Sawtell
Sawtell is a seaside village just 10 minutes’ drive south of Coffs Harbour. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed and beachy getaway. Its got a charming main street, First Avenue, which is lined with shady fig trees and scattered cafes. The village's quaint atmosphere is added to by its well restored art deco heritage cinema.
Known widely as 'Sunny Sawtell', it’s easy to see why when you visit. The area has an enviable climate with warm sunny days. There are beautiful beaches, patrolled for safe family swimming and also some great waves for surfing on. The buzzy little village has a nice café scene, with shady outdoor seating being perfect for brunch or for a spot of relaxing away from the sand. Sawtell is surrounded by beautiful countryside, creeks and a backdrop of mountains. A perfect environment to enjoy the great outdoors, where you can soak up nature by walking, cycling, swimming or surfing.
Still a fairly quiet and tranquil holiday spot, accommodation is largely in rented beach houses, though there are a handful of BnBs and motor lodge options.
Sawtell is also home to one of the most unique foodie festivals on the NSW North Coast calendar, the annual Sawtell Chilli Festival (held in July). The Coffs Coast landscape provides for some truly scruptious and fresh local produce and the day celebrates just that. Offering a host of local products to sample including everything involving the fiery hot stuff, chilli eating competitions and family fun, it's a vibrant and unique festival.
