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Crescent Head Beaches

Picture yourself paddling out into the warm aqua waters early one morning with the sun behind you and a perfect right hand wave in front. Crescent Head has been a coastal retreat for the laid-back traveller since surfing took hold in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. With four sets of reef breaks, pristine beaches, a rock estuary full of fish and the protection of 60km of National Park, Crescent Head is an ideal spot for travellers to kick back, relax and be oblivious to the daily grind. With a wave for every surfer and a stretch of sand for every beachgoer, why not make Crescent Head number one on your "to do list" this summer?

Getting to Crescent Head

From the south - Turn off the Pacific Highway into Angus Neil Crescent at South Kempsey opposite the  South Kempsey Park.  Follow the road until you reach Crescent Head.
From the north - Turn left off the Pacific Highway into Angus Neil Crescent at South Kempsey opposite the South Kempsey Park.  Follow the road until you reach Crescent Head.

Beaches / Surfing at Crescent Head

Main Beach
Main Beach Crescent Head is a picturesque white sand beach that is home to the Crescent Head Malibu Classic. Famous for a long, slow right hand wave that peels off the point, working in almost any sized swell it is best suited to long boards. The tidal Killick Creek opens into the Pacific Ocean and provides sheltered swimming for children.  In front of the surf club is a beach break that is home to left and right hand waves depending on the direction and size. Main Beach is Crescent Heads most popular family beach as it provides easy access in the centre of town, plenty of parking, BBQ facilities and a playground for the children.

  • Length – 14km
  • Four Wheel Drive Access – Beach permit holders permitted (Pro Fisherman only at Front Beach 3.0km)
  • Surf Lifesaving Patrol – Yes on weekends (October to April) and during the holiday season. Always swim between the flags and obey the life guards.

Goolawah Beach
Located a bit of a walk down a steep track, Goolawah Beach is on the southern side of the water tower. A left hand point break is the main feature, however there’s a decent beach break a little further down. Travel lightly as the walk up is a challenge after a long session. Goolawah Beach is great for sunbaking away from the crowds or for those keen on that early morning walk.

  • Length – 5.1km
  • Four Wheel Drive Access – Beach permit holders permitted (Closed to all vehicles North corner 0.5km)
  • Surf Lifesaving Patrol - None

Delicate Beach
Another popular break with a camp ground located adjacent. Delicate is an unusual beach with a large rock formation dividing it into two sections. When the swell is direct you can get waves peeling off each side of the formation. Delicate is an excellent beach for walking / running with numerous walking tracks tracing their way over the headlands at either end. On a flat day Delicate offers some excellent snorkelling opportunities.

  • Length – 1.0km
  • Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited except for Pro Fishermen
  • Surf Lifesaving Patrol - None

Point Plomer/Barries Beach
Located right on the door step of the camping ground, Point Plomer is a long, sandy beach featuring an excellent right hand wave. Point Plomer/Barries Beach is a popular beach with a cult like status amongst the locals and visitors that call it home over the Christmas holiday season. If surfing at the point is overcrowded a good alternative is the beach break further down for left and right hand waves (depending on the swell direction and sand bar formation).

  • Length – 3.25km
  • Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited
  • Surf Lifesaving Patrol – None

Things to see and do at Crescent Head

Approximately 7km north of Crescent Head is Ryan’s Cut, a small tea tree stained creek that’s perfect for fishing or swimming. The creek opens to the Pacific Ocean whenever rainfall is sufficient enough.

Crescent Head Water Tower sits high above the town. Accessed by sealed road the headland offers great views over the town and its surf breaks to the north and south. Tables and chairs have been placed on top of the headland in addition to rubbish bins.
Crescent Head Golf Course is located right in the heart of town and offers a stunning 6 holes along the headlands. Enquires can be made at the Crescent Head Country Club. Tennis courts and lawn bowls are also available to hire.

Killick Creek runs through Crescent Head on its way to the Pacific Ocean. Canoes and Kayaks are available to hire from the Crescent Head Holiday Park reception so you can explore the creek or kayak along Killick Beach.

One of two beaches in Goolawah Reserve, south of Crescent Head.
View from Big Nobby at Crescent Head, New South Wales.
Beach fishing is a popular past time.
View of Big Nobby and Pebbly Beach, Crescent Head.
Foot Bridge across Killick Creek to access Killick Beach at Crescent Head.