Christmas & Summer Holidays Forrest - Crescent Head

Christmas & Summer Holidays at Forrest Delicate Nobby:

A Family Adventure in Crescent Head

The Beaches are Stunning

Christmas and summer holidays at Forrest Crescent Head are perfect for connecting with family and friends. This beautiful coastal setting offers a relaxed pace and plenty of nature and beach time. Here are some fantastic family-friendly ideas for spending the school holidays in and around Crescent Head (NSW).

Top Things to Do During Christmas & Summer Holidays at Forrest - Crescent Head

Beach & Surf Fun at Killick Beach

Killick Beach is famous for its gentle right-hand surf break. It’s one of Australia’s top surf spots. For families, it’s ideal. You’ve got sand, water, possible surf lessons, and a relaxed beach vibe.

Tip: Bring swim gear and rash shirts for the kids. Sun protection is key! Consider a beginner surf or body-board lesson if the kids are keen.

Swim or Paddle in Killick Creek

Killick Creek offers a calmer alternative to the open ocean. It’s perfect for younger children or anyone seeking a more relaxed water experience.

Tip: Check for safe entry points. Bring life vests for younger children and aim for earlier in the day when the heat is moderate.

Scenic Walks & Lookouts

The lookout above the golf club offers panoramic views of the town, headland, and beaches. An easy stroll along the foreshore or to “Little Nobby” headland is a nice light activity for all ages.

Visit Crescent Head Tavern for lunch or dinner. It’s both adult and kid-friendly, with great food, drinks, and live music. (Crescent Head Tavern)

Tip: Bring a camera for sunset, pack water, and wear a hat for safety. This is great to do in the late afternoon.

Explore Nature & National Parks

Nearby is Goolawah National Park, where you can enjoy more secluded beaches and nature. (Goolawah National Park). The surrounding rainforest and headland walks add variety to the typical beach day.

Tip: If you’re staying multiple days, plan one “nature day” with a picnic. Maybe include bird-spotting or a mini-hike.

Family-Friendly Non-Beach Activities

Play a round of golf with older kids at the Crescent Head Country Club. The views are incredible! The town centre features relaxed cafés and a bakery or two, perfect for a family coffee or ice-cream break. You can also cycle or scooter around town or the foreshore as an alternative to spending all day at the beach.

Tip: Pack some indoor activities or downtime for younger children. Even during a beach holiday, rest matters.

Special Tips for the Christmas School Holidays

• December-January will be summer, so expect hotter weather and possibly more people and traffic.

• Book accommodation early, as this is a popular time.

• Bring sun protection: hats, rash vests, and sunscreen. The Aussie sun can be intense.

• Consider one “quiet moment” each day. Maybe a morning swim when it’s cooler, followed by a rest or siesta, then an afternoon activity.

• Mixed weather is possible. Even beach towns sometimes get showers, so have a backup indoor plan (board games, local library, or café Wi-Fi).

• If you’re charging an EV or planning logistics, check local chargers and parking early.

• EV charging is available in Crescent Head town (EVX-Pole Charger - Rankine St) and Kempsey (check PlugShare before departure).

  
  

7-Day Family Itinerary

Here’s a 7-day family holiday schedule based out of Delicate Nobby / Delicate Campground (Forster–Delicate / Goolawah National Park area). This location is quieter and closer to nature than Crescent Head township, but still only a short drive (approx. 10–12 minutes) from the town centre for supplies, cafés, golf, and surf lessons.

I’ve designed this itinerary with:

• Relaxed mornings and active afternoons

• A mix of beach, creek, forest, wildlife, culture, and a small adventure

• Kid-friendly flow

• Local driving only (all day trips are less than 45 mins)

  
  

Basecamp: Forrest Delicate Nobby

• Direct access to surfing and quiet beaches

• Wildlife often visits at sunrise and sunset

• Great stargazing at night

  
  

Day 1 – Arrival & Settle In

Morning

• Arrive and get comfortable in the accommodation.

• Explore Crescent Head, local facilities, and have a safety briefing with the family.

  
  

Afternoon

• Walk to Delicate Nobby Beach (approx. 20 min or drive 5 mins) - access the beach via the path opposite Big Hill Cabins off Plomer Road.

• Enjoy a relaxed swim or play in the shallows (watch conditions – it can be rough at times, so stick to the edges).

• Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea eagles along the beach.

  
  

Evening

• BBQ dinner at Forrest.

• Stargazing – this area has almost zero light pollution.

  
  

Day 2 – Crescent Head Foreshore & Killick Creek Day

Morning

• A 12-minute drive to Crescent Head.

• Take a light walk to Little Nobby Lookout for panoramic views.

• Morning tea at Barnett’s Bakery (famous for pies and pastries).

  
  

Afternoon

• Killick Creek swimming, sand play, and paddleboarding.

• Ideal for children (calm water and shallow).

• Optional kayak hire from a local operator.

  
  

Evening

• Enjoy town fish and chips on the headland while watching surfers.

  
  

Day 3 – Nature & Wildlife Immersion

Morning

• Bushwalk through Goolawah National Park.

• Look for birdlife (kookaburras, sea eagles, lorikeets).

• Optional: guided Indigenous cultural walk (if available during school holidays).

  
  

Afternoon

• Picnic lunch at Racecourse Beach.

• Rock pooling and shell collecting (tide dependent).

  
  

Evening

• Campfire stories (if allowed, depends on fire bans).

• Family board games or cards in the tent or camper.

  
  

Day 4 – Active Adventure & Golf

Morning

• Surf lesson at Crescent Head or bodyboarding.

• Surf schools are available during school holidays.

  
  

Afternoon

• Crescent Head Country Club.

- Play 9 holes or mini-golf with ocean views.

- Parents can enjoy a drink while kids run on the grass.

Evening

• Dinner at the Country Club bistro or back to camp for a relaxed night.

  
  

Day 5 – Day Trip South to Point Plomer

Morning

• Short scenic coastal drive (4WD recommended or check road conditions).

• Explore Point Plomer Beach – excellent for a family day.

• Dolphin spotting is possible from Point Plomer Lookout.

  
  

Afternoon

• BBQ picnic at Plomer.

• Bushwalk along the headland or just relax under a beach shelter.

  
  

Evening

• Return to camp for a quiet night and early bed.

  
  

Day 6 – Creek & Culture Day

Morning

• Back to Crescent Head for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking on Killick Creek.

• Visit the local skate park or playground next to the creek.

  
  

Afternoon

• Drive to Kempsey (25 mins).

- Visit the Slim Dusty Centre – Australian history and interactive exhibits.

- Stop at a local café for milkshakes.

Evening

• Return to camp via the coastal route.

• Take a sunset walk along the beach near Delicate Nobby.

  
  

Day 7 – Relax & Choose Your Favourite

Morning

• Have a “choose your own adventure” morning:

- Beach swim

- Creek paddle

- Surf

- Coffee run into Crescent Head

Afternoon

• Kids’ choice day: repeat favourite activities from previous days.

• Souvenir shopping in Crescent Head (local markets often run over holidays).

  
  

Evening

• Farewell beach walk.

• Pack down preparation.

• Watch the final sunset as a family moment.

  
  

Optional Add-Ons Depending on Interest

Activity	Location	Notes
Horse riding on the beach	Near Crescent Head	Guided tours available during summer
Snorkelling	Delicate & Racecourse Beach	Best on clear, calm days
Fishing	Delicate Campground or Killick Creek	Kids’ fishing off rocks, beach or creek edge
Yoga on the headland	Crescent Head	Morning group sessions often run in holidays
Whale/dolphin cruise	South West Rocks (45 min drive)	If willing to travel one day

Tailoring for Children & Families

To make this especially fun for your children and the whole family:

• On each beach or creek visit, give the kids a “wildlife spotting” mission. For example, find a sea eagle, a starfish, a seashell, or a bee-eater. The holiday home emphasizes rainforest and birds at Delicate Nobby. Forrest Delicate Nobby

  
  

• For the bushwalk day, bring a simple field guide or print one for “birds and reptiles of the NSW coast” so they can tick off species like kangaroos, lizards, and bee-eaters.

  
  

• For surf lessons, choose a surf school with kids’ classes and encourage building confidence (body-board first, then surfboard).

  
  

• For the Country Club or mini-golf, ensure kids can play. Ask for a kids’ club or kids’ menu.

  
  

• On day trips, include a “photo-scavenger hunt” list at Point Plomer. Find a vantage view, a wildflower, footprints on the sand, etc.

  
  

• Every evening, have a “moment of the day” where each family member shares their favorite part of the day. This helps younger ones reflect and makes children feel heard.

  
  

• Keep tech minimal. Maybe allow one morning or afternoon of “tablet time” as a reward (for reading or photos) after outdoor activity.

  
  

• Pack some quiet time or indoor games for when younger kids may get tired. Don’t fill every minute; aim for balance.

  
  

Tips for Success

• Weather can change quickly – have both beach and backup activities ready.

• Early mornings are gold for wildlife, surf, and cooler temperatures.

• Pack insect repellent – being near national parks, insects increase at dusk.

• Book surf lessons and cultural tours early – the holiday period fills up fast.

• EV charging is available in Crescent Head town (EVX-Pole Charger - Rankine St) and Kempsey (check PlugShare before departure).