Holiday houses & accommodation in Scotts Head

Only 5 hours north of Sydney and 15 minutes off Pacific Highway on the New South Wales coast, Scotts Head can feel like a different world from other parts of the coast. The village has a quirky artistic vibe, stunning fine-sand beaches, a great surf break, and all the amenities you could ask for, without any of the fuss of bigger-name destinations. Choose from a range of typical coastal wooden houses – some are bigger, with pools and verandahs, while others are smaller and perfect for intimate family getaways.

Casual beach BBQs or picnics by the bay

Scotts Head is a super summer setting for a barbie, and the local council has got you sorted, with public gas barbecues, picnic tables, and covered food preparation areas (in case it rains) at the Scotts Head Recreation Reserve. You'll find a supermarket, bakery, and café just a short walk from the reserve, so no need to haul anything from Sydney or stock up in advance! The reserve also houses the local sports club, with netball, basketball, and tennis courts, while the nearby beach often has a game or two of beach cricket and volleyball going down.

Enjoy Australia's most artistic picnic table while watching whales

It may sound a bit odd, but Scotts Head may lay claim to Australia's most picturesque picnic table and toilet block. Created in 2001 by renowned local artist Guy Crosley, the public toilet block at Forster Surf Lifesaving Club is plastered with beautiful colourful mosaics, attracting more attention and photo opportunities than your average beachside bogs. A little bit further along the path toward the headland, you'll see Crosley's masterpiece: a Gaudi-esque, curvacious blue-and-white-framed picnic table. From the headland, you can see pods of dolphins and, between May and October, you may even spot humpback whales during their annual migration along the coast.

A family surf holiday or simple fun at the beach

You couldn't ask for a better family beachside summer base than a Scotts Head holiday cottage. Before it became a holiday resort, Scotts Head was a well-known surf spot for locals cruising the coastline. Whereas "the Point" break at Scotts Head is better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers, there are several gentle sandbanks perfect for beginners around Forster Bay, with rental outlets along the beach. If you simply want to paddle and play around with your young ones, visit the main beach at Scotts Head. It's patrolled by trained lifeguards every day during the summer, with the gentle beach and fine sand ideal for bathers of any age.

Enjoy an evening meal overlooking the ocean

While a holiday letting in Scotts Head puts you in place to enjoy some ultimate serenity and relaxation, it doesn't mean you'll be isolated from creature comforts or the finer things in life. As night falls, head up to Nambucca Heads for dinner, and you'll find an interesting international spread: Indian, Thai, and Italian are just some of the cuisines on offer. There are several bars and restaurants located on the waterfront, overlooking the Nambucca River estuary back towards Scotts Head, that are particularly popular come nighttime. Seeing the beach lit up by evening colours will also offer up some prime photo opportunities.

Explore Gaagal Wanggaan National Park

A great bonus for anyone staying at holiday cottages in Scotts Head is impressive Gaagal Wanggaan National Park. Running alongside the coast between the beach and Pacific Highway, this expansive area boasts several Gumbaynggir Aboriginal cultural sites. There are also protected rainforest patches, dunes, coastal shrublands, mangroves, and salt marshes, all providing a uniquely diverse ecosystem popular for local birdlife: keep your eyes peeled for egrets, white-faced herons, or the occasional sea eagle swooping overhead. A short drive from Gaagal Wanggaan National Park, you can follow the gravel track up to the summit of Mt. Yarrahappini for stunning panoramas across Scotts Point – the views make the trip well worth its while.

Head down for a hoe-down

For a change of pace from beach life at Scotts Head, come during late summer to attend the fun Macksville Music Muster. No more than a 15–20-minute drive away from your holiday letting in Scotts Head, this fairly recent addition to the country's music calendar has become more popular over the years, and it's now one of the most anticipated along this stretch of coast, attracting some top acts. It takes place over 2 or 3 days, usually in late March. Given the easy drive back to Scotts Head, you can either visit for an easy afternoon or go whole hog over a weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions