Mid North Coast

Mid North Coast
McBrides Beach, Forster, New South Wales
Mid North Coast
Coordinates: 31°16′S 152°54′E / 31.267°S 152.900°E / -31.267; 152.900
CountryAustralia
StateNew South Wales
LGA
Government
 • State electorates
 • Federal divisions
Area
 • Total
21,387 km2 (8,258 sq mi)
Population
 • Total308,372 (30 June 2016)
 • Density14.4187/km2 (37.3442/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+10 (AEST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+11 (AEDT)
Regions around Mid North Coast
Northern Tablelands Northern Rivers Tasman Sea
New England Mid North Coast Tasman Sea
Upper Hunter Hunter Tasman Sea

The Mid North Coast is a country region in the north-east of the state of New South Wales, Australia. The region, situated 416km north of Sydney, covers the mid northern coast of the state, beginning from Port Stephens at Hawks Nest to as far north as Woolgoolga, near Coffs Harbour. The region has many beaches and subtropical national parks and forests as well as rural farmland and logging. Major coastal towns include Coffs Harbour, Forster and Port Macquarie. The Mid North Coast is a popular destination for camping or resorts and surfing, with coastal and hinterland tracks, with the unique heritage-listed mountain village of Bellbrook popular for day trips inland or 4wd campers and keen bass fishers.

Heading northwards beyond Newcastle, the Mid North Coast region's main towns include the towns of Bulahdelah, Forster, Tuncurry, Wingham, Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, South West Rocks, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour. Of these Taree, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour are the major commercial centres, all with large shopping centres, public facilities and attractions. Kempsey and Forster-Tuncurry are considered semi-major commercial centres. Smaller towns that are popular tourist spots are Bellbrook, North Haven, South West Rocks, Urunga, Gloucester, Crescent Head, Hawks Nest, Woolgoolga, Old Bar, Lake Cathie and Pacific Palms.

The region has a subtropical climate and is known for its waterways, beaches and hinterland of forests and farms. Major industries are farming, logging and tourism.