Old Bar: Surf Beach, Markets and Festival

Old Bar offers several different reasons to visit: surfing and kiteboarding take centre stage at Old Bar Beach; other highlights include the Old Bar Beach Festival, the Old Bar Markets, a tennis club and a playground. First, consider what matters most to you: an event with set dates, a beach activity or several things to do. This priority can help shape your preferred stay and your search for accommodation in Old Bar.

Surf Beach and Kiteboarding

Old Bar Beach is at the intersection of Ungala Rd and Old Bar Road, Old Bar NSW 2430. The beach is a well-known surf beach and a suitable place for kiteboarding. You can decide whether surfing, kiteboarding or both will shape your stay. You can take this focus into account when looking for a hotel in Old Bar, alongside your other travel interests.

Festival and Markets

The Old Bar Beach Festival takes place over the long October weekend and includes a combined parade. This lets you plan your visit around a clearly defined period. The Old Bar Markets are held on Ungala Road in Old Bar Park, Old Bar NSW 2430. They offer fresh produce and handmade goods; the selection may vary. Unlike the festival, for which the October dates provide a fixed point in time, the markets are defined by their location and the products on offer.

Playground at Old Bar Beach Reserve

The playground at Old Bar Beach Reserve is another activity to consider. The expansion into an inclusive play area was completed by December 2021 and included a tower with slides as well as sensory and musical play elements. For families who take these details into account when planning a trip, this combination offers more than just a playground: it combines a chance to be active with sensory and musical elements.

Tennis as a Separate Activity

At Old Bar Tennis Club in Old Bar Reserve, members and non-members can hire courts by the hour. Hourly hire gives the activity a clear time frame without requiring you to set aside a whole day. If tennis is a firm part of your plans, check the current hire conditions in advance, as they may change. This makes tennis different to plan for than the festival: here, the playing time matters; there, the event date does.

Choose the Right Reason to Visit

The festival is tied to a specific period: the long October weekend. For the other interests, you can choose your personal focus: water sports, a market visit, the playground or tennis. If several things matter to you, rank them by priority and then look for accommodation that suits your planned stay. This keeps your hotel choice connected to the experiences that interest you in Old Bar.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kempsey, Quaama, Tuggerah, Glenwilliam, Fingal Bay, Hannam Vale, Palmers Island, Tyalgum.

See the main travel guide: New South Wales.