Warm Days, Starry Nights: Your Guide to Winter Magic at Emerald Beach
It’s hardly fair to call it winter here at Emerald Beach. The days stretch out crystal clear and bright, endless blue from horizon to horizon. The warm east coast currents keep the ocean a steady 20–22°C, while the air drifts around a balmy 19–21°C — hardly the winter chill most imagine.
After the high energy of the summer months, winter on the Coffs Coast arrives like a soft, welcoming hug, whispering, "Slow down"
Here’s a few insider secrets about why winter here feels pure magic — and yes, the magic is real.
In the early hours just after daybreak, the light offshore westerly breezes polish the ocean until it gleams like glass. The waves soften, the sun eases into the sky, and you’ll often find yourself with whole stretches of soft sand and clear water all to yourself.
It’s the perfect time to shed the layers — or even dance along the shore as if no one’s watching. With the sun’s rays gentler now, you can bask in the warmth without the burn.
Ever heard of Perigee and Aphelion? These powerful forces — the pull of the moon and the sun — work their magic on our tides. In July, they pull the ocean higher and lower than most other times, revealing hidden rock ledges, secret pools, and tide-swept treasures.
One of our favourite winter rituals? Beachcombing for shells and exploring nature’s artwork along the newly exposed reef. Perfect inspiration for holiday journaling.
From the headlands each day, the ocean comes alive. Humpback whales breach, blow, and tail-slap their way northward on their annual migration — a true Coffs Coast winter spectacle.
And when evening falls, the western sky glows molten rose gold, while the east lingers with delicate pastels. Every sunset feels like a private showing, just for you.
On moonless winter nights, we bundle up, tuck a thermos of homemade hot chocolate under one arm, and wander up the headlands with a picnic rug. Lying back, the Milky Way spills across the southern sky, vivid and close enough to almost touch.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch the faint shimmer of the Aurora Australis. And in late July, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower lights up the heavens with slow, glowing fireballs that leave breathtaking trails across the night.
Winter nights with a glowing moon are a tradition here. We gather around a small beach bonfire, toasting marshmallows until golden, feasting on the sticky treats with mugs of steaming hot chocolate. The ocean shimmers silver under the moonlight, and time itself seems to pause.
Some places leave footprints on your heart. Emerald Beach is one of them. When you’re ready to slow down, breathe deeper, and find a little magic by the sea, The Beach Havens will be here — just as you left it, waiting to welcome you home.