Your complete guide to NSW's stunning Crescent Head

The Mid North Coast's Crescent Head has that down-to-earth, unassuming and nostalgic vibe of a classic coastal village. Hugged by Goolawah National Park, its coastline is intercepted with bold headlands, each beach more beautiful than the last.

From grommets to pros, surfers travel far and wide for Crescent Head's point break. With a wave that rolls from Little Nobby headland to the mouth of Killick Creek, loggers can get the longest ride of their life at the town's central beach.

With one of the best waves on the coast, breaking up to 400 metres in the right conditions, it's an epic surf spot to watch or ride. Join the line of vans backed up to the beach, roll out a picnic rug on the grass or stroll to the top of Little Nobby for a bird's-eye view.

Get behind the wheel and take a drive down the back roads of Crescent Head. Through national park and over headlands, the setting is picture-perfect. Take Baker Drive, which turns into Point Plomer Road, stopping at Racecourse Beach for a view reminiscent of a summer holiday in Sicily.

Wind down the windows, crank the speakers to loud, and explore all the swim and surf stops at your pace. You can cruise the stretch of road all the way to Queens Beach if you don't mind getting a little dusty on dirt roads along the way.

If you're eager to get in the water, a sunrise coffee, and bacon and egg roll from Point Break Cafe might be the ticket. Check the surf, wax on and fuel up all at once.

You can't leave without visiting the famous Barnetts Bakery - an absolute staple of the town. During the holiday period this bakery has a line out the door daily with all the classics on offer. From meat-pies and salad sambos to cream-filled pastries and iced donuts, you're bound to find your childhood favourite. Don't forget to drop in to the Crescent Head Tavern. It's just a few minutes walk from the beach, in the heart of town. Enjoy a hot pub meal and a cold one after a day in the sun.

For something a little fancier, check out Lumah and its small-batch, seasonal menu and paddock-to-plate practices. While for something a little fun, grab a table at La Costa Cantina for a night of Mexican food, margaritas and live music.

There are plenty of camp grounds to choose from at Crescent Head. Head to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to search availability so you can go from sleeping to surfing within minutes during your stay. If you have a larger group interested in an all-inclusive holiday, check out the town's retreat venues: Surfaris, Goolawah and Rancho Relaxo.

... seeing a sunset from Little or Big Nobby headland. Watch the surfers in the last of the sun's magnificent soft light before the mountains turn to dramatic silhouettes. destinationnsw.com.au

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