Emerald Beach, Coffs Coast: Swimming, dogs & restaurants

Emerald Beach on the Coffs Coast to the north of Coffs Harbour is patrolled for swimming, has a good handful of food and accommodation options and a relaxed vibe.

Emerald Beach might just be that perfect New South Wales beach you’ve been searching for. Part of the Coffs Coast Regional Park, this beach is quiet, but beautiful, offering something for both swimmers and surfers.

Kangaroos on the headland, Emerald Beach, Coffs Coast, New South Wales — Kangaroos on the coastline around Emerald Beach. Photo courtesy of Destination New South Wales.

Where is Emerald Beach, NSW?

Emerald Beach is around 15 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, and just to the south of Woolgoolga on the Coffs Coast of New South Wales. It’s just north of Moonee Beach and Sapphire Beach. It’s a patrolled beach, meaning lifeguards are at hand, and the headland to the south offers some protection from the swell.

Emerald Beach is about 800 metres long, facing east to south-east. The southern side is where the action is. Clustered around the southern end of the beach are the picnic area with public barbecues, Emerald Beach Pizza and Pasta, the Surf Street Café and several accommodation options. These are mainly holiday lets, but Discovery Parks – Emerald Beach is also here. This Emerald Beach caravan park offers cheap accommodation for campers and those travelling in campervans. The Moonee Beach caravan park isn’t far away either.

Swimming at Emerald Beach

It’s not a perfect beach for swimming though. There are several rips, most notably against the headland and rocks formed by the reef at the southern end of the beach.

Emerald Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers, but only for part of the Christmas holidays period. You can find exact dates on the Coffs Harbour City Council website.

Things to do in Emerald Beach, NSW: Fiddamans Beach and Shelly Beach

That reef is what surfers will be interested in. There’s a good left hand reef break at the southern end of the beach. And if conditions aren’t great there, try Fiddamans Beach, the next beach to the north. This is also regarded as part of the settlement of Emerald Beach, but is even quieter.

To the south, Shelly Beach has smaller waves for swimming in, but it is not patrolled by lifeguards. At the southern end of the beach is the Look At Me Now Headland, a great spot for seeing kangaroos.

Is Emerald Beach dog-friendly?

Emerald Beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches on the Coffs Coast. Dogs are allowed off-leash on Emerald Beach north of Fiddamans Creek. No dogs are allowed on the beach south of Fiddamans Creek.

The best time to visit Emerald Beach

For swimmers, the Coffs Harbour weather is at its best in spring.

Emerald Beach is a simple spot with just enough places to eat and stay to not feel dead. And, it’s close enough to Coffs Harbour to feel like part of the fifth largest city in New South Wales.

More New South Wales beach towns