Easy to see why they call if the 'Jewel of the Tweed'
Hastings Point is located in the Tweed Shire of Northern NSW around halfway between Byron Bay and Surfers Paradise. The area is known as the 'Jewel of the Tweed' as it is surrounded by what's known as the big 4 - the ocean, a national park and reserve, a beautiful estuary and a large stretch of native vegetation. Not coincidentally, the main place to stay in the area is the Big4 caravan park ideally located between the beach and rivermouth.
Good waves are common at Hastings Point
Looking north towards Norries Head
The calm waters of Cudgera Creek make it a hugely popular holiday destination for families with young children and the soft flowing tidal waters provide a relatively safe place for the kids to swim. The area is also popular for surfing, fishing, paddleboarding and general watersports and as a result gets pretty crowded on some days. But definitely a place worth checking out regardless as the waters are crystal clear and usually warm and inviting.
This rock channel is ideal for swimming when the ocean's calm
Due to the headland at Hastings Point protecting the waves from prevailing NE winds, the 600m long beach is popular with surfers during summer months and there is an excellent left running off the point as well as a righthander that breaks towards the rocks along the inside gutter. Hastings Point is somewhat of a swell magnet and thanks to the headland there is usually something to surf here regardless of which way the winds are blowing.
Unique boulder formation at the northern end
Hastings Point is a spectacular place for bird-watching and bush walking, the two going hand in hand with each other. Here you can see a large variety of bird species including Indigo Buntings, Albatross, Australian finches and fragile shore nesting birds such as the Little Tern, Beach Stone Curlew, Red-Capped Plovers and both the Sooty and Australian Pied Oystercatchers.
A popular rock fishing spot when the swell's small
A nice place to go for a walk along the beach
An upcoming Hollywood blockbuster movie, Aquaman, recently won a bid to commence filming at Hastings Point despite the concern of locals who fear the negative impact it may have on the fragile headland. Hastings Point was previously used as a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean, however locals do not want to open the flood gates to production companies and have been trying to protect the headland for over 30 years. The area is a special place and deserves to be protected, and is already under pressure from thousands of people who descend on the area each holiday period.
A typical sunny summer day at Hastings Point
The heaadland gives you a good view north and south
The Big4 Caravan Park dominates the coastline here and is the most popular place to stay, offering a variety of accommodation options and north facing (think warmer) campgrounds. If camping's not your thing there's a variety of other options in the area to suit every budget from budget stays to million dollar holiday homes. Regardless of where you stay you won't be far from lovely walks and parklands, great views and a relaxed vibe. The area is extremely popular during school holidays, especially the warmer months so you'll need to book well in advance to secure your accommodation.
The northern corner of the beach is protected in northerly winds
So if you're looking for a beach holiday that has something for everyone you should definitely visit Hastings Point for a few days. You'll be rewarded with unforgettable, sweeping coastal views, great surf, a beautiful estuary system, parklands, coastal walking trails and bike paths, plus a huge array of things to do in nearby towns to keep you busy.
A popular summer surfing wave, consistent and offshore
Popular spot to sit and watch the world go by
Situated about halfway between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, Hastings Point is a great place to visit for the day or even longer. If you're on the Tweed Coast Road simply follow the signs to Hastings Point.
Cabarita Beach is the next beach north from Hastings Point
Pottsville Beach is the next beach south from Hastings Point
I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Hastings Point is a hive of activity all year round and is adored by both locals and visitors alike. There's something special about a beach holiday with family or friends and the area around Hastings Point is both beautiful and relaxing. Come for the day, however you may find yourself staying for a lifetime.
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Cheers,
Adam