Every year my wife and her family spend a week in Crescent Head, which is on the mid-north coast of NSW about 5 hours north of Sydney and 5 hours south of Brisbane.
It is a small town whose population surges during the holidays thanks to having one of the beach breaks for surfing in the country, one of the most picturesque golf courses along the coast and that an atmosphere that would make anyone welcome. This population surge is supported by a large caravan park in the centre of town, along the creek, and the many holiday houses around town.
Crescent Head is a perfect place for a getaway with the family or if you’re just stopping by on your own road trip. Without fail the car park near the beach will be full of backpackers and surf junkies with a campervan or, often just a mattress in their wagon.
But surfing isn’t the only thing that will entertain you. Here are some of the best things to keep you busy on a quiet trip of any length to Crescent Head.
Walk up to Crescent Head Lookout
This is without doubt the best view in the area. It’s a reasonably easy walk along the foreshore and up the golf course, and you just keep going. It has a wonderful view over the town, the creek, and the beach on the other side.
Play 6 holes on Crescent Head Golf Course
It may not be the only one in existence, but it’s the only golf course I know of that only has 6 holes. It is also the most casual course I’ve ever played, where anything goes.
No shirt. No shoes. No worries.
You’re also able to buy takeaway beers from the Club and take them with you in your buggy.
Technically part of the country club, the course weaves its way up the hill near the lookout, then down and over the hill to near the bluff and back up the way you came from.
It’s breathtaking.
From the second tee it may only be 70 metres to the hole but it can be a difficult shot hitting over the gorge. But you would be hard pressed to find a golf course with better views than the Crescent Head Golf Course. And for only $15.
Indulge at Barnett’s Bakery
So far it sounds like I might sound like I’m making Crescent Head out to be better than it actually is. But Barnett’s Bakery honestly do some of the best pies and best sweets of any bakery I’ve been to. Donuts, tarts, slices, the lots. And it’s all good.
Watch the surfers from the foreshore
The surf is an interesting setup because at the end of the beach is a creek, and the land begins but works its out away from the beach so you effectively can look back on the beach. This is the main foreshore and walking path and it also happens to have the best waves which gives onlookers a front row seat to all the surfers out there catching and falling off waves.
Go surfing yourself
Speaking of surfing, bring a board and give it a go yourself. You can hire a board at Crescent Head Surf Co (I think) if you don’t have one yourself.
Get sandy on Crescent Head beach
It wouldn’t be a trip to Crescent without spending some time on the beach. Bring a book. Bring a ball, and get some sun.
Swim in Killick Creek
Behind the beach and over the brush is a small creek that is perfect for those who love the sand and water but don’t want to have to worry about those pesky waves or water more than waist deep. It’s also a perfect place for kids to play or to go for a stand up paddle.
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Go for a bike ride
Being such a relaxed town, many people seem to get around on bikes. It’s not the sort of place you’d hire a bike, but if you brought one, it would become your transport everywhere.
For those a bit more serious like myself, the roads out of Crescent Head are very flat and provide well for someone wanting a longer ride. You can ride to Gladstone, which is about 50km return or if you’re really keen you can ride to South West Rocks, which is 48kms one way.
Get smashed on Splash Rock
Near the bluff and golf course, there is a beach called Pebble Beach (I think so anyway, in fact in the left of the bay in the above image with my bike, just out of view). The beach is full of rocks so it’s less than ideal for sunbaking, but it also has dozens of big rocks poking out of the sea, constantly getting pummelled by waves.
One such rock, called Splash Rock (maybe only by us), is ideally angled for you to hold on and lay at an angle, and in enough water depth so that at the right ride the water crashes over hard enough to try and knock you off, but not so hard that you’ll drown.
It’s a lot of fun for about 10 minutes, just make sure there are people watching on the shore just in case.
Play tennis or lawn bowls
The Crescent Head Country Club wears many hats. As well as golf they also have lawn bowl greens and tennis courts for hire. Again, beers are welcome at both.
Drink beers at the Country Club
It’s actually not as pretentious as it sounds. It is essentially on par with any RSL or bowling club if you’ve ever been to one in Australia. Standard beers and surprisingly good pub food.
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