Sawtell Headland
Sawtell Headland offers breathtaking coastal views, a charming village, and natural wonders like a blowhole. Perfect for walks, whale watching, and se...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Sawtell Headland
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sawtell Headland offers breathtaking coastal views, a charming village, and natural wonders like a blowhole. Perfect for walks, whale watching, and serene moments.
"Some of the best views on the coast can be found at Bonville Headland – which is great because it’s also a fun place to take children."
🌅 Sunset Fish & Chips
Join locals on Fridays for fish and chips with sunset views. Bring camp chairs and an esky!
👟 Walk from Town
Enjoy a scenic walk to the headland from Sawtell town centre. Great photo ops!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sawtell Headland Lookout
Top of the headland
Panoramic ocean views, perfect for spotting surfers, whales, and enjoying peaceful moments.
Sawtell Beach & Rock Pools
Base of the headland
A sheltered beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring natural rock pools at low tide.
Blowhole
Coastal path
Witness the powerful force of the ocean as waves surge through this natural blowhole.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Fish & Chips
Join locals on Fridays for fish and chips with sunset views. Bring camp chairs and an esky!
👟 Walk from Town
Enjoy a scenic walk to the headland from Sawtell town centre. Great photo ops!
🌊 Watch the Surfers
The headland offers excellent vantage points to observe surfers catching waves.
☕ Coffee Van Delights
Grab an incredible coffee and a tasty toastie from the local coffee van.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Fish & Chips
Join locals on Fridays for fish and chips with sunset views. Bring camp chairs and an esky!
👟 Walk from Town
Enjoy a scenic walk to the headland from Sawtell town centre. Great photo ops!
🌊 Watch the Surfers
The headland offers excellent vantage points to observe surfers catching waves.
☕ Coffee Van Delights
Grab an incredible coffee and a tasty toastie from the local coffee van.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sawtell Headland's breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere, calling it a place of serenity. The scenic walks, opportunities for whale watching, and the charming nearby village add to its appeal. Some find the blowhole particularly impressive.
"Beautiful lookout ❤️
Sitting in one of the bench here really gives me peace ☺️ Stress free 🥰"
Jessamine Motol
"Some of the best views on the coast can be found at Bonville Headland – which is great because it’s also a fun place to take children.
To keep toddlers entertained, bring some old bread to feed the seagulls. They will swarm and provide endless entertainment for kids who love to chase birds. We regularly save our old bread and take it up to the headland. It’s amazing how quickly those birds can devour a loaf of bread.
Bonville Headland Feeding Seagulls
On the headland, there are a few good spots to put a picnic blanket down. Right at the top of the hill is the best place for kids who require constant attention. It’s a big flat grassy area, with a few picnic tables and great views, right next to the carpark.
Just past the main carpark is the perfect spot for afternoon and evening fish and chips, with the great views out to the mountains where you can watch the spectacular sunsets. On Fridays this is the place you’ll find the Sawty locals with their camp chairs and eskies. This place is a bit more hilly and you’ll constantly be chasing kids who love to run away.
Information from mums of coffsharbour"
Donna Bosleng
"Scenic Headland nice walk from town centre. Good photo opportunities and great location to watch surfers and whales passing by at the right time of year."
David
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sawtell Headland is easily accessible by car, with parking available at the top. It's also a pleasant walk from Sawtell town centre, taking about 20-30 minutes.
While direct public transport to the headland itself is limited, local buses service Sawtell town, from where you can walk. Check local bus schedules for routes servicing Sawtell.
Yes, there is a carpark at the top of Sawtell Headland, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Sawtell Headland is a perfect day trip destination from Coffs Harbour, offering beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
Combining a walk up to the headland with exploring Sawtell Beach and the town centre offers a comprehensive experience of the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sawtell Headland is a public space and there is no entry fee. You can enjoy the views and walks for free.
Sawtell Headland is accessible at all times, offering opportunities for sunrise, sunset, and stargazing.
No booking is required to visit Sawtell Headland. It's a freely accessible natural attraction.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always be mindful of the natural environment and any posted signage. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
The main lookout area is relatively accessible, but some paths can be uneven. The grassy area near the carpark is flatter.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings for sunrise and soft light, and late afternoons for golden hour and sunset are ideal for photography.
You can capture stunning coastal landscapes, ocean views, surfers, wildlife like whales, and the charming village. 
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the local council or relevant authorities before flying a drone.
The main lookout, the rock pools on Sawtell Beach, and the blowhole offer iconic photographic opportunities.
Yes, the blowhole is a popular subject for photographers, especially when the waves are strong.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no restaurants directly on the headland, a popular coffee van offers great coffee and toasties.
Many visitors enjoy getting fish and chips from Sawtell town and bringing them to the headland for a sunset picnic.
Sawtell village offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs catering to different tastes.
Yes, there are picnic tables and grassy areas perfect for a picnic, especially at the top of the headland.
The headland itself is a fantastic spot to enjoy the sunset, perhaps with drinks purchased from Sawtell town.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, whale watching, bird feeding, photography, picnicking, and simply relaxing while taking in the views.
Yes, it offers a beautiful walk with stunning coastal scenery, connecting to Sawtell Beach.
Swimming is best at Sawtell Beach below the headland, which has a sheltered area and rock pools.
It's generally not crowded, offering a peaceful experience, though it can be busier on Friday evenings.
During migration season, you might spot whales. Seagulls are common, and dolphins are sometimes seen offshore.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Sawtell Beach itself offers a sheltered swimming area and rock pools perfect for discovery. For a classic family outing, consider grabbing fish and chips from the village and enjoying them with a view as the sun sets. The relaxed atmosphere and natural attractions make it an easy and enjoyable outing for all ages.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own picnic lunch and snacks. The local coffee van offers affordable refreshments if you need a treat.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the grand landscapes, the rock pools on Sawtell Beach offer intricate details and textures for macro photography. The blowhole provides dramatic action shots, particularly with larger waves.
Remember to bring your wide-angle lens for sweeping panoramas and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife encounters.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Sawtell Headland's Natural Beauty
Beyond the main lookout, the area includes Sawtell Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand with natural rock pools that are fascinating to explore, especially during low tide. The Sawtell Headland Blowhole is another natural wonder, showcasing the raw power of the ocean as water is dramatically forced through the rock formations.
+1For nature enthusiasts, the headland is a prime spot for whale watching during the migration season (June to November), offering a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The diverse marine life and coastal environment make it a rewarding destination for anyone looking to connect with the outdoors.The Sawtell Village Experience
Many visitors enjoy a scenic walk from the town centre up to the headland, making it an easy and enjoyable excursion.
Sawtell is particularly known for its Friday evening tradition where locals gather with camp chairs and eskies to enjoy fish and chips while watching the sunset from the headland.
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