Things to do in Scotts Head

A Scotts Head camping adventure awaits in this beautiful beachfront oasis only an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour, at the Southern end of Nambucca Shire.

An easy stroll from many exciting outdoor activities, Scotts Head Reflections is the perfect base camp for families, pet owners, and adventurous spirits looking to explore the awesome natural surrounds that the Mid North Coast is famous for.

With so much to do in Scotts Head, you’ll want to come back again and again after camping in this beachside nature haven.

Outdoor activities in and around Scotts Head

Checking out the local surf, beaches & waterside spots

The first stop for anyone staying in this beautiful spot should be Scotts Head Beach.

With its white sandy beach and rocky red headlands, shimmering turquoise waters and gently crashing waves, it’s the ideal place for long beach walks, surfing, snorkelling, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun and having a picnic.

A short drive north is Grassy Head, on the Macleay Valley Coast – a fantastic family location with white sandy beaches and dense bushland.

Gentle waves make the beach perfect for a relaxing swim, and there’s plenty of great spots for fishing. The area is known for its wildlife, and eagle-eye'd visitors may spot native animals such as kangaroos, koalas and goannas.

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park is another must-do on a Scotts Head camping adventure. It has several fascinating environments to explore including rainforests, shrublands and estuarine mangroves.

Water activities abound here, with canoeing or kayaking along Warrell Creek being a popular pastime. There are three access points to the creek, with picnic areas and boat ramps for easy entry to the water.

Lookouts, trails & picnic spots

For breathtaking views over the coastline and hinterland, a 20-minute drive will have take you at to Yarrahapinni Lookout, which has stunning views of Macleay River Estuary and Trial Bay. The lookout is at the top of the 498-metre-high Mount Yarrahapinni, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and photographers, so make sure to bring your camera. To reach the lookout, enjoy the scenic drive through Yarriabini National Park, which is home to lush rainforests, burbling creeks and more amazing views of the coastline.

The driving route takes you along Way Way Creek Road to The Pines picnic area, where you can enjoy a peaceful meal whipped up on the free BBQs, surrounded by tall hoop pines and a magical rainforest.

Cultural experiences

For something more cultural, enjoy a hike with Unkya Cultural tours – an Aboriginal owned and operated group. On the Gaagal Yiludarla (Ocean Dreaming) Tour, visitors will embark on a 1.5 hour walk on Scotts Head Little Beach, learning about the traditions of Gumbaynggirr Creation Ancestors and experiencing a traditional smoking and cleansing ceremony.

The Pines Picnic area also features Aboriginal artworks created by local First Nations people and a mosaic artist make for great photo opportunities, and the 300-metre walk through the rainforest is an easy stroll that all ages will enjoy.

Where to cast a line in Scotts Head

If you’re keen to cast a line, the fishing is great in these parts, with Grassy Head in particular being a hotspot for locals anglers fishing for salmon, cobia, bream, tailor and mulloway off the beach and rocks.

Keeping active on the bike trails

Mountain bikers can ride ten minutes to Mount Yarrahpinni or twenty minutes to Nambucca Heads for beautiful scenery and challenging trails.

For campers with children keen to get out on the tracks, there’s a family-friendly bike path from Macksville to Nambucca Heads

Dining and nightlife to enjoy on a Scotts Head camping trip

Lunch & dinner spots

Along with many amazing outdoor things to do in Scotts Head, food-loving campers will also find plenty of delicious dining options.

If you’re after a classic Aussie pub feed, head to Club Scotts, which is only 50 metres from Reflections. Chef Jordan’s menu is a contemporary take on classic bistro meals, using the best fresh ingredients from local growers.

Driftwood Wholefood Cafe is a charmingly rustic family-run eatery with views across the water. The breakfast menu is fresh and healthy, while the lunch dishes have an Asian twist. The cafe uses top local produce to design its vegan-friendly menu, and in summer it's open late for nutritious meals paired with organic wines and live music. There’s a summer buffet at 5pm, and one of the café’s many sustainable initiatives is its mug library, which saves mugs from landfill and removes the need for takeaway cups.

The venue is surrounded by dense bushland and produce gardens, and on Sunday there’s free jazz entertainment, making for an upbeat, unique dining experience.

Grassy Head is home to much-loved Hot Myrtle Kitchen – a charming restaurant with a menu featuring locally foraged native ingredients, seafood and slow-cooked meats.

Grabbing a coffee and brekky

More brews are available at Oska and Co, —a coffee shop open seven days a week serving toasties, smoothies, frappes and gelatos. Boasting panoramic views of the headland, it’s the perfect place to grab your morning pick-me-up, and they also sell surf essentials and classy beach accessories. What’s not to love?

Local markets

On the second and fourth Sunday of each month, Scotts Head Farmers Market welcomes local artisans and producers to sell their goods in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy live music while checking out the handcrafted wares and meeting the chatty locals.

Foodies will love the selections of cool climate wines, organic fruit, fresh pastries, and lots of other delicious offerings.

Seasonal events and activities in and around Scotts Head

South West Rocks is 16 kilometres from Scotts Head, and for food and music lovers, The South West Rocks Summer Fair by Aussie Food Trucks is a bonanza of delicious street food, live music and good vibes in Brighton Park, Kempseuy.

For those into fitness, South West Rocks hosts to an annual summer fair, and or check out the Trial Bay Triathlon in February, in the waters below the historic Trial Bay Gaol.

In the warmer months, why not learn to surf with a pro? Trent Munro operates his surf school in Scotts Head, with lessons for all ages and experiences. Trent also offers guided surf adventures to remote beaches and point breaks for a whole day of fun. Boards and paddleboards can be hired for the day, to ensure you make the most of your time in Scotts Head.

Book a Scotts Head camping adventure and let the fun begin

With more than its fair share of rainforests and pristine waters, adventurers and families will love every moment spent in and around this beachside oasis with a thriving food scene.