A Weekend Getaway Guide to Blueys Beach, New South Wales

Where the bush meets the beach on the mid-north coast, just three hours from Sydney, Blueys Beach could be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. The ideal weekend destination for those with a love of the outdoors, Blueys Beach offers unspoiled stretches of sand, swimming with dolphins, world-class diving and fishing sites, and plenty of space for everyone from couples to large families to unwind, well away from the chaos of the city.

Skye Gilkeson

Blueys Beach on the mid-north coast of New South Wales is a hidden gem, perfect for those who love the outdoors. © Skye Gilkeson

A Guide to Blueys Beach NSW

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I had forgotten just how magical Blueys Beach is. I breathed more gently as the road narrowed, enveloped with trees as we wound our way through the curves of the countryside.

Driving the Lakes Way, huge stretches of water opened up on either side of the road the trees swaying in the breeze. When we strolled the beach, we barely saw another soul, the only sound was the sets crashing onshore. Despite the many years between visits, Blueys felt the same.

It’s a place you instantly feel at ease; where you want to kick off your shoes, switch off your phone and enjoy the stunning local landscape with friends and family.

Where is Blueys Beach and How to Get There

The drive from Sydney to Blueys Beach takes about 3.5 hours.
Blueys Beach is located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, making it a popular weekend destination from Sydney.
The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Bluey Beach NSW is by car.
The drive is relatively easy, mostly on highways north, with a turn-off to a windy road delivering you to the coast for the final 30 minutes.
You will need a car once you arrive to explore the local area so I highly recommend you hire one for your entire stay.
Greyhound and Port Stephens Coaches do operate in the area but expect the journey to take longer, you may also have to change buses and you will still need a way of getting around the area once you arrive.
Check Blueys Beach weather here.

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Blueys Retreat at Blueys Beach offers 4* self-contained townhouses with resort-style amenities onsite. © Gus Gilkeson

Blueys Beach Accommodation

Accommodation at Blueys Beach ranges from caravan parks to high-end holiday home rentals.

Generally, though, this is not a luxury destination, so you won’t find a huge Blueys Beach resort anywhere in the area – something which no doubt is appealing to many visitors.

Search all Blueys Beach accommodations here.

Blueys Retreat

Blueys Retreat is where we stayed during our recent visit and it is the most luxurious Blueys Beach accommodation you’ll find.

The 4-star resort featuring modern townhouse-style self-contained accommodation has a pool, tennis court, restaurant, and other amenities on-site and it is a short walk to local shops, restaurants, and the beach. Request Unit 29 on booking.

Moby’s Beachside Retreat

The 4-star Moby’s Beachside Retreat at Pacific Palms offers one, two, and three-bedroom self-contained beach houses with resort-style amenities on-site such as a lagoon pool, gym, day spa, and tennis court, footsteps from Boomerang Beach.

Blueys Beach Caravan Parks

For those on a budget or visiting Blueys Beach with kids, there are a number of caravan parks near Blueys Beach.

There is Pacific Palms Caravan Park, Ingenia Holidays, and Palms Oasis Caravan Park to name a few. There is also a Reflections Holiday Park down near Seal Rocks.

Blueys Beach cafes serve locally sourced, seasonal slow food in a relaxed setting. © Gus Gilkeson

Blueys Beach Restaurants

When it comes to restaurants Blueys Beach doesn’t have a large range. However, there are a few Blueys Beach restaurants and cafes we enjoyed during our visit.

Pacific Palms Recreation Club

It doesn’t get more Australian than the Pacific Palms Recreation Club or ‘The Recky’ as it’s affectionately known to locals. A large, RSL-style venue, The Recky is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with family and friends.

There is ample space to spread out and a simple, hearty, and very affordable menu serving local seafood to a Sunday roast (not to mention $1 oysters on Sundays). They also have kids’ discos during the holidays. Grab a spot for sundowners overlooking Wallis Lake.

Kembali

Our pick for the best Blueys Beach cafe during our stay, Kembali serves up Australian and Indonesian food with some great healthy choices on the menu.

The Kembali owners often spend summer in Australia and then chase the surf in Indonesia cooking on Surf charter boats.

Think authentic fish tacos, Nasi Goreng, great sambal (order extra if you like chili), juices, and great barista coffee.

Drift

Drift Cafe Blueys Beach serves up some healthy favourites and indulgent comfort food.

Stop in for breakfast or pop in after a morning at the beach for one of their burgers.

Hueys at Blueys

Hueys at Blueys pizzeria and bar is the local pizza shop you would expect in a beachside town like Blueys.

The Blueys local pizza favourite, you’ll find pizza, pasta, and salad with gluten-free bases available.

Where to Buy Food in Blueys Beach

Stockland Forster Shopping Centre

Stockland Shopping Centre in Forster is a short 20-minute drive from Blueys Beach.

You will find a large supermarket, pharmacy, fast food outlets, and the like, should you need to shop for the weekend or longer.

Things to do in Blueys Beach

Great Lakes Food Trail

Jump in the car and hit The Great Lakes Food Trail, visiting local farmers and food producers such as oyster growers, organic egg farms, and buffalo farmers.

Kids are able to feed the animals while you taste test water buffalo milk and mozzarella, artisan cheeses, honey, oysters, local wine, and much more.

Fishing in Blueys Beach

The Great Lakes region is a fisherman’s paradise. Charter a boat for a day of deep-sea fishing, sports fishing, or estuary fishing.

Flathead, bream, jewfish, bonito, bluefin tuna, and many other catches can be found in the local waterways.

Blueys Beach Whale Watching

Whether you opt for a Blueys boat hire day and stay on the lookout for local options, or you join an o