instantly. During low tide, you can walk incredibly far – it almost feels endless. For families, it’s ideal: the water stays shallow, the sand is soft, and there’s always something for the kids to discover. At the end of Moonee Beach Road, you’ll find plenty of free parking, which makes it easy to spend a relaxed day here. We came once in the morning and again for sunset – and we’re glad we did. The beach feels completely different each time, especially when the sky turns golden in the evening.
Look At Me Now Headland Walk
Only a five-minute drive from Moonee Beach, the Look At Me Now Headland Walk is one of those quiet places that feels untouched. It’s perfect for late afternoons when the light gets softer. Kangaroos are everywhere, peacefully grazing near the trail, and with a bit of luck, you can watch dolphins playing in the waves below. There’s free parking and usually plenty of space – no stress, no crowds, just pure coastal nature. For us, it was one of the most authentic spots on the NSW coast and a must if you stop in Moonee Beach.
Where to Stay in Moonee Beach – Our Honest Review
To be honest, the Airbnb was the main reason why we chose Moonee Beach as our stop – and we couldn’t have made a better decision. Sometimes, a place just feels right the moment you arrive, and this one definitely did. It was a super cozy house with a relaxed coastal vibe, the kind of place that instantly feels like home. What made it even better were the small details – like the tiny surfboards for the kids. They were out in the water every day, laughing and playing, which made our beach time even more special. The location couldn’t have been better either. It was right on Moonee Beach Road, so we could simply walk down to the beach whenever we wanted. Morning strolls, sunset walks, quick dips – everything was just a few minutes away. After long driving days on our NSW road trip, this little house gave us the perfect mix of comfort and freedom. If you’re planning a stop between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, we’d absolutely recommend finding a stay around this area. It’s peaceful, practical, and has all the charm you could wish for.
Interesting Facts About Moonee Beach – From Wildlife to Local Life
Moonee Beach might not make it onto every Australia itinerary – and that’s exactly why it feels so authentic. The vibe here is relaxed, friendly, and untouched by mass tourism. For us, it was one of those stops that quietly surprises you and ends up being so much more than just “a night on the way to Byron.” One thing we learned quickly: Moonee Beach sits right inside a protected nature reserve, which means it’s a real sanctuary for wildlife. The area is home to kangaroos, goannas, and plenty of bird species, and the nearby estuary is known for its clear, calm water – perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking if you have the gear.
During low tide, the beach turns into a natural playground – wide, shallow, and full of surprises. The kids spent hours exploring the sandbanks, and that’s where we made one of our coolest discoveries: the rare Blue Soldier crab. These tiny creatures move in big, shimmering groups across the sand, and when you get closer, you can see their bright blue shells glistening in the sunlight. It’s such a fascinating little scene that we could have watched for hours. Locals told us that Moonee Creek is one of the cleanest waterways on the NSW coast – and it truly shows. The water is clear, full of life, and just beautiful for photos. Whether it’s a pastel sunrise or kangaroos silhouetted against the orange evening sky, Moonee Beach offers those raw, simple moments that make you slow down and appreciate Australia all over again.
Moonee Beach Travel FAQ – Tips Before You Go
Moonee Beach sits about 550 km north of Sydney, just a 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour. It’s right on the NSW coast and part of the Moonee Beach Nature Reserve.
Absolutely! The beach is calm, wide, and shallow during low tide – perfect for small kids to play safely. Plus, kangaroos are often around, which makes it even more exciting for little explorers.
Two days are enough to explore the area, enjoy the beach, and visit the nearby headland. It’s perfect as a relaxing stop on your road trip north.
Late summer and early autumn (February to April) are ideal. The weather is still warm, and it’s less crowded than the main summer months.
Yes, there are a few small local spots and cafés near the shopping area, but it’s still quite low-key. For more choices, Coffs Harbour is just 10 minutes away.
It’s limited, but definitely possible. We mostly self-catered using the Coles supermarket in Moonee Beach and sometimes shopped at Woolworths in nearby Coffs Harbour. A few local cafés also offer plant-based options – you just need to ask. It’s not a big vegan scene, but you’ll find everything you need for simple, fresh meals.
Yes! Especially near the Look At Me Now Headland Walk, you’ll find plenty of kangaroos grazing freely. They’re used to people, so you can often get quite close.
Not really. Even during holidays, it’s much quieter than Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay. That’s part of its charm – no crowds, no noise, just nature.
Besides kangaroos and dolphins, look out for the rare Blue Soldier crab, goannas, and plenty of colorful birds. It’s a true wildlife paradise.
Yes, but check signs around the nature reserve before flying. The open beach area is fantastic for aerial shots, especially around sunrise and sunset.
Technically yes, but it’s easier and quicker to drive. It’s only about five minutes by car, and there’s free parking right at the trail entrance. If you enjoy walking, you can also take the coastal path, but allow extra time.
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