Pacific Palms: The underrated Mid North Coast region that rivals Byron Bay
Picture a cluster of coastal enclaves where the sea breeze rustles palm and gum trees, a beach paradise for surfers and sunbakers where parents can raise their children with sand between their toes.
This description perfectly fits the Pacific Palms region.
From Blueys and Boomerang beaches to Booti Booti and Charlotte Bay, each stretch of sand brings its own splendour to the region, with no crowds or traffic in sight.
Which raises the all-important question: Why bother going to Byron Bay?
According to Mark Lawson of Pacific Palms Signature Properties, like other coastal and regional Australian markets in the past 12 to 18 months, Pacific Palms has enjoyed robust market growth of about 30 to 50 per cent.
“The area has always attracted Baby Boomers, but in the past five to seven years, and certainly since COVID, families and professionals … are selling out of Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle and are really dominating the buying and inquiry space,” Lawson says.
“We are only a three-hour drive from Sydney, one and a half hours from Newcastle and 25 minutes south of Forster Tuncurry, with the local primary school across from Boomerang Beach also another drawcard for younger families.”
Lawson says that no matter where you live, you’ll likely never be too far from a typically Australian scene, given the region’s collection of small villages near beaches, lakes or native bushland.
“Having 10 stunning beaches, three independent lake systems [and] national parks, all within 20 kilometres, means surfing, fishing, sailing and bushwalking are all regular pastimes for locals,” he says.
Proud Charlotte Bay resident Lara Weber runs Palms Artisan Bakery, with partner Kieren, and says the region “has a strong and connected community of people who love to support locally grown and ethically farmed food, with wonderful markets and a food trail”.
“I don’t know many places where you’re constantly met with views of divine lakes meeting the sea.”
Top two in the region
Cocooned within an oasis of tropical gardens, this uniquely designed split-level home combines weekend getaway charm with multiple indoor-outdoor living and entertaining areas, plus private and restful bedroom spaces. It’s also within short walking distance of schools and beaches.
Embodying a true tree-change ethos, this off-grid, solar-powered home has a light-capturing design with an array of windows and sliding glass doors infusing it with leafy outlooks from all directions. Finishes include polished timber flooring, a combustion fireplace, two outdoor entertaining decks and an island kitchen.
