Things to Do in Norah Head

Norah Head Australia is located on the Central Coast, 2 hours from Sydney.  

The town boasts one of the best lighthouses to visit near Sydney. You’ll also find a pristine beach and a big rockpool for young children. And it's laid-back and quiet.

Norah Head is a great place to escape from the city.

find out below what to do and where to stay in Norah Head…

Norah Head Attractions

Norah Head Lighthouse

Norah Head Lighthouse was built in 1903 to prevent any more shipwrecks.

Today the lighthouse is worth a visit. You can walk beside the lighthouse, enjoy the views and read the information boards. You can also walk down to the beach and stroll on the large rock platform.

And take a tour of the lighthouse which I totally recommend…

During the tour of the lighthouse, volunteers walk you up the 96 stairs to the top. The 360 degrees views are stunning. You can even see Sydney’s skyscrapers when the sky is clear.

Volunteers also tell you interesting stories about the history of the lighthouse. The stories will take you back in time.

Tours cost only $6 per adult, take 30 minutes, and are held every day from 10.00 am - 1.30 pm. Just turn up. Anyone who is able to walk up the 96 stairs can do the tour, even kids.

If you like walking, walk a loop from the lighthouse along the beach and back through the Nature Walk. 

Stop at Ark Cafe for a coffee and food. Allow at least 20 min each way plus extra time at the cafe.

The walk is beautiful and relaxing.

Soldiers Beach

Enjoy swimming and surfing at this pristine beach.

The water is clean and the sand is whiter than at other beaches on the Central Coast. It’s a stunning beach and one of my favourites.  

Soldiers Beach is patrolled from the September school holidays to April. The beach is sheltered from the prevailing north-easterly winds. So it’s comfortable in summer. 

There are great facilities such as toilets, cafes and bar. 

You can get food and coffee from the kiosk beside the beach or Surfside Snax. Surfside Snax sits on top of the hill at the northern end of the beach. Enjoy the views of the beach from the large parking area. Take a chair and watch the surfers...

Finish your day with a nice drink and great views at Sunset Bar at the surf club.

Find out more about Soldiers Beach…

Norah Head Rockpool

If you have small children, Norah Head Rockpool is the place to swim.

The rockpool is situated in Cabbage Tree Harbour, which has calm water and a boat ramp.

The rockpool is large and sheltered so it’s popular with families. Toilets, a playground and Ark Cafe are beside the rockpool.

Ark Cafe

Ark Cafe is the place to go for coffee and food. The cafe is laid back and casual. Enjoy the coastal decorations and red chandeliers, or sit outdoors.

Ark Cafe is located near the lighthouse, rockpool and Nature Walk. There’s a park with a playground just across the road.

Accommodation

There are three accommodation options in Norah Head…

Lighthouse Cottages

These heritage-listed cottages were revamped in recent years. They are one of only six lighthouse cottages in New South Wales where you can stay.

The cottages are fully self-contained. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. And the fenced courtyard makes it child-friendly. Situated right beside the lighthouse, you get fabulous views of the ocean.

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Norah Head Holiday Park 

Norah Head Holiday Park is a popular accommodation in Norah Head.

The self-contained cabins are located a 10-minute walk to Soldiers Beach. The kids are sure to enjoy the swimming pool and jumping pillow.

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Where Is Norah Head

Located 1 hr 50 min from Sydney via the M1 or 1 hr 5 min from Newcastle via Pacific Highway.