48 hours in NSW’s beachy Kingscliff

A breezy coastal township on New South Wales’s northern coast, Kingscliff has a chilled-out atmosphere that couples will really love. Home to scenic beaches, quaint cafes, leafy parklands and acclaimed restaurants, it’s a terrific destination for a short break or weekend away. Ready to breathe in the salty ocean air and unwind? Here’s how to spend 48 hours in delightful Kingscliff and nearby Fingal Head…with lots of romantic things to do!

Treat yourselves to excellent Greek-inspired cuisine at Taverna Kingscliffe
Treat yourselves to excellent Greek-inspired cuisine at Taverna

Friday evening

You’ve left behind the hustle and bustle and escaped to the coast – now it’s time to reward yourselves. Easily one of Kingscliff’s most Instagrammable spots, Taverna on Marine Parade’s beachfront is a must-visit for a romantic dinner. An airy, stylish boutique restaurant with charming heritage features and water views, it’s beloved for its exquisite Greek-inspired fare. The talented creatives here have share plate-style dining down to a fine art, offering dishes like Byron Bay haloumi with bush honey and fresh rosemary, hot smoked ocean trout with celeriac, apple, walnuts and ouzo reduction, and fried local squid with seaweed, sesame, pink peppercorn mayo and lime. Do. Not. Miss.

Another local favourite is nearby Fins Restaurant in South Kingscliff. Australia’s most awarded regional seafood restaurant, it’s served up incredible sustainable seafood for the past 27 years. Needless to say, they know how to do amazing dining here. Book a table on the beachfront deck and settle in for a night of mouthwatering cuisine – be sure to treat yourselves to the six-course degustation menu if you’re getting away for a special occasion! Fins also does gourmet take-away fare, making a beachside picnic a very tempting option. 

Fingal Head
Fingal Head

Saturday

Continue your culinary journey and hit Kingscliff’s sun-kissed Marine Parade for a fantastic breakfast. There’s an array of wonderful spots to check out here – top options include Choux Box Cafe & Bar, The Salty Beardman and Mockingbird Cafe. 

After letting your breakfast settle, get out and enjoy the destination’s postcard-perfect beaches. An obvious (but utterly beautiful) choice is Kingscliff Beach. With golden sands, pandanus palm-lined parklands and glistening waters, it’s a marvellous spot that seems made for surfing, swimming and sunbathing. There’s also a crystalline creek (Cudgen Creek) here that’s ideal for SUP-ing and just floating about – heaven! 

Haven’t yet had your fill of gorgeous beaches? Under ten minutes’ drive from Kingscliff, Fingal Head is beloved for its dreamy scenery and sensational surf. 

After a day of soaking up the sunshine, indulge in a pamper-session at The Spa at Salt. Located next door to Kingscliff’s Peppers Salt Resort, the day spa features mineral spa facilities, a signature relaxation lounge and an impressive list of treatments – couples massage, anyone?

Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Southern Gold Coast


Enjoy Indian-fusion fare at Bombay Cricketer’s Club

Saturday evening

Feeling rejuvenated and relaxed? Keep the laid-back vibes alive with dinner at Salt Village’s Bombay Cricketer’s Club. A modern Indian-fusion restaurant with mouthwatering share-style cuisine (much like Taverna), it’s designed to feel like a breezy, plantation-style oasis. Expect punchy dishes like bungalow pork vindaloo and kerala chilli beef. Don’t worry, there’s a classic and rare gin menu available to help cool you down. 

Seeking something beautifully simple? Head over to the summery Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club for sunset drinks, picturesque water views and crowd-pleasing fare. However you choose to spend the night, cap it off with after-dinner drinks at Salt Village’s La Barrita. A funky Mexican-themed haunt, it’s great for refreshing cocktails and sangria jugs. 

Fingal Lighthouse NSW
Fingal Head Lighthouse

Sunday

Before you check out of your accommodation, return once again to cafe-haven Marine Parade for breakfast at The Salt Mill. Here, you’ll find brilliant coffee and almost-too-pretty-to-eat acai bowls topped with super-fresh fruit. Animal-lovers, it’s also a regular hangout for the area’s cutest dogs (and their owners). 

If you’re looking to tick off another spectacular view before you leave, check out the Fingal Head Lighthouse in Fingal Head. The walk here isn’t challenging (it’ll take you about roughly five to ten minutes) and the views are truly breathtaking, looking out to a seemingly endless azure coastline.

Want to fit in a little adventure? While still in Fingal Head, join Watersports Guru for one of their ‘Snorkel with the turtles at Cook Island’ tours. Just a 15-minute boat ride from the beach (look out for dolphins and even whales along the way), the tiny isle is famous for its large population of green turtles. Go below the water’s surface and keep an eye out for the sweet-faced creatures, plus clown fish and colourful coral gardens.

Depending on how late you are staying, you could even fit in a great biking adventure. The Tweed Coast Cycleway is a picturesque path stretches along the stunning coastline for 35 km, offering a mostly flat and enjoyable ride. Starting from Tweed Heads and ending in Pottsville, you can take in the beautiful scenery as you pedal along.

How’s that for a coastal escape?

Dreaming of a romantic getaway? Find plenty of beautiful New South Wales accommodation hereHelpful links:Eat: Taverna // Fins Restaurant // Choux Box Cafe & Bar // The Salty Beardman // Mockingbird Cafe  // Bombay Cricketer’s Club// Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club // La Barrita // The Salt Mill Spa:The Spa at Salt Play:Watersports Guru

Image credits: www.taverna.net.au, Destination NSW and www.bombaycricketersclub.com.au

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