Adventure

Based at Crescent Head, home to one of the longest right-hand point breaks in Australia and a National Surfing Reserve, On Point offers private and group surf lessons for beginners through to intermediate... surfers. Boards are also available to hire, and at high tide you can try stand-up paddleboarding on nearby Killick Creek.

Beginners can learn to ride waves at one of Australia's most famous surf towns with coaches Dundee and Kevin, who share more than 80 years of combined ocean experience. The school was founded by longboard... legend Dave Simons and focuses on fun, surf safety and building confidence. Soft boards, rash shirts and wetsuits are supplied.

A challenging 6km return hike that climbs steeply over Little Smoky Mountain before dropping through grass trees and rare coastal rainforest to secluded North Gap Beach. Cool off with a swim at the end... and watch for ospreys, sea-eagles and dolphins. Allow two to three hours and bring water and sturdy footwear.

This 5.5km one-way ridge walk (Grade 4) runs from Overshot Dam at Little Bay to Smoky Cape Lighthouse, crossing both Arakoon and Hat Head national parks. Expect a steady climb through heathland, rainforest... and grassy woodland, rewarded with sweeping coastal views and seasonal wildflowers. Allow two to three hours one way, carry plenty of water, and keep an eye out for whales offshore in season.

The crystal-clear waters of Korogoro Creek, right beside Hat Head village, are one of the best snorkelling spots on the Mid North Coast. Time your swim for just before high tide, when the creek is full... and you can spot hermit crabs, flathead, mullet and even octopus among the mangroves. Confident snorkellers can head out into the ocean around the headland, where wobbegong sharks are sometimes seen.