We can’t think of a better way to spend a day than basking in the sun at the sparkly new Terrigal Pavilion, drink in hand. The multi-faceted 760-seater ‘Pav’ is divided into three distinct venues that will match your tribe and vibe: The General Store, The Tropic and pavilion. You can also watch the waves kissing the shore from your table at nearby Meribella at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific. Coco Bar & Dining offers an altogether more casual vibe, while Yellowtail is about refined seafood dining. Keep it light, bright and breezy over pizza at Rhonda’s.

Epicurean delights await at every turn in Kingscliff, in the Tweed. It’s one of the best NSW coastal towns for eating and drinking. Start at FINS, where chef Steven Snow has been celebrating Australian seafood for nearly three decades. Try Taverna, on the beachfront, for Greek-inspired fare, and give Spice Den a spin for bold, pan-Asian flavours. Kick up your heels at Lolita’s Cantina in Casuarina over cocktails and tacos. Nearby, in Cabarita Beach, Paper Daisy also champions local produce in a pretty-as-a-picture setting.

The Google gods undoubtedly look kindly upon Beach Byron Bay which is one of the most popular search terms used by those bound for Byron Bay. Sit on the balcony at this elegant, light-filled eatery and play spot the Helmsworth while inhaling oysters and spaghetti with king prawns. Also popping up in guides to Byron Bay is the Three Blue Ducks, just five minutes from the hippie-chic village. Miss Margarita is another reason Byron ranks as one of the best coastal towns for eating and drinking in the country.

Any closer to the beach you would be paddling for a wave alongside long-time local Pam Burridge, who has a surf school in the town of Mollymook. Rick Stein and his eponymous eatery, Rick Stein at Bannister’s, has helped put the pretty South Coast spot on the map. It’s fair to say this restaurant with rooms is worth the mooch to Mollymook for fresh local seafood. Dust the sand off your feet at South Molly Beach and saunter into Salt and Spencer for light bites, live music and cocktails. Go to Gywlo for Asian-inspired street eats punched up with spice

The vibes at The Imperial at Clifton are as captivating as the views from this beautifully restored pub near Sea Cliff Bridge. Keep winding around the Illawarra Escarpment until you get to Coledale fish and chip shop Rosie’s, which uses wild-caught seafood. Hit the surf at Thirroul Beach and then pad across the sand for a BLAT burger at Thirroul Beach Pavilion, which has been serving the Illawarra community since 1940. Start with dinner at Andie’s Thirroul, followed by a gig at Anita’s Theatre and nightcap at South Sailor

Naturally, seafood is king when you’re perched at the iconic Pacific Hotel overlooking the ocean, spread out like a creased blue sheet all around. A short walk away is coastal eatery Paradiso, one of the best places to eat in NSW’s Northern Rivers region thanks to the kitchen team led by Bruno Fonseca (ex Spice Temple, Byron at Byron). Sister venue Playa Bodega also sources its ingredients as locally as possible, punched up with spicy, rich, bold Mexican flavours. Lebanese bird is the word at the lovely Lela’s which has taken up residence at Karrikin Yamba until 2027.

Locals play their cards close to their vest when asked to reveal where to eat and drink in Merimbula. You will know why when you nab a booking at Bar Superette. Ditto Dulcie’s Cottage, where you will be rubbernecking at the cool kids like you’re at the tennis at this cute 1925 weatherboard cottage big on burgers and bevvies. Roll into Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant for oysters, Monti Restaurant & Bar for Italian, and lakefront Sunny’s Kiosk for refined, rustic fare.

The pristine waters of Narooma twist around the town like a blue-green scarf. Many come for the annual Narooma Oyster Festival, but the eateries that allure are plentiful in the small, coastal town. Hire a bike from Southbound Escapes and set off to the Oyster Farmer’s Daughter where you can enjoy a cheeky dozen under the shade of a boho-chic umbrella. Next, head to The Quarterdeck, where ceviche and tiki-inspired cocktails rule. Craft beer nerds will also enjoy one of the arvos of their life at Breakwall Brewing Co. Lynch’s, which dates back to 1895, is a laid-back spot for pub grub.

What better way to enjoy the magic of Nelson Bay than by joining one of the dolphin tours that depart daily with TQC Cruises. It’s no secret that The Little Nel is one of the best places to start your day with waffles topped with crispy bacon, maple cream cheese and fresh seasonal berries. Join the jetty set for waterfront dining at Little Beach House or Mavericks on the Bay, overlooking d’Albora Marina. You can also taste the merroir at The Buoys

Show off what a nature lord you are by steering friends and family you’re travelling with away from the crowds toward the lesser-known Little Blowhole, tucked away two clicks south of the town and off Tingara Crescent. Your loved ones will also be impressed when you dust the sand off your feet and dive into breakfast at Diggies Kiosk. Soak up the sea views at Penny Whistlers, where the Banoffee buttermilk hotcakes are so good they should be illegal. Miss Arda is also on the map for its Middle Eastern-inspired fare.

Gosford is not technically by the sea. But it looks out over Brisbane Water, a tidal estuary connected to the ocean. And the air is briny so as far as we’re concerned, it counts. Anything to sausage in a mention of Archies at voco Gosford, the first new-build hotel in the region in more than 15 years. The hotel is in the heart of the town’s new Archibald Precinct, which is dotted with great dining destinations. Head to the rooftop bar Astra for cocktails and killer views. And Paolo’s for pizza.