The North Coast Road Trip
Seabreeze Beach Hotel, South West Rocks
The venue
Serving up local pub vibes on the banks of Horseshoe Bay, the Seabreeze Beach Hotel is a must-visit for good folks from all walks of life – whether you’re with the family, chilling with mates, live around the corner or just flew in from across the sea. Keep it casual in the beer garden, relax on the terrace or keep the kids busy in the ‘hideout’ – complete with climbing wall and arcade games. You’re welcome.
The menu
You can’t go wrong with pub classics like steaks and pizza, burgers and chips and a good old chicken parmi. Fancy a tipple? Choose from vinos and beers aplenty, as well as cocktails and mocktails to suit any mood.
The bonus bit
Don’t want your visit to end? No worries. Book an ocean-view room upstairs and lap up those same, breathtaking bay views at sunrise the next day.
The Sawtell Hotel, Sawtell
The venue
Imagine beachside dining in an idyllic tree-lined village and you’ve just pictured The Sawtell Hotel. This right here is the stuff seaside living dreams are made of. We’re talking lazy afternoons spent snacking on housemade arancini balls, chicken wings, and daily local seafood specials – the kind you’re going to want to write home about. Throw in a stroll to the surf for good measure, lap up that seaside air and head back for an evening bevvy… or two.
The menu
With something fresh on the menu every day of the week, you’ll be hard-pressed choosing between Curry Monday, Rump Steak Tuesday, Nachos Wednesday and Free Schnitzel Toppers Thursday. Our pick? All of the above.
The bonus bit
Two words friends: Chilli. Festival. That’s right, The Sawtell Hotel is a major sponsor of the town’s annual Chilli Festival – held on 1 July 2023 (and the first Saturday of July annually!). The venue proudly hosts a Chilli Chicken Wing Eating competition. With sauces classed as ‘mild’ all the way through to ‘grim reaper’, if you dare to throw your hat in the ring, just keep a glass of milk handy.
Toormina Hotel, Toormina
The venue
Tucked away on the edge of the Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre, the recently refurbished Toormina Hotel is an alfresco haven complete with private cabanas and a state-of-the-art kids play area. Got a function to plan? Choose from the comfy bistro, intimate lounge bar or outdoor courtyard beneath the stars. Just let the team know what you need and they’ll put a package together for you. Party times = sorted.
The menu
Head Chef Jacob takes great pride in his well-honed ability to smoke meat to perfection. While his long-term, dedicated smoker (which resembles a green, vintage fridge) lives out back to help him serve his signature dishes daily, on the last Sunday of every month a mobile smoker is wheeled out into the courtyard. Named Booze, Beats and Meats, the event sees Jacob showcase the cooking process and how to achieve the perfect smoked brisket.
The bonus bit
Don’t want to leave your best mate at home? Good news – pups are welcome to chill out with you in Toormina’s Palms Courtyard. Woof! Grab a drink for yourself, a bowl of water for your furry friend and enjoy a dose of good times for you both. PS – if your bestie could do with a wash, a 24-hr dog wash is also on site both here and at the Moonee Beach Hotel!
Moonee Beach Hotel, Moonee Beach
The venue
This right here is the stuff family-friendly dreams are made of. Huge, undercover playground? Tick! Mini golf? Tick! Sports bar? Tick! Big screen movies? Tick! Dog friendly? Tick! Serving up a stellar range of dining options for lunch and dinner (including La Cantina delivering a range of tacos, margs and tequilas to boot) consider the Moonee Beach Hotel your home away from home.
The menu
Mexican not your vibe? No problem – traditional bistro fare is also on the menu. Pork belly and steaks, locally sourced fish and chips and pizza and pasta will ensure all taste buds are catered for. Arriba!
The bonus bit
Keen for some live music? You’re in luck. Moonee Beach Hotel is also a major live entertainment venue hosting the likes of Kingswood, Julian James & The Moonshine State, Daryl Braithwaite, Thirsty Merc and magicians for a kids’ magic show on a regular basis. What’s more, the venue hosts a weekly mums and bubs club, a weekly trivia night, and monthly family fun days. Let the good times roll!
